News Articles From Days Gone ByAs the world begins to recognize the success of satellite radio, international organizations are beginning to realize the need for standards as the medium spreads to Europe and Asia.
(29 August 2003)
At this year's World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-03) a battle ensued between proponents of a geostationary system (similar to that of XM) proposed by Toshiba and a Hitachi system that would use satellites in highly elliptical orbits (similar to the Sirius system). Japan is apparently going to bat for the 2310-2360 MHz band currently allocated only in the United States, Mexico, and India. They want WRC approval for these frequencies to be used in support of Japanese satellite radio. The issue has yet to be resolved.
Move over Johnny Cash!
(28 August 2003)
XM's also going to this year's MTV awards as Delphi provides a SKYFi and a year's subscription to celebrity guests. XM will also be present at New York's Radio City Music Hall in the form of MTV Satellite Radio (Channel 25).
While XM attends the MTV awards Sirius takes its act on the road.
(28 August 2003)
RiverPark , a major supplier of equipment to the motorhome market, announced that many well known brands in the RV business will be offering Sirius as a factory installed feature on the latest models.
Opie and Anthony fans anxiously awaiting another church sex stunt may be pleased to learn that the dynamic duo may be getting Sirius.
(25 August 2003)
According to the New York Daily News, the careers of Greg Hughes and Anthony Cumia could be revived by former WNEW programming exec Jeremy Coleman who recently was hired by Sirius. Al Peterson, an editor at Radio & Records said "It's the great thing about American broadcasting -- people who make incredible blunders come back on the air."
In a first-of-its-kind deal Strauss Radio Strategies has agreed to distribute Audio News Releases to XM's subscribers.
(22 August 2003)
Strauss typically prepares a script, records soundbites, and has the script professionally voiced.
All would be kings of the road can roll along Siriusly as Kingsley announces the inclusion of satellite radio as a factory option on all of its 2004 motor homes.
(20 August 2003)
Sirius systems are being bundled with one year subscriptions and offered on The Standard Coach, The Extended Sleeper and The S.U.R.V. product lines of cab conversions. Said Kingsley CEO Ralph Dickenson "Our goal ad Kingsley is to provide our customers with the best products in the industry. Offering the Sirius radio system will help us to accomplish that goal."
During the big blackout last week Sirius continued to broadcast news and information to its listeners, including live reports from the streets of New York City.
(18 August 2003)
Said Jay Clark, Sirius executive veep for programming "During the blackout, Sirius subscribers never lost touch with the breaking news and events taking place in he Northeast. We carried more than nine hours of live interviews from New York City's Times Square on Sirius OutQ. We also carried live coverage from our news partners including Fox News, CNN, CNBC, ABC, E! Entertainment, BBC and the Associated Press."
According to Billboard magazine, Sirius has revamped its on-air team after nine programmers were axed.
(13 August 2003)
Talk and music are now being handled by Steve Blatter and Jeremy Coleman. Together with veep Joel Salkowitz they report to programming veep Jay Clark. The "triumvirate" oversees programmers for each Sirius channel.
First there was SKYFi.
(12 August 2003)
Now there is Roady, a complete vehicle satellite radio system for under $120. "We are excited to expand our product portfolio with XM Satellite Radio. This product will continue to grow on our success in satellite audio with the SKYFi." said Delphi Product & Service Solutions prez Frank Ordonez. The Roady features seven different color displays and interchangeable faceplates. It connects directly into the vehicle stereo system and comes with an ultra-thin micro antenna.
Those north of the border may be interested in knowing that satellite radio may soon be coming their way.
(12 August 2003)
Former Toronto Raptors owner John Bitove Jr. is planning to launch a Canadian joint venture with XM. The new company, Canadian Satellite Radio Inc. is completing its application for a broadcast license. It is expected to file this fall.
The continuing saga of XM's satellites has culminated in the negotiation of a contract with Sea Launch to deploy their fourth bird in 2006.
(12 August 2003)
Said Jim Maser, president and general manager of Sea Launch "We are excited about this opportunity to continue our relationship with XM Satellite Radio. We helped put XM on the airwaves and now, we will support the continued growth and success of their award-winning service to radio listeners across the United States."
Boeing has announced that it will build and deliver a fourth satellite for XM.
(8 August 2003)
XM-4 is planned for delivery in late 2005 for future launch to XM's orbital slot at 115 degrees west longitude. "This order demonstrates a valued customer's continued confidence in the Boeing 702 product line," said Boeing veep Dave Ryan. XM's current satellites are continuing to experience progressive solar array degradation, precipitating plans for the launch of their spare satellite, XM-3, during the fourth quarter of next year. As in the case of the first three satellites, Alcatel Espace of Toulouse, France will provide the S-band payload.
XM-4 is planned for delivery in late 2005 for future launch to XM's orbital slot at 115 degrees west longitude.
(8 August 2003)
"This order demonstrates a valued customer's continued confidence in the Boeing 702 product line," said Boeing veep Dave Ryan. XM's current satellites are continuing to experience progressive solar array degradation, precipitating plans for the launch of their spare satellite, XM-3, during the fourth quarter of next year. As in the case of the first three satellites, Alcatel Espace of Toulouse, France will provide the S-band payload. Duringthe last quarter XM added 209,178 subscribers to bring its total to 692,253. The figure represents a 43% increase from the first quarter of this year and five times the number of subscribers from the end of the second quarter last year. XM boss Hugh Panero said "XM continues to show significant progress in adding subscribers, controlling costs and achieving key operational milestones. By the end of the third quarter XM Radio will be rapidly approaching one million subscribers, a major milestone for satellite radio." Although the future outlook appears promising, XM lost $161.9 million, or $1.38 a share for the quarter compared with a loss of $117.2 million, or $1.38 a share a year ago. Their stock price fell accordingly by $2.75 to $10.52.
Problems with the solar panels on "Rock" & "Roll" are coming to the surface again as XM attempts to collect insurance on the related losses.
(8 August 2003)
The satellites, launched in 2001, were supposed to last for about 17 years. Because of the defects in the solar panels, however, their useful lifetime is now expected to be only about seven years. Consequently XM is planning to launch its spare satellite and purchase a fourth all to the tune of $320 million. XM's insurers are refusing to pay a $400 million claim to cover the costs, an event contributing to the fall in the company's stock price.
General Motors is expected to announce today that it will build half a million XM-equipped vehicles by mid month.
(7 August 2003)
Within six months GM, which has invested more than $100 million in the satellite broadcaster, expects to have built more than a million XM-rated cars, trucks, and SUVs. Said Gary Cowger, GM North America president "This launch represents one of the fastest technology rollouts in GM history.
In its latest financial report Sirius disclosed a second quarter revenue of $2.
(7 August 2003)
1 million, a 30% increase over that of the first quarter.They also added 37,127 subscribers bringing the total to 105,180, beating the estimate of 100,000. The average revenue per subscriber was $7.91.
To help its improve its presence in the marketplace Sirius has been working with Applied Media Technologies to offer hotels, restaurants, retail stores and other commercial enterprises commercial-free satellite radio for a price as low as $24.
(7 August 2003)
95 a month.Walter Kerner, Sirius Senior Director of Special and Commercial Markets said "Sirius' new music service offers businesses a new and cost-effective way to entertain their clientele with premium entertainment."
According to a new consumer survey there is significant interest in satellite radio but not much interest in paying for it.
(6 August 2003)
The survey, conducted by CEA , found more than half of respondents saying saying that they'd be unwilling to shell out their hard earned cash for monthly subscription charges. As to their listening habits, 94 percent said they listened to radio in the car and a majority of these (67%) said that the sound quality was not as good as CDs. Altogether 49 percent said that they were at least "somewhat interested" in radio that could provide CD quality.
Thunderbird Products/Forumla Powerboats is getting Sirius about satellite radio.
(1 August 2003)
They're planning to offer satellite receivers and a year of Sirius as standard features on all 2004 Formula powerboats. Thunderbird president Scott Porter said "Sirius offers the commercial-free premium entertainment that complements the high standards of our boats and boat owners."
To show it's possible to get Sirius in a land yacht, Winnebago is collaborating with the satellite provider to put receivers in most 2004 Winnebago motor homes.
(1 August 2003)
Sirius receivers are already standard equipment on the Winnebago Ultimate Freedom and optional on a majority of the rest of the line. "Winnebago Industries is excited to make Sirius available to our valued customers. This new system is just one more way we can enhance their RV lifestyle experience," said Winnebago CEO Bruce Hertzke.
XM is expanding its market once again as Delphi announces that the successful SKYFi will be carried at Sears stores nationwide.
(1 August 2003)
"We are pleased to have Sears join the other six major national retailers selling our SKYFi products," said Delphi Product & Service Solutions President Frank Ordonez.