News Articles From Days Gone BySirius and XM, in their endless quest for more listeners, may want to take a cue from WorldSpace.
(30 April 2004)
They've increased their subscriber base in India by a factor of ten after opening three WorldSpace stores in Bangalore. The outlets permit prospective customers to experience satellite radio before making a commitment. WorldSpace marketing head Sanjay Ramakrishnan said that the number of subscribers reached 65,000 within a month of the opening of the firs store in January.
There has been some new promotional activity at XM, both in management and in programming.
(29 April 2004)
On the management side, XM boss Hugh Panero announced the promotion of "senior executives whose contributions have helped make XM the nation's leading provider of satellite radio." The promotions include that of Gary Hahn from Vice President to Senior Vice President of Advertising and Brand Management and Ann Kontner from Vice President to Senior Vice President of Human Resources. Deputy General Counsel Rebecca Hanson has also been promoted to Senior Vice President. Other lucky individuals include Rebecca Hanson, John Archer, Doug Goodner, Alex Kondracki, John Kramer, and Brian Shea, all of whom made Vice President. They had formerly been Directors. In the programming department Music Programming Veep Steve Harris, citing growth "at an extraordinary rate in a remarkably short period of time," announced new Senior Programming Directors Paul Bachmann (Classical), Kenny Curtis (Specialty), Tim Farley (News/Talk/Sports), Kurt Gilchrist (Decades), Ray Knight (Country), Blake Lawrence (Hits), Charlie Logan (New Rock), George Taylor Morris (Heritage Rock), and Trinity (Jazz & Blues).
Sirius is changing what's inside.
(23 April 2004)
They announced that STMicroelectronics would be producing the next generation chipsets for their satellite radios. The advanced chipset is expected to result in lower costs, improved performance and enhanced features for systems planned for release late in 2005. "STMicroelectronics is a global enterprise with a very strong reputation in the automotive and entertainment industries, as well as in consumer electronics," said Sirius boss Joe Clayton, heralding the new agreement.
The number two satellite broadcaster added 90,602 Sirius subscribers during the first quarter of 2004, a 138% increase over that of the same period last year.
(22 April 2004)
The number proved to be a little disappointing to the investment community, who promptly dumped the stock to the tune of a 7% drop in its value. Over 100,000 new subscriptions had been anticipated. Not surprisingly, "The Dog" lost $119.5 million from operations compared with a loss of $99.1 million a year ago. Sirius boss Joe Clayton put the best spin possible on the situation, saying "On the heels of an excellent holiday selling season, we had a very strong first quarter at retail, increasing our share of satellite radio retail aftermarket sales to approximately 41% at the end of February, according to market information company The NPD Group. That's a doubling of our retail share since we introduced our first Plug-&-Play products last June."
Wal-Mart is getting Sirius about satellite radio.
(22 April 2004)
The nation's number one retailer is planning to offer the satellite broadcaster's systems at select locations across the country. Said Sirius boss Joe Clayton, "Wal-Mart is a perfect venue for Sirius. We believe that our Jensen/Sirius portable 'Plug & Play' satellite radio and accessory boombox will be very popular with Wal-Mart customers."
The nation's number one retailer is planning to offer the satellite broadcaster's systems at select locations across the country.
(21 April 2004)
Said Sirius boss Joe Clayton, "Wal-Mart is a perfect venue for Sirius. We believe that our Jensen/Sirius portable 'Plug & Play' satellite radio and accessory boombox will be very popular with Wal-Mart customers."
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is still siriusly concerned about satellite radio. Their president, Edward Fritts, is fretting about the carrying of local weather and traffic by XM and Sirius. "We believe this directly contradicts (FCC) rules under which satellite radio was licensed as a national service," Fritts said. His comments were made at this year's NAB annual conference .
XM is opening its books on Thursday, 6 May.
(20 April 2004)
At that time a conference call will be held at 10:00 AM (EDT) to discuss the results of the first quarter. The poop will be posted on the XM web site prior to the the call, which can be accessed at (800) 374-0551 or (706) 643-3460.
In keeping with its corporate cousins at Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz is getting Sirius.
(20 April 2004)
They're announcing the availability of the satellite broadcaster's systems as dealer installed options for most model year 2004 and newer vehicles sold in the United States. The systems can be installed by authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships for $679 plus installation. The installation fee includes a one year paid subscription plus two free bonus months. Michelle Cervantez, Mercedes-Benz Vice President of Marketing commented "Mercedes-Benz is very excited about the introduction of Sirius satellite radio and the ability to provide our customers with a premium audio experience."
XM continues to raise cash, this time by pricing a $200 million offering of Senior Secured Floating Rates Notes due in 2009.
(16 April 2004)
The closing is expected to occur on 20 April at an initial rate of 6.65%.
OutQ, Sirius' gay and lesbian channel, is celebrating its first anniversary by announcing several new ventures .
(15 April 2004)
Among them is an exclusive joint news operation with The Advocate beginning 1 May. They're also adding NPR and ABC journalist Michael Wengert to their team and establishing Harvey Feirstein as their "voice" of station identification.
XM and Garmin are getting together to provide real-time graphical weather data directly to marine chartplotters using the WX weather data service.
(15 April 2004)
"Garmin is excited to be the first company to deliver weather data directly to a chartplotter -- without the use of a separate PC," said Garmin's Gary Kelly. WX Satellite Weather allows users to view the same site-specific data that is provided to television meteorologists.
The nation's number two satellite broadcaster is getting Sirius about its financials.
(14 April 2004)
The company is announcing its first quarter 2004 financial and operating results on Wednesday, 21 April. A conference call is being held at 10:00 A.M. (EDT). Those wishing to do so can access the action at (973) 582-2745 or (877) 691-0878.
XM and Honda have entered into agreements with network transport software supplier Digital Fountain to incorporate the company's technology into future mobile broadcast applications.
(13 April 2004)
Adopted in Japan for packet video applications, Digital Fountain's Meta-Content technology allows users to broadcast large amounts of data to a wide community of receivers. XM's Veep for Technology and Engineering Dr. Stell Patsiokas said "We expect that data services will be an important element of our business in the future. Digital Fountain's technology will help us make that happen."
XM investors have some good news from the company.
(13 April 2004)
A regular quarterly dividend on its 8.25% Series B Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock has been declared. The dividend is payable as of 1 May 2004 to Series B convertible preferred stockholders of record of XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. as of 21 April 2004.
There's good news for XM coming from Saab and Honda.
(9 April 2004)
The Swedish automaker announced that the satellite broadcaster's equipment would be available in the 2005 9-7X sport utility vehicle. Said XM boss Hugh Panero of the event "We're very excited to welcome the premium Saab brand to the growing family of vehicles with XM Radio." Honda, meanwhile, announced that it would double production of vehicles with factory-installed XM systems for the 2005 model year. Said Panero, "Throughout the 2004 model year, Honda has been increasing the sale of XM-equipped vehicles faster than expected. XM is thrilled that American Honda will broaden the availability of XM in such a significant way for the 2005 model year." Both announcements were made at this year's New York International Auto Show .
Rejoice puckheads!
(8 April 2004)
We're all getting Sirius about the Stanley Cup Playoffs as the satellite broadcaster begins its play-by-play coverage of the annual tournament. Real-time scores are also shown on the Sirius radio displays.
XM and NAVTEQ are teaming up to provide a new satellite data information service called XM NavTraffic.
(8 April 2004)
The venture is the nation's first satellite traffic information service that enables a vehicle's on-board navigation system to display current traffic information for a driver's chosen route. It will debut this fall as the traffic provider to AcuraLink, a standard feature on the 2005 Acura RL. Honda's Tom Elliot commented "The XM NavTraffic information service provides the critical infrastructure side of Acura's advanced navigation capabilities."
Jeep and Beemer drivers can finally get Sirius.
(8 April 2004)
The satellite radio provider announced at the New York Auto Show that the new Grand Cherokee will feature Sirius as a factory-installed option beginning with the 2005 model year. Said Sirius veep Doug Wilsterman, 'We are honored that the Chrysler Group continues to show their steadfast commitment to factory-installing our satellite radio systems in more of their vehicles." Not to be upstaged by Jeep, BMW is also providing Sirius receivers as options on the 2004 7 Series sedans. Wilsterman commented "Sirius music, news and sports programming are the perfect complement to the 7 Series driving experience."
DaimlerChrysler is getting Sirius.
(7 April 2004)
The automotive manufacturer has signed an agreement with the satellite broadcaster to bring satellite radio to 2005 Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles. Said Sirius boss Joe Clayton, "This extensive product rollout is very exciting for Sirius, and reaffirms DaimlerChrysler Corporation's commitment as an exclusive partner of Sirius." The agreement also calls for a year of Sirius service to be included in all factory offerings of the 11 vehicle lines being equipped with satellite receivers.
XM is trying to raise a little cash by announcing its intention to sell, subject to market and other conditions, $125 million principal amount of Senior Secured Floating Rate Notes to qualified institutional buyers.
(7 April 2004)
The notes, due in 2009, would be guaranteed by XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. The proceeds are intended to be used to reduce drawn balances outstanding under XM's $100 million revolving credit facility with General Motors and for general corporate purposes.
"The Dog" is siriusly augmenting the ranks of its vice presidents.
(6 April 2004)
The most recent addition is Tola Murphy-Baran, the new senior vice president of marketing. Murphy-Baran will be responsible for subscriber acquisition and retention, direct and online marketing and all sports marketing and promotion. She reports directly to Mary Pat Ryan, Executive Vice President, Marketing.
A former XM programming director has been sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to the sexual abuse of a 14-year-old boy.
(5 April 2004)
Mark Parenteau was accused of enticing vulnerable youths to his home in Northwest Washington D.C. with alcohol, drugs and money in exchange for sex. "I'm truly sorry for the entire affair," the former XM personality and Boston rock jock told the judge, "and I hope I can prove to the court that I am a responsible person."
Another surge has occurred in XM's listener roll.
(2 April 2004)
The nation's number one satellite broadcaster announced that has more than 1,680,000 subscribers. They added 320,000 new subscribers during the first quarter, a 230 percent increase over the same time period last year. "This strong performance firmly positions the company for its 2004 goal of more than 2.8 million subscribers by year's end," said XM boss Hugh Panero.
The nation's number one satellite broadcaster announced that has more than 1,680,000 subscribers.
(2 April 2004)
They added 320,000 new subscribers during the first quarter, a 230 percent increase over the same time period last year. "This strong performance firmly positions the company for its 2004 goal of more than 2.8 million subscribers by year's end," said XM boss Hugh Panero. The eve of Tax Day is the date on which Sirius veep Jay Clark will be speaking to the Cleveland chapter of the American Marketing Association on the "Revolution in Radio." The event takes place on Wednesday, 14 April, at the Holiday Inn in Independence, Ohio. "The timing for Sirius Satellite Radio or satellite radio in general has never been better. I remember when Cleveland radio was known for innovative radio, taking risks, and launching rock stars," said Viv Pocek, President of the Cleveland AMA. No mention was made of innovative rock jock Alan Freed .
WorldSpace Satellite Radio is continuing to grow overseas.
(2 April 2004)
The United Kingdom's talkSport, the number one commercial station, will be made available throughout Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. "We are proud to be joining WorldSpace Satellite which will increase our profile across the globe," said talkSport's Mike Franklin, "As the most popular commercial station in the U.K., we provide a fascinating mirror to the major talking points of the day and we are confident that we will prove to be the ex-pats number one choice."
Not one to stand by and watch its audience be siphoned off by satellite broadcasters, public radio is apparently ready to fight back.
(1 April 2004)
Dana Rehm, NPR's veep for member and program services commented "There is no question that many people see significant threats to stations and the field as a whole from satellite radio." A consultative process on the pros and cons of satellite radio and public radio's role has started and will lead to a presentation by two outside experts at the Public Radio Leadership Forum on 10 May in Arlington, VA.
Never shy about keeping the money trench open, Sirius announced that Morgan Stanley has purchased $50 million in principal amount of Sirius' 2.
(1 April 2004)
5% convertible notes due 2009.Each $1000 in principal amount is convertible, at the option of the holder, into 226.7574 shares of Sirius common stock. The net proceeds are being used for general corporate purposes.