FCC starts review of Sirius-XM deal

The Federal Communications Commission began a regulatory review of Sirius Satellite Radio Inc.'s proposed $4-billion purchase of XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. after a delay of more than one month.

The agency is seeking public comment on the proposed merger of the only two pay-radio services, the FCC said.

XM and Sirius announced their planned combination Feb. 19 and filed papers with the FCC more than two months ago. Typically, the FCC begins its review within three weeks of such filings. The delay fueled concerns that the merger might be blocked by federal regulators.