WASHINGTON (AP) — The National Association of Broadcasters spent nearly $9 million in 2007 to lobby on digital TV, cable and satellite radio matters.

The trade group, which represents more than 8,300 free local television and radio stations, spent more than $4.6 million in the second half of 2007 to lobby the federal government, according to a disclosure form posted online Feb. 14 by the Senate's public records office.

NAB is lobbying against Sirius Satellite Radio Inc.'s proposed $5 billion buyout of rival XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc., a deal the group sees a a monopoly maker. Thee Justice Department recently approved the buyout, which still requires clearance from the Federal Communications Commission.

Broadcasters are also fighting several high-tech companies that want to use unlicensed and unoccupied TV channels, or white space, for high-speed Internet service across. The FCC is still testing equipment needed to access and deliver broadband service without interfering with TV programming. The NAB says the technology is unproven and shouldn't be approved.

The trade group is also heavily involved in the nationwide transition to digital programming. It has strongly advocated for a mandate that cable operators carry both digital and analog signals for three years after the February 2009 switch.

NAB was also involved in issues related to radio royalties and media ownership.

NAB, whose members include Walt Disney Co.'s ABC division and Univision Communications Inc., spent almost $4.3 million in the first six months of 2007 to lobby on largely the same issues.

Lobbyists are required to disclose activities that could influence members of the executive and legislative branches, under a federal law enacted in 1995.