In an obvious conflict of interest, we find that the author of the Alabama bill recommending opposition to the merger of XM and Sirius was written by a legislator who happens to own a local radio station!

The Alabama House bill was introduced by Mike Hubbard, the Republican Minority Leader who owns AM radio stations not to mention a production company in the broadcast industry. The Sirius/XM merger is direct competition to his personal business and creates a definitive conflict of interest. Though he was elected to do the people’s business, is this rep who owns and operates the terrestrial radio WANI News-Talk 1400 now attempting to line his pockets via his position?

The Consumer Coalition for Competition in Satellite Radio is 4-5 people, the leader of whom is an employee of a public business hired by the NAB - the lobby of AM and FM broadcasters. The study commissioned was paid for by..? The real story here is the dirty tricks and misrepresentation that the AM & FM industry, via their lobbyists (NAB) will go to stifle competition and offer consumers less choice.

*cough*

Orbitcast does indeed have more:

In his legislative bio, we also learn that Hubbard is a member of the Alabama Broadcasters Association which identifies itself as a trade association representing radio and televisions stations. The ABA itself has officially denounced the XM-Sirius merger, obviously using the strength of its 287 members (particularly one certain House Minority Leader) to push forward their agenda.

Nope, no conflict of interest there. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with using your publicly paid position to further the agenda of your private corporation. Shame more people don’t give a damn about stuff like this because it’s a pretty obvious abuse of power.

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