The latest news on satellite radio front is the Sirius (SIRI) buyout of XM (XMSR), which has been approved by the feds. As I understand it, these decisions are based on the state of competition of the end result of the merger.

Now I like satellite radio. Unfortunately it appears that I am in the minority as both of these businesses are loosing money. This jeopardizes the service, but the proposed merger might save satellite radio as a single company, despite the incompatibility of their respective technologies.

What are the chances? The feds have this one right! The satellite radio content consists of music (without commercials, a bonus) and various talk radio personalities. The same talk personalities that are syndicated on large nationwide networks of terrestrial radio and television. Hence the existence of competition.

Why do I like satellite radio? Familiar programming is available over the entire country, important if you travel. It provides reliable service in the more remote areas typically having terrestrial radio service by a limited number of stations, especially at night. Important if your travel is extensive and into remote areas of the country.

But much of the above is unfortunate. Satellite radio and terrestrial radio should not have the same syndicated programming. A few years ago when I was much younger, I recall that terrestrial radio stations had unique character with unique localized programming. Even small town stations, perhaps especially small town stations, offered local information varying from local merchant sales to online swap meets to community activitie.

Stations in larger cities could afford to have a staff of colorful local personalities that were locally entertaining and locally pertinent. Today these stations have mostly migrated to the same syndicated programming offered by satellite radio. I do occasionally lock onto one of those late at night from afar, just to have it fade out within minutes. But for the most part, the Power House clear channel stations have gone to syndication, putting them in direct content competition with satellite radio. And many now have the same corporate ownership. Sadly throwing out their individuality.

Which brings us back to the original topic – competition. What is competition anyways, a sea of same-ness or choice offered by diverse and localized programming?

In the current radio model, the answer is clear. “Competition” is identical programming offered by nationwide syndication. That is a natural state for satellite radio which by definition has no “local” territory. Unfortunately, terrestrial radio uses the identical business model.

So the feds have it right. There is still plenty “competition” after the XM/SIRIUS merger.

This is unfortunate. The last time I heard a local commodities price report was last summer while living in Wyoming. Local grain and beef prices. How unique. How local.

How far from the venomous election year rhetoric. That is one of my main uses for satellite radio. I am still looking for a terrestrial radio station that will consistently offer “competition” in the context of “different.”