The San Diego Union Tribune interviewed me as part of this article on the proposed XM/Sirius merger.
Despite assurances from both satellite parties that consumers should keep buying satellite radio in the short term, the fact is that anything which promotes uncertainty becomes an obstacle to purchase decision-making.
The issue isn’t whether the new radio you buy will work or not. The issue is whether what you buy now will be the same as what you get later.
Consumers do not like surprises after a purchase.
Also, it’s interesting to note that there’s a real argument that a consolidated satellite landscape actually increases choice since the menu for what’s on satellite radio is enhanced – even as the number of providers is reduced.
There is, after all, a balance between better choice and “more” choice. The feds be wrong to outlaw the former in favor of the latter.
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