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XM/Sirius deal closer?

Kevin Martin, head of the FCC, has recommended that the commission vote to approve Sirius’ buyout of XM if each party agrees to turn over 12 stations apiece to “noncommercial programmers and for those who have ‘not been traditionally represented’ in radio.” The satellite radio companies have also agreed to produce radios that work with both systems and an open radio standard that will supposedly enable more manufacturers to offer more satellite-capable radios to consumers.

The provision on noncommercial and minority programming along with several others– including a three-year price freeze for customers– persuaded Martin to support Sirius Satellite Radio Inc.’s buyout of rival XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. The deal would affect millions of subscribers who pay to hear music, news, sports and talk programming, largely free from advertising, in homes and vehicles.

Will we have a 24-hour Whaling Songs station? Songs for Plants, perhaps?