Money Minute: Satellite Radio, Vioxx, Coke

Описание: BusinessMoney Minute: Satellite Radio, Vioxx, CokeMoney Minute: Satellite Radio, Vioxx, CokeThe Associated PressThe $3 billion merger of Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio is one step closer to government approval. The AP's Mark Hamrick reports on that and the rest of Thursday's top busines headlines. (July 17)AP Money MinuteThe $3 billion merger of Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio is one step closer to government approval. FCC commissioner Jonathan Adelstein, a Democrat, wants the companies to cap prices for six years and make one quarter of their capacity available for public interest and minority programming. So far, two of the five members of the Federal Communications Commission have voted to approve the deal. If the companies agree, Adelstein told the AP that he will be in favor of the deal.---------------------------A long legal battle is coming to an expensive close.Merck will start cutting checks for former Vioxx users next month. The company will fund a $4.85 billion settlement expected to resolve roughly 50,000 lawsuits alleging harm from the painkiller.Former Vioxx users, or their relatives, are eligible for part of the settlement if the patient suffered a heart attack, stroke or death.------------------------------And inflation. It's the real thing. And when what you want is a Coke, what you'll need is more cash. Coca-Cola said disappointing earnings are forcing it to raise prices come Labor Day.Brrrr.I'm Mark Hamrick with AP Money Minute. ___ ___, The Associated Press.(****END****)