Washington - Fighting to win over leery lawmakers and federal regulators, DC-based XM Satellite Radio and New York-based Sirius Satellite Radio spent a combined $810,000 during the first half of 2007 on lobbying efforts in support of their planned $4.7 billion merger, the Associated Press reported on Thursday.

Citing disclosure forms, the AP said that XM spent $580,000, while the Paul Laxalt Group, Quinn Gillespie & Associates and Ricchetti, all representing Sirius, spent another $230,000.

The deal, first announced in February, faces stiff opposition from lawmakers and regulators, who must be convinced that the combined company will serve in the best interests of consumers.

The companies attempted to alleviate part of the problem last month by announcing that they will allow customers to purchase subscriptions on an a la carte basis following the merger.

Related Links:
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/070830/xm_sirius_lobbying.html?.v=1   

http://www.xmradio.com

http://www.siriusradio.com