News Articles From Days Gone ByA new XM speaker system has been introduced by Altec Lansing.
(28 April 2006)
The XM3120 allows users to listen to a Delphi Roady XT or an Audiovox Xpress from anywhere, delivering a full spectrum of sound. It also features a 20-foot home antenna. more>>
XM is reporting a wider than expected first-quarter loss amid disclosures that federal regulators are probing its marketing practices.
(27 April 2006)
The company lost $151.4 million, or 60 cents per share versus a loss of $122.1 million, or 58 cents per share, in the same period last year. XM also said that the Federal Trade Commission was investigating its marketing practices. The company, it seems, may not be very sirius about complying with the Truth in Lending Act and other statutes. more>>
Congress is getting into the act on satellite radio, looking into a proposed copyright law that requires the satcasters to comply with the same rules as Internet digital music services when it comes to downloading.
(27 April 2006)
The law, introduced by senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Bill Frist (R-TN) is being applauded by the RIAA . RIAA Chairman Mitch Bainwol commented, "We are big fans of satellite radio and celebrate its growth. At the same time, that growth should not come at the expense of the music community." more>>
"Mellow Mel" Karmazin and his team are getting Sirius about music from Sweden.
(27 April 2006)
Nordic Rox is being produced under the guidance of Per Gessle , who has sold 45 million albums worldwide and written dozens of songs that have been popular on European and American radio. The program is being hosted by Radio Stockholm on-air personality Viktor Petrovski . Said Gessle, "The music scene in Sweden is certainly very creative and it will be a pleasure to present the best of it to the listeners of Sirius Satellite Radio." A possible Abba revival was not mentioned. more>>
After getting rich in the dot com boom and buying the Dallas Mavericks, Mark Cuban is finally getting Sirius.
(26 April 2006)
The man who looks a little crazy on the sidelines of many an NBA arena is getting his own midday Sunday talk show this summer on Sirius Stars channel 102. "Mark Cuban is candid, animated and incredibly accomplished, having achieved extraordinary success at a young age in the worlds of business and sports," said Sirius President for Entertainment and Sports Scott Greenstein. If only his team could get past San Antonio this year... more>>
The Federal Communications Commission is taking a position that satellite radio is "fundamentally different" from broadcasting.
(26 April 2006)
FCC Chairman Kevin Martin has said that talk of satcasters moving into local markets is at least a little premature. He expects the FCC to hold them to offering only nationally-available content. Said Martin, "Satellite radio was envisioned as a national service, and the commission has been diligent in placing conditions on their licenses that prevent them from offering any kind of local content through their terrestrial repeaters." more>>
The National Association of Broadcasters is taking sirius umbrage in light of the assault from satellite radio.
(26 April 2006)
In a speech at the organization's convention in Las Vegas NAB prez David Rehr expressed hopes that the NAB can change its perception of being on the defensive "to one that is on offense." Despite the fact that satellite radio claims 10 million subscribers terrestrial radio can claim 260 million happy listeners. "Furthermore, satellite radio lost about a billion dollars last year. Its business model is bankrupt. And this is even before our own digital HD radio has kicked in." more>>
WorldSpace is getting sirius about its financial report for the first quarter of 2006.
(26 April 2006)
The international satcaster expects to release its results at the close of the market on Tuesday, 9 May. WorldSpace boss Noah Samara will host a conference call and webcast at that time. Interested parties may call (800) 561-2693 or visit the company's website. more>>
In keeping with its U.
(25 April 2006)
S.counterpart the Canadian Football League is getting Sirius. The league and the satcaster have agreed to a multi-year partnership under which Sirius will be the exclusive North American satellite radio broadcaster for CFL games. The deal covers all regular season CFL games, the playoffs and the Grey Cup. more>>
In a poll conducted by eMarketer the stars at XM have a more universal appeal than those at Sirius.
(25 April 2006)
The Sirius celebs, however, are more polarizing. Using a six-point scale, the polling service received strong responses to questions such as "like a lot" to "dislike a lot" for Sirius talent like Howard Stern. XM's celebrities were generally well liked and had positive appeal to two thirds of respondents. more>>
WorldSpace has introduced the Diva II, a new satellite radio receiver targeted to the Indian marketplace.
(25 April 2006)
The new device is a stand-alone unit that is compatible with most music systems. Said WorldSpace boss Noah Samara, "The addition of the Diva II to our line-up means even more choice and selection for our subscribers." more>>
Satellite radio fans will be happy to know that XSTAR has developed and is vigorously marketing a new portable power system compatible with more than 20 XM and Sirius "plug and play" radios.
(25 April 2006)
The next generation XSTAR power module has been in the field since January and is generally available for less than $100. more>>
Indianapolis sports celebrity Mark Patrick is showing the world that XM is sirius about baseball.
(24 April 2006)
He's in his second season as host of "Baseball This Morning" for the satcaster and does the show from his home with remote co-hosts Buck Martinez and Orestes Destrade. Patrick was last heard on terrestrial radio on WNDE . more>>
XM Canada has signed a deal with Harley-Davidson under which some models will offer pre-installed satrads together with three months of the satcaster's service.
(22 April 2006)
The deal calls for some models to come equipped with satellite service with promotional service with up to 100 channels. XM Canada service is already available on 2006 models as a dealer-installed option. more>>
Fans of XM's Hot Import Nights (HIN) will be happy to know that the show is taking its act to Boston on 29 April.
(22 April 2006)
The Bayside Expo Center is the venue for the 5 PM (ET) to midnight event featuring a New York style fashion show produced by supermodel Polina . Dream cars, concept vehicles, celebrities and industry exhibits are also featured along with one-of-a-kind cars from Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini and others. more>>
Thanks to an agreement with XM, Opie & Anthony could be on their way back to terrestrial radio.
(21 April 2006)
The satcaster has an agreement to license the Opie & Anthony Show to CBS Radio as a replacement for David Lee Roth, an apparent flop, in seven key markets. The stations affected are WFNY New York, WYSP Philadelphia, WBCN Boston, KLLI Dallas, WNCX Cleveland, WRKZ Pittsburgh and WPBZ West Palm Beach. All are stations in which Roth replaced Howard Stern when the "King of All Media" got Sirius. more>>
Imus is getting Sirius.
(21 April 2006)
..no, not that Imus, his brother.Fred Imus is joining the satcaster to host a new weekly country music program. "Fred's Trailer Park Bash" launches on Saturday, 6 May from 6 AM to 10 AM (ET) on Sirius' Outlaw Country channel 63. "I love country music," said Fred, "and now maybe my brother will quit asking me if I got a job yet." more>>
Pana-Pacific, a division of The Brix Group has formalized an agreement with Sirius to provide wholesale distribution for the satcaster's products in Canada.
(21 April 2006)
The company and Sirius Canada will jointly market receivers and accessories through participating OEM truck dealerships and truck outlets. "Sirius Canada is pleased to extend this long-term distribution agreement to Canada," said Sirius Canada President and CEO Mark Redmond. more>>
"Mellow Mel" Karmazin et al.
(21 April 2006)
are getting Sirius about their financial numbers. The satcaster is due to hold a conference call on 2 May at 8:00 AM (ET) to discuss first quarter 2006 financial and operating results. Interested individuals can access the conference call on Sirius Channel 125 or via the Sirius website. more>>
The University of Texas baseball team is getting Sirius this year.
(20 April 2006)
The satcaster is broadcasting each of Texas' Saturday and Sunday games during the team's four remaining Big 12 Conference series against Nebraska, Texas A&M, Kansas and Missouri. The action can be heard on Sirius channels 155 and 143. more>>
XM is announcing a dividend on its preferred stock.
(20 April 2006)
XM Satellite Radio Holdings is declaring a regular quarterly dividend on its 8.25% Series B COnvertible Redeemable Preferred Stock payable in shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock at a rate of $1.0313 per share of Series B Preferred Stock owned. Fractional shares are to be paid in cash which, as Yogi Berra says, "is just as good as money." more>>
XM is putting up some sirius numbers on Thursday, 27 April at 10:00 AM (ET).
(20 April 2006)
That's when the satcaster has scheduled a conference call to discuss its financial results for the first quarter of 2006. Interested parties can access the event at (877) 265-5808. more>>
The long-awaited Bob Dylan show is finally making its debut on XM.
(19 April 2006)
"Theme Time Radio Hour with Your Host Bob Dylan" is making its world premiere on 3 May. The show features a mix of music based around a theme with Dylan offering stories about the music and topics of interest. Guests are also featured including Elvis Costello, Charlie Sheen, Penn Jillette, Sarah Silverman and Jimmy Kimmel. more>>
Bluff Poker Radio fans can get even more Sirius than ever.
(19 April 2006)
The satcaster is now carrying its lineup of poker radio shows on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday nights from 8 to 10 PM (ET) on channel 122. "We've been absolutely thrilled y the success of the show over the past year and a half," says Bluff Poker Radio host Nick Geber. more>>
XM is sponsoring a benefit concert featuring Dr.
(19 April 2006)
John at the Home Entertainment 2006 Show in Los Angeles. The concert is for the benefit of the Elf Foundation , a non-profit charity that creates Rooms of Magic, private entertainment theaters in children's hospitals. more>>
When Howard Stern got Sirius he was replaced in many media markets by former rock shouter David Lee Roth.
(19 April 2006)
Now, it seems, Roth appears to be on his way out after revamping his show to no avail. Apparently Stern has proven to be a tough act to follow. "He's a dead man talking," said Michael Harrison, founder of the trade publication Talkers magazine. more>>
As reported by RUsirius.
(18 April 2006)
com on 13 April, XM is taking sirius steps to makes its debt more palatable.The satcaster is refinancing its $807 million debt at more attractive rates. The debt includes $320 million owed to General Motors. XM plans to sell $600 million in bonds and get a new credit line from banks, including a $250 million revolving credit line from JPMorgan Chase and UBS. more>>
The XM Satellite Radio Superstore is among the first retailers to release the Pioneer Inno, the latest satrad cluster that allows users the option of listening to XM live or to MP3 and WMA music files without carrying two separate packages.The Inno can store up to 50 hours of XM programming and won the "People's Voice" Best of CES at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Pioneer veep for marketing Larry Rougas commented, "Adding the XM functionality to an MP3 player means you are no longer a prisoner to your own playlist." more>>
Thanks partially to a publicity blitz unseen since the first episode of Lost, satellite radio has achieved an awareness level of 61% among American consumers.
(17 April 2006)
According to a study by Edison Media Research and Arbitron public recognition of both XM and Sirius has grown consistently over the past two years. So, apparently, have subscription rates with close to one in five non-subscribers saying they are likely to join the ranks of satheads this year. more>>
Sirius and EMI have reached a deal over the S50 player, a device that can record up to 50 hours of the satcaster's music programming.
(16 April 2006)
Details are not being made public but the two companies have noted that both are willing to discuss future products that might be released by Sirius' technology partners. In addition to EMI, Sirius has reached independent deals with Vivendi , Warner and Sony BMG . Financial details of any agreements between Sirius and any of the recording industry organizations have not been disclosed. more>>
Kia is getting Sirius.
(14 April 2006)
The Korean automaker has said that it will install the satcaster's units as standard equipment on all its vehicles beginning in 2009 and extending through 2014. Kia is also providing customers with a free three-month Sirius subscription. more>>
XM Canada is getting sirius about Accenture .
(14 April 2006)
The XM affiliate, which is operated by Canadian Satellite Radio (CSR) has signed a three-year, multi-million dollar agreement with the outsourcing firm to provide support and services including maintenance and support. "It's a very complicated business," said XM Canada Chief Financial Officer Michael Washinushi. "By outsourcing the run and fix to Accenture, it allows us to focus our business on growing our subscriber base." more>>
Just when you thought it was safe to relax and enjoy your XM satrad.
(13 April 2006)
..As reported on RUsirius.com on 9 March, XM listeners can expect to be treated to advertisements on KISS and Nashville starting in May.But now analysts at Business Week are predicting that this is just the beginning. An XM spokesman insists that it won't happen, saying, "We are committed to maintaining commercial-free all music channels we program." more>>
Lexus is making XM standard equipment in select LS series models.
(13 April 2006)
The luxury division of Toyota has indicated that it intends to equip certain LS series models with XM as factory-installed equipment. Said David Danzer, Group Vice President, Corporate Planning, Toyota Motor Sales, USA said, "The NavTraffic feature on the LS 460 is an excellent example of Toyota and XM collaborating to bring new technologies to the Lexus line of vehicles." more>>
XM's Hot Import Nights (HIN) is coming to Washington DC on 22 April.
(13 April 2006)
Highlighted in the event is rapper Trick Daddy along with a search for Miss HIN. Joining the entourage will be DJ Xclusive, Music Director, DJ and On Air Talent in "The City" on XM. The show starts at 5 PM (EDT) at the Dulles Expo Center and runs until midnight. more>>
XM is getting sirius about its debt.
(13 April 2006)
The satcaster has announced that it intends to replace its higher interest rate debt with new lower interest rate debt. The overall effect of the transactions should be to lower XM's ongoing interest expense. XM has either received or expects to receive commitments from a group of banks and financial institutions. more>>
XM is getting together with the famous Knitting Factory to produce a regular concert series for broadcast.
(12 April 2006)
The satcaster is teaming with the prolific presenter of independent music for "Live from the Knitting Factory," a series that will feature performances from influential and emerging artists from a variety of genres. "Both XM and Knitting Factory Entertainment strive to provide fans of independent music with a place to hear intriguing , up-and-coming artists who traditionally haven't had the broadcast or performance opportunities to reach a larger audience," said XM Executive Vice President of Programming Eric Logan. The series will air on XMU (channel 43). more>>
The satcaster is teaming with the prolific presenter of independent music for "Live from the Knitting Factory," a series that will feature performances from influential and emerging artists from a variety of genres.
(12 April 2006)
"Both XM and Knitting Factory Entertainment strive to provide fans of independent music with a place to hear intriguing , up-and-coming artists who traditionally haven't had the broadcast or performance opportunities to reach a larger audience," said XM Executive Vice President of Programming Eric Logan. The series will air on XMU (channel 43). When this site started in 2000 there were visitors who thought it was the Sirius Radio website, to which the response was "Are you sirius?" Needless to say, no one makes that mistake any more. The Sirius Satellite Radio website is now seeing triple digit year-over-year growth, outpacing XM. "The satellite radio market is enjoying vibrant growth, due to increasing interest among first time subscribers," said Jon Gibs, senior director of media for Nielsen//NetRatings . The Sirius site saw its traffic grow by 188 percent year over year, increasing from 666,000 visitors in March 2005 to 1.9 million in March 2006. more>>
XM affiliate Canadian Satellite Radio (CSR) is on track to reach 75,000 listeners earlier than its originally announced date of 31 August 2006.
(12 April 2006)
"As a result of outstanding holiday retail sales and execution of several operational and partnership agreements, we will reach our subscriber goal before our August 31, 2006 year end," said CSR boss John Bitove. more>>
Wal-Mart FLW Tour pro Chip Harrison is getting Sirius.
(11 April 2006)
FLW Outdoors has announced that the satcaster will sponsor a professional angling team captained by him for the 2006 season. Harrison is a veteran of the FLW Tour who has competed since 1996, notching eight top-10 performances. Said Sirius President of Operations and Sales Jim Meyer, "We're confident that our professional angling will be successful both on the water and with bring brand awareness to Sirius." more>>
A recent appearance on Howard Stern's show may land a child abuse investigator from Palm Beach in sirius trouble with the law.
(10 April 2006)
Alison Cushman disrobed twice to give Howard and his fans a cheap thrill but Palm Beach County Department of Children and Families spokeswoman Marilyn Munoz said "appropriate action" will be taken. Photos of the flash have been posted to Stern's website. more>>
XM is going to Louisiana to support Festival International.
(10 April 2006)
In the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita the satcaster is planning to broadcast live from the Festival, promoting it to its global audience on ten stations. It's also planning to broadcast from Jazz Fest. more>>
College hoops junkies will be happy to know that Sirius is the official satellite radio partner of national champion Florida in addition to LSU and UCLA.
(7 April 2006)
The satcaster's live coverage of the Final Four featured live editions of The Shark Tank with Jerry Tarkanian. Tark interviewed J.J. Reddick, Adam Morrison, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Lefty Driesell, Jay Wright, Gary Williams and others. more>>
XM partner Canadian Satellite Radio (CSR) is getting sirius about money.
(7 April 2006)
The satcaster is ready to discuss its second quarter financial results on Wednesday, 12 April at 10:00 AM (ETD). CSR boss John Bitove, President and Chief Operating Officer Stephen Tapp and Chief Financial Officer Michael Washinushi will be available to answer questions. Interested investors and others can access the event at (800) 796-7558. more>>
XM is getting sirius about golf at this year's Masters.
(6 April 2006)
The satcaster is carrying all of the action starting today from Augusta National in cooperation with Westwood One Radio . The coverage is being anchored by former PGA Rookie of the Year Mark Carnevale and Jay Randolph Jr. The prestigious tournament is seen as an offset to the capture of major celebrities by Sirius. Said XM Director for Programming and Production John Barrett, "Howard Stern and the Masters are not even ton the same platform. I'll take the Masters any day." He did not comment on the possibility of a "golf bathroom olympics" or a surprise appearance by Fartman. Coverage begins at 8:00 AM(EDT) on channel 2146. more>>
WorldSpace is looking to "Mr.
(5 April 2006)
Culture" to provide a little on-air talent for its Flava channel. Spoken word artist Omekongo Dibinga is expected to deliver even more globally-focused hip hop and urban music for the 24-hour commercial-free channel. Said WorldSpace's Shawna Oduor, "We're extremely delighted that Omekongo Dibinga is joining WorldSpace's on-air talent roster to help us create a sense of hip hop community across the globe." more>>
Want to get Sirius about a new Mazda fast and on the cheap?
(4 April 2006)
Try Canada, where the automaker and satcaster have announced that from 4 April until 31 May customers purchasing or leasing any 2006 Mazda will receive a Sirius Satellite Radio plug-and-play receiver, installation of the device, and a 12-month subscription to Sirius Canada. Said Automotive and OEM Director for Sirius Canada, "This promotion gives Mazda customers an easy way to experience the best satellite radio in Canada in their new vehicle." more>>
Extending its lead over rival Sirius XM has announced that it now has over 6.
(3 April 2006)
5 million subscribers.Said XM boss Hugh Panero, "The first quarter represented another solid quarter of growth in XM subscribers and is consistent with our goal of nine million subscribers by year end." Incentives to attract listeners during the second quarter include Major League Baseball coverage and comprehensive coverage of the World Cup soccer tournament. more>>
International satcaster WorldSpace has announced that it will broadcast DJ Rekha's "Basement Bhangra Countdown to 10 Party" from the Sounds of Brazil club this Thursday (6 April) at 8:00 PM (EDT).
(3 April 2006)
The broadcast from the popular New York venue is expected to offer subscribers a mix of bhangra, hip hop and urban music on global pop channel UPop (channel 29), international hip-hop channel Flava (channel 204) and world music channel WorldZone (channel 100). more>>