The NAB continues to line up opposition to the proposed merger of XM and Sirius Satellite Radio as XM and Sirius do likewise to build the impression of widespread support for the merger. The latest effort by NAB has the Black Leadership Forum (BLF), an alliance of 34 national African-American civil rights and civic organizations, joining the "opposed" side. A letter from BLF President and CEO Gary Flowers to FCC Chairman Kevin Martin says the proposed merger would "effectively stymie competition for Black-owned businesses." He also attacks the a la carte proposal that XM and Sirius have linked to the merger. Although Martin is known to be a big proponent of a la carte, Flowers says it "would place Black-owned providers at a competitive disadvantage."
