IN BRIEF

WASHINGTON

FCC seeking comment on XM-Sirius merger

After 3 1/2 months of industry lobbying, congressional hearings and intensive Wall Street analysis, the public will have a chance to weigh in on whether it thinks the proposed merger of the nation's only two satellite radio companies is a good idea.

The Federal Communications Commission issued a public notice Friday seeking comment on the proposed merger of licensees Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. and XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc.

The FCC will decide whether it is in the public interest for both licenses to be controlled by a single company.

The merger, valued at $4.7 billion when it was announced on Feb. 19, is also subject to approval by the Department of Justice.

ATLANTIC CITY

New casinos possible in Atlantic City

The head of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority said he foresees a casino being built at the former Bader Field airport site.

Thomas Carver told a state Senate panel last week, "we surely envision additional casino operations at this site."

He also said plans may soon be announced for another new casino in the marina district, near the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and Harrah's Atlantic City.

The authority is part of a committee appointed by Mayor Robert Levy to study potential uses for the largest tract of undeveloped land left in Atlantic City.

Several casino operators have already expressed interest in the site at the south end of the city. Experts have estimated the land could fetch $1 billion on the open market.

There are currently 11 casinos in Atlantic City.