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Wall Street Journal Reports Approval of SIRIUS/XM Merger
July 23, 2008 – This is a surprise to some, not so much for others. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that the Sirius/XM merger will happen.
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John Legend Honoured as Humanitarian
 July 7, 2008 - Famous R&B singer, pianist and composer John Legend is not only an accomplished musician (winner of 5 Grammy Awards), but he is also known to serve various humanitarian causes. More.
Long Beach Jazz Festival
 July 7, 2008 - The 21st edition of Long Beach Festival will take place August 8th, 9th and 10th in Long Beach. The festival will host an amazing line-up of contemporary Jazz artists. More. |
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The paper says Republican Commissioner Deborah Taylor Tate agreed to the merger on certain conditions – certain enforcement issues about the satellite radio companies and a combined fine of $20 million. Up until now Tate had not voted on the deal.
Earlier today FCC Democratic Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein agreed on the union without any additional concessions although last week his concessions included dedicating more channels to minority groups. When the dust settled today Tate was left with the deciding vote. – By John Beaudin |
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Robin Thicke Juggles Cats With Ease
 July 7, 2008 – Robin Thicke likes to multi-task. So much so that the singer says as well as a new CD, he’s also writing a movie score, a novel, a screenplay and his first poetry book. More.
Al Jarreau Ready with New CD
 July 5, 2008 - Seven time Grammy Award-winning vocalist and composer Al Jarreau is currently working on his next solo album, after his most recent musical work “Love songs” (a collection of some of his classics with covers of other favourites) came out in January 2008. More. |
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XM and Sirius
Could Join Soon
July 7, 2008 – The feds could approve the Satellite giants union real soon. Word is Sirius’ deal to buy rival XM could be cleared this month.
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Beyonce Gets £500,000 for One Show
 July 3, 2008 – What would you do with £500,000? Maybe buy a dream home? Help a downtrodden charity or you could go really nuts and hire Beyonce? That’s right, for a measly £500,000 you could have Beyonce all to yourself – well kind of. More.
Queen Latifah Inks Deal for Fragrance!
 July 3, 2008 - Rapper-turned-actress Queen Latifah has signed a deal to create her own signature perfume for Florida-based Parlux Fragrances, E! Online reports. The product should be on the market by fall 2009. More. |
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The problem is the longer it takes the harder it is on XM to survive to get new subscribers and to cover operating costs. Slumping new car sales and rising gas prices have not helped. Word is traditional broadcaster have been putting the breaks on the deal lobbying for more reviews on the case. The whole deal is also hurting XM who is dealing with high interest costs on the deal. XM just refinanced $400 Million of its debt. Could XM and Sirius survive separately? Sure, but XM would have larger challenges when the dust settles.
The impending merger is very political and hot topic for broadcasters on both sides. This week a group of state Attorney Generals made a last ditch effort to oppose the merger. They say the union would deal a “Stacked deck” to consumers– by John Beaudin |
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The
Price of XM Goes Up
 March
5, 2005 - XM Radio, home to the highly-acclaimed Smooth/Contemporary jazz channel
"Watercolors", is raising its monthly subscription rate from $9.95/month
to $12.95/month. XM's competitor, Sirius Satellite Radio, which also has a Smooth
Jazz-formatted channel, "Jazz Café", also charges $12.95/month
for its service. - NL
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