Dishing It Out

There may soon be just one satellite radio company. Now, the stars seem to be aligning for there to be just one satellite TV company, as well. First, in radio. The FCC is close to making a decision that will let Sirius Satellite Radio Inc acquire arch-rival XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. Chairman Kevin Martin (a Republican) says it is okay.The two Democratic commissioners seem to be leaning against. Republican Robert McDowell is in favor. Republican Deborah Tate gets to make the final decision. Meanwhile, Dish Network shares are dropping, after the No. 2 satellite TV company said its marketing agreement with telephone, Internet and television service supplier AT&T Inc. would end at the end of this year. Now, Dish and AT&T could come to a new deal, over the next six months. But you have to suspect that AT&T wants to switch... [read full story]