The proposed merger of the two satellite-radio companies would create a “monolithic entity” that could abuse its power by charging listeners more for less programming, Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann said yesterday.Dann joined counterparts from 10 other states in a letter calling on the Federal Communications Commission to study more closely the implications of the pending merger of XM Satellite Radio with Sirius Satellite Radio.

The nine Democrats and two Republicans expressed disappointment that the federal Department of Justice gave its blessing to the merger Monday without forcing the combined company to sell off bandwidth that might allow a competitor to emerge.

In February 2007, the two companies announced plans to become one, saying it would benefit consumers by offering programs from both and by reducing operating expenses.

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