Sirius, XM hire lobby firm on proposed merger

WASHINGTON — The nation’s only two satellite radio companies have hired a high-profile public affairs firm to lobby the federal government on their proposed combination, which faces regulatory and congressional scrutiny.

Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. and XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. hired Quinn Gillespie & Associates LLC, according to a federal disclosure form filed Tuesday.

The firm was founded by Jack Quinn, who served as counsel to President Bill Clinton from 1995 to 1997, and Ed Gillespie, a Republican Party strategist who served as the Republican National Committee chairman during the 2004 election cycle.

In February, New York-based Sirius said it would seek government approval to acquire Washington-based XM in a deal valued at $4.57 billion at the time.

But the companies face stiff opposition from federal lawmakers, who dispute the companies’ claim that the merger would not eliminate competition nor lead to higher subscription prices.