Sam Diaz is covering news on the announced a la carte pricing if the proposed XM-Sirius merger goes through.

It’s the one thing that Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin has been sweet on: a la carte pricing to give the consumers ultimate control over what they pay for. The cable companies have resisted – but Sirius chief executive Mel Karmazin has announced intentions to offer a la carte pricing – if the merger of Sirius and XM Radio is approved.

Diaz asks,

A la carte pricing may be the way to win over consumers and the FCC. What do you think?

This is the sort of thing that would certainly get me as a customer. I refuse to pay for some of the refuse they carry, and I certainly would not risk my kids (if I had any) by paying for and making available shows I certainly wouldn’t listen to myself. Giving the consumer more choice and more control over their choices is always a smart thing.

Now, why is it that cable and Dish just don’t get it?