FCC Vote on XM and Sirius Expected

On Wednesday, the FCC agreed to fine XM Satellite Radio Holdings and Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. $17.5 million and $2.2 million, respectively, to resolve the issue of interference the satellite radios cause with land-based radio stations.  The two radio companies are 16 months into an attempt to merge.  The DOJ approved the buyout in March.  The FCC is expected to vote on and approve the deal today.
The vote on approving the buyout is currently 2-2 with Republican Deborah Taylor Tate still undecided. 

The vote on the buyout will apparently be split along party lines. Democratic commissioners Michael Copps and Jonathan Adelstein have voted against the merger while Chairman Kevin Martin and fellow Republican commissioner Robert McDowell have voted in favor.

Adelstein had sought further concessions from the company but withdrew his offer on Wednesday.  Following concessions by the companies, Tate is expected to vote in favor of the deal which would allow it to go through.