News Articles From Days Gone ByIn a news conference today in Toronto, Canadian musicians are said to be prepared to take a stand in favor of the ruling of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission 's (CRTC) approval of satellite radio.
(31 August 2005)
The news conference, sponsored by Canadian Satellite Radio and Sirius Canada, is expected to extoll the benefits of satellite radio, questioning the efforts by Heritage Minister Liza Frulla to overturn the CRTC decision. Ms. Frulla is asking for cabinet support for her concerns about the apparent paucity of Canadian-content programming on the planned satcasts. Said Greg Terrence of Indie Pool , "If this is sent back, it will mark the end of this battle, because the issue will likely go back and forth in perpetuity."
XM's coverage of college football begins this week with coverage of the Atlantic Coast Conference, the Pacific-10 Conference and the Big Ten Conference.
(31 August 2005)
In addition to play-by-play broadcasts, XM plans to debut a new weekday college football news and call-in show, "College Football Coast to Coast" on 12 September
Sirius is going dramatic with the "Theater of the New Ear," two radio dramas featuring some of Hollywood's top stars.
(31 August 2005)
The first radio play, "Sawbones," was written by Joel and Ethan Coen, best known for "Raising Arizona," "Fargo," "O'Brother, Where Art Thou," and "The Ladykillers." Celebrity voices to be used in the venture include John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Hope Davis, Meryl Streep, and Philip Seymour.
Sirius Canada is trying to get siriusly French.
(30 August 2005)
The company is scrambling to increase its French-language programming in the hope of appeasing the Canadian cabinet. The Government is threatening to order a review of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission 's (CRTC) approval of satellite radio. Some Liberal MPs have complained that the June decision short-changed francophones. The cabinet has until 14 September to approve, reject or send the decision back to the CTRC.
Howard Stern fans can get more Sirius than they've ever been before.
(29 August 2005)
The satcaster has said that it would devote two round-the-clock channels to the "King of All Media." It's not yet clear exactly what will be on the channels but Stern fans can probably expect a continuous stream of off-color jokes, fart noises, bimbos, Robin, Artie and the rest of the whole sick crew. One of the channels is expected to launch next month and feature promotional material heralding Stern's arrival, which will occur in January.
Those anticipating the arrival of satellite radio in Canada may be in for a big disappointment.
(29 August 2005)
The federal government is apparently ready to ask the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to rescind its decision to license satellite radio. "Everything suggests that the cabinet will ask the CRTC to overturn its decision," said a Government official. The decision by the CRTC to allow satellite radio upset many in the Quebec artist community, which complained that only 2.5 percent of the service will be francophone. Said sports owner and Canadian Satellite Radio boss John Bitove, "This is just absolutely shocking."
Canadian Satellite Radio has announced a retail distribution agreement with Best Buy and Future Shop .
(26 August 2005)
Both retailers are expected to feature XM products across Canada as well as on their websites. Best Buy of Canada President Kevin Layden said of the agreement, "XM Satellite Radio has been a great product for Best Buy stores in the U.S. and we've been patiently waiting for almost two years for CSR to be licenses, so we are incredibly excited by the opportunity to finally bring XM to Canadian consumers through our two national chains."
Sirius has announced the introduction of the Starmate Replay and Sirius One, two of its most compact "Plug & Play" radios for vehicles.
(26 August 2005)
Both models are scheduled for availability in October. The Starmate Replay, measuring 5 by 1.9 inches with a 0.8 inch thickness, weighs 3.9 ounces and features a five-line screen displaying the artist's name and song title. It also features a "game alert" to prompt listeners wen their favorite teams begin a game or when scores change. It should retail for $129.99. At 2.8 by 4.5 inches the Sirius One has been specially developed for quick and easy vehicle installation including on the sun visor, windshield, dash board or instrument panel. It has 30 channel presets and is expected to retail for $79.99.
Canadian Satellite Radio has announced an agreement with Telesat Canada to install terrestrial repeaters across Canada.
(26 August 2005)
Said CSR President Stephen Tapp, "Unlike cellular phones, which only work off cellular towers in certain areas, CSR will implement repeaters to enhance the national satellite signal that covers Canada to make sure Canadians hear our signal in crystal-clear digital format, in both urban and rural markets."
The number two satellite radio broadcaster is getting Sirius about traffic.
(26 August 2005)
Sirius has announced that it will broadcast traffic data in 22 major U.S. metropolitan areas starting in November. The satcaster will work with traffic data provider NAVTEQ to collect and report information from a variety of sources including police and emergency services. The initial metropolitan areas slated for coverage are Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York City, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, SanFrancisco/Oakland, San Diego, San Jose, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa and Washington D.C.
Sirius has announced its first wearable satellite radio, the S50.
(25 August 2005)
It allows users to capture and store up to 50 hours of Sirius content or a mix of Sirius programming and MP3/WMA files. It's scheduled for availability this October. Measuring 1.9 by 3.9 inches and 0.7 inches thick the S50 features a full color display, black exterior and voice-assisted channel navigation. Said Sirius President of Operations and Sales Jim Meyer, "The wearable Sirius S50 provides subscribers with extensive versatility when it comes to when, where and how they receive their favorite Sirius programming." The S50 is expected to sell for $359.99.
In "The Great White North" thousands are pre-registering for Canadian Satellite Radio (CSR).
(25 August 2005)
More than three thousand have signed up in July at the Toronto Molson Indy and the Dark Knights Nationals racing events, as well as directly via the CSR website . Said CSR President Stephen Tapp, "Thousands of Canadians have committed to the benefits of our satellite radio offering: the diversity, choice and portability are obviously appealing to a broad spectrum of the population."
"King of All Media" Howard Stern is getting some Sirius cash from satellite radio.
(24 August 2005)
The satcaster has announced that it will pay him $500 million over five years, hoping to make it back by charging sponsors for commercial time. Companies are currently paying Stern about $20,000 to read their ad copy live on the air. Sirius expects to be able to charge roughly the same prices, even though sponsors would be reaching less than half the number of Stern's current listeners.
XM is attempting to reach out to New Yorkers by hiring Nathaniel Brown as its new senior vice president of corporate communications.
(24 August 2005)
He will be based in New York and expected to focus on the music and entertainment aspects of the satellite radio service. Since 2000 Brown has served as media relations veep for Sony BMG. He had previously been with Hachette Filipacchi Media and Dan Klores Communications . He will report directly to XM boss Hugh Panero.
Suzuki is getting an XM-rating for its new 2006 models.
(24 August 2005)
The Suzuki Grand Vitara and XL-7 are expected to be offered with XM Radio for the first time this fall. XM veep for OEM business Paul Kirsch said of the decision, "Suzuki's decision to offer XM-ready audio systems as standard equipment on the Grand Vitara and XL-7 is further proof that XM is being enthusiastically embraced by consumers."
When XM's Hot Import Nights comes to Atlantic City on 10 September the show promises to be one of the most spectacular of the season.
(23 August 2005)
DJ Lady Tribe and The Murda Mamis will be featured performers in a special one-night event. Subaru's DC Shoes Gumball 3000 Road Rally STi cars from Europe will also be on display at the Atlantic City Convention Center. The Bombshell Models will duke it out in the poker arena.
The Stones are getting Sirius.
(23 August 2005)
The famed rockers are featured on a special all-Rolling Stones music channel that includes five decades of their music, rare tracks, live cuts and previews from A Bigger Bang , their first studio album since 1997. Rolling Stones Radio starts today and continues through 29 September. It will also air nightly concert playbacks featuring album versions of the Stones' songs in the order in which they were performed on stage. Said Sirius President of Entertainment and Sports Scott Greenstein, "The Rolling Stones are the essence of he spirit of rock n' roll, and with this partnership, Sirius is truly giving the Rolling Stones and Sirius subscribers 'a bigger bang.'"
According to Mediaweek Arbitron is going to begin including satellite radio as part of its syndicated ratings surveys beginning this Fall.
(23 August 2005)
All satellite radio channels are eligible, but only those channels with enough audience to meet minimum reporting standards will be included in the survey. Neither Sirius nor XM subscribes to Arbitron's rating service, although XM uses custom research from the firm.
Digital set-top box maker Humax has announced that it is getting Sirius.
(22 August 2005)
The satcaster has signed a contract calling for the South Korean company to develop and provide digital radios on an original design manufacturing basis by the end of this year. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed because of a confidentiality agreement, according to Humax spokesman Chang Sae-chan.
The Headliners Entertainment Group is getting ready to be XM-rated.
(21 August 2005)
The producer of the Rascals Comedy Classics library and the Rascals Comedy Hour has signed a licensing agreement with the satcaster to broadcast performances by Ray Romano, Drew Carey, Tim Allen, Sinbad, Dennis Leary and others. Headliners CEO Ed Rodriguez said, "We believe the licensing agreement with XM Satellite Radio will provide an additional revenue stream and provide a substantial new distribution for our Rascals Comedy Classics, bringing listening pleasure to millions of people worldwide."
Cleveland is getting ready to be XM-rated when the satcaster's Hot Import Nights comes to the IX Center on 27 August.
(19 August 2005)
The presentation of Vision Entertainment and Valvoline Synpower is scheduled for Atlantic City on 9 September, Pleasanton, CA on 8 October, Phoenix on 15 October, Anaheim on 3 December, Miami on 10 December and Honolulu on 17 December.
A special six-part series spotlighting country music star Shania Twain debuts on XM on 22 August at 9 a.
(18 August 2005)
m.(ET) on Highway (Channel 16). The well known singer is now officially XM-rated in "Shania Twain: Forever and For Always." The series chronicles her life and career from her early days in Nashville to her current status as international star. Said Shania, "I'm excited to explore this long-form interview concept and bring something unique and different to the table with this six-part series on XM."
XM will be an integral part of the release of "Have a Nice Day," the new Island Records offering by Bon Jovi.
(17 August 2005)
As part of the band's partnership with Network Live , a venture of America Online, AEG and the satcaster, the new album will be launched during a live multi-media event on 19 September at 9:00 p.m. (ET). The first band performance ever at the Nokia Theater at Times Square will be broadcast live by XM and AOL.com. Said Jon Bon Jovi, "This team we're working with has given us the opportunity to share new music with our fans on every imaginable level -- in person, on the radio, online and in theaters across the country."
Members of the Congressional Black Caucus are speaking out against Sirius' decision to cancel The Word Network .
(16 August 2005)
Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD), Corrine Brown (D-FLA) and Albert R. Wynn (D-MD) have asked Sirius executives not to cancel the religious family channel for African-American ministries and gospel music. "We view the availability of family-oriented programming such as The Word Network as consistent with the promotion of the FCC's public policy objectives," wrote Cummings and Wynn in a letter to Sirius boss "Mellow Mel" Karmazin.
Exercise guru Richard Simmons is getting Sirius.
(16 August 2005)
He will create and host a weekly three hour talk show exclusively for the satellite broadcaster starting on Sunday, 2 October. Airing from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. (ET) the program will feature Simmons reading people's letters on the air and calling them to give advice. The show will often be broadcast live from Simmons' Beverly Hills weight loss center with a live studio audience. Said Simmons, "The exciting thing about this show on Sirius is being able to reach a national audience on a personal level."
XM has announced that its Latin music hits channel Alegria (channel 90) will focus on Reggaeton .
(16 August 2005)
The popular Latin Hip Hop genre will make up the majority of the tracks played on the channel. XM Executive Vice President of Programming Eric Logan said, "XM has a very strong commitment to Latin music, so it makes sense for us to focus one of our channels on Reggaeton. Reggaeton is incredibly popular, yet it doesn't get as much exposure in the U.S. as it deserves."
Executives at The Word Network are angry -- and they're not Sirius.
(15 August 2005)
They're delivering over 15,000 letters of protest to the satcaster's decision to end Word Network broadcasts when the current contract expires on 2 September. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, host of Rainbow Push with Jesse Jackson, Word vice president of operations Lewis Gibbs, and Word director of marketing John Mattiello met with Sirius vice president of programming Jay Clark to deliver more than 15,000 cards to protest the decision. The protest is an attempt by Word to persuade Sirius to renew the contract, the cancellation of which comes as Sirius gears up for the arrival of "King of All Media" Howard Stern.
According to TWICE a new "executive" desktop docking station has been introduced by Directed Electronics .
(11 August 2005)
The new device is compatible both with Sirius Satellite Radio receivers and iPods. It includes micro speakers with a 20-watt amplifier and has outputs to connect to a computer and other devices. It is expected to sell for $199.99.
Sirius has officially launched BBC Radio 1 during the channel's Chris Moyles Breakfast Show.
(11 August 2005)
Known for its support of up-and-coming British artists, in-studio performances and interviews, and coverage of the international music and entertainment scene, Radio 1 is expected to provide Sirius listeners with a mix of pop, rock, R&B and hip-hop. Said Sirius president of entertainment and sports Scott Greenstein, "BBC Radio 1's global popularity and its importance in the world of music can't be underestimated." Radio 1 can be heard on Sirius channel 97.
Delphi and XM are introducing the RoadyXT, the smallest, thinnest satellite radio ever.
(10 August 2005)
The RoadyXT weighs 2.8 ounces and measures 3.7 inches by 2.2 inches. This unit is only 0.61 inches deep. Delphi director Joe Damato said, "The Delphi RoadyXT sets a new standard for size, elegance and functionality." The satcaster is also teaming with Audiovox to produce the Xpress radio, a new plug-and-play receiver that is the smallest satellite receiver to offer a five-line display screen. "Audiovox is committed to the satellite radio hardware market, and to again partner with XM Satellite Radio for the debut of the new Xpress radio is testimony to that commitment," said Tom Malone, senior veep of sales for Audiovox.
Keeping pace with Sirius and XM, WorldSpace has finally issued an initial public offering.
(10 August 2005)
The stock price initially rose to $23.36, up 11 percent from its offering price of $21 on Nasdaq.
The Billboard Radio Monitor is getting Sirius -- and XM-rated.
(9 August 2005)
The weekly Mainstream Top 40 chart is going to include contributions from Sirius Hits -1 and XM Top 20 on 20, marking the first time that airplay from non-terrestrial broadcasters have been factored into the survey. "The inclusion of Sirius airplay information reinforces the impact our subscribers are having on the development and breaking of new and established artists," said Sirius senior veep Steve Blatter. Said XM's Executive Vice President of Programming Eric Logan, "Reporting our airplay data to Billboard for inclusion in national mainstream charts demonstrates the impact of XM Satellite Radio on the music industry."
XM and Altec Lansing have announced a strategic partnership.
(9 August 2005)
The relationship is expected to enhance the experience of listening to satellite radio by providing new speaker technology for both mobile and home use. The first two speaker systems should be released in October. Designated "inMotion iMX2" and "XM3020," the systems should sell for $149.95 and $99.95 respectively.
Arlington County, Virginia, has become the first entity of its kind to form a partnership with XM to broadcast emergency alerts to the public.
(9 August 2005)
The agreement enables the county to issue emergency messages from Arlington Alert to XM for broadcast on Channel 214, dedicated to traffic and weather for the Washington D.C., metro area. Said Arlington's Director of Emergency Management Bob Griffin, "Partnering with XM Satellite Radio gives us another cutting-edge way to quickly get important emergency information to Arlington residents, employees and commuters."
Despite the presence of the influential Harvard Lampoon , the Ivy League is really getting Sirius.
(9 August 2005)
The league has entered into a multi-year broadcasting agreement with the satcaster to broadcast football and men's basketball games nationwide. The deal calls for a "Game of the Week" for football and basketball, as well as a select number of men's hockey and other games throughout the season. Sirius veep for sports programming Steve Cohen said, "We're thrilled to add the Ivy League to our roster of sports offerings on Sirius."
Sirius has called for the redemption of all of its outstanding 15% Senior Secured Discount Notes due 2007 and 14.
(9 August 2005)
5% Senior Secured Notes due 2009.Notice of the redemption is expected to be mailed to the holders of the notes by the Bank of New York.
W Hotels Worldwide is getting more Sirius than ever.
(9 August 2005)
The hotel chain today announced the expansion of its partnership with the satcaster to provide in-room satellite radio to guests. "Sirius Suites," currently offered in New York and Los Angeles, will be available in Chicago, New Orleans, San Francisco, Seattle, and Silicon Valley beginning 15 August. "We are excited to be expanding our relationship with W Hotels Worldwide. We know that their guests expect the best in amenities and Sirius will be able to provide the best content in music, entertainment, news and sports," said Sirius President of Entertainment and Sports Scott Greenstein.
XM partner Canadian Satellite Radio (CSR) is getting sirius about football.
(8 August 2005)
The Toronto Star is reporting that the upstart satcaster is offering a five-year, $1 million contract to the Canadian Football League. If the league's board of governors approve the deal the broadcasts would begin this season. CSR is offering payments of $25,000 this year, $75,000 next year and up to $300,000 each season thereafter through 2010.
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has filed a petition with the FCC to deny the transfer of licenses held by WCS Wireless to XM.
(5 August 2005)
The NAB has been claiming that XM's acquisition of local and regional wireless licenses runs contrary to the satcaster's FCC license. The terrestrial broadcasters are already upset that both XM and Sirius use some channels to broadcast local weather and traffic information. Adding the spectrum coverage provided by the WCS licenses would give XM additional terrestrial coverage to 163 million people in the United States, including 15 of the top 20 markets. The NAB petition states, "Because XM has not disclosed its [plans for the WCS licenses with specificity, neither the Commission nor interested parties can determine neither or how this transfer would service the public interest."
According to the New York Post , Howard Stern's recent deal with In Demand to put portions of his new satellite radio show on pay-per-view TV could siriusly degrade the potential of his satellite radio audience.
(5 August 2005)
Apparently some Stern loyalists might balk at the idea of paying $13 a month to Sirius when they can watch the "King of All Media" and his low brow act on television for only $10. The boys in the McGraw-Hill Building apparently aren't concerned. A Sirius insider reportedly told The Post, "Not everybody listens for strippers. If people want to see strippers, they might as well get porn." No comment was made about fart machines and other sound effects.
A new survey in Canada indicates that 9 out of 10 Quebecers think that satellite radio would have a positive or at worst a neutral effect on French culture.
(5 August 2005)
The recent decision of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) requires that Canadian Satellite Radio (CSR) and Sirius Canada carry Canadian content, including French programming, when they commence operations. The decision would require that French language and content material be broadcast throughout North America. CSR French Talent and Industry Relations Director Andre DiCesare said, "A mere 5 percent of Quebeces think satellite radio could have a negative effect; however, 55 percent of Quebec residents stated that satellite radio will positively affect Canada's French culture. CSR is eager to launch our service and bring Quebecers the French content they are asking for."
According to Aviation Week AirTran is installing XM service on all 83 of its Boeing 717s by the end of this year.
(5 August 2005)
The planes are being configured at a rate of about two per week. The carrier already has XM installed in thirty-seven of its airliners.
XM has been added to NASCAR RacePoints .
(4 August 2005)
The official NASCAR rewards program is administered by StoneAcre Partners and provides fans with an opportunity to earn points when they use the products and services of their sponsors. XM offers a "hot pass" to all NASCAR NEXTEL Cup, Busch, and Craftsman Truck Series races and rewards consumers with 1500 points with the purchase of a Delphi XM2go MyFi radio, 500 points with the purchase of a Delphi XM Roady2, and 1000 points with the purchase of a Delphi XM SkyFi2.
On the heels of its strong second quarter 2005 financial report Sirius is announcing the offering of $400 million in aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes due 2013 to qualified institutional buyers.
(3 August 2005)
The company intends to use the cash to redeem all of its outstanding 15% Senior Secured Discount Notes due 2007 and some existing notes due in 2009. The remainder is to be used for general corporate purposes.
According to Communications Daily Sirius is disavowing any knowledge of the rumor that "King of All Media" Howard Stern will soon be leaving Infinity.
(3 August 2005)
Sirius boss "Mellow Mel" Karmazin, saying that he personally listened to Stern's radio show and heard Stern repeat the rumor, emphasized "We have not heard anything." He went on to say, "We certainly have no interest in interfering with Infinity's contractual relationship with Howard."
The New York Times is getting XM-rated.
(3 August 2005)
The company has reached a deal to supply news, information and music programming to the satcaster from their newly established radio unit. The agreement calls for XM to place news, features, reviews and commentary from newspaper and radio employees of the Times company on its satellite channels. "Reflections From the Keyboard," a music series on the Times company's radio station WQXR (New York) is also going to be placed on one of XM's classical channels. Jointly developed hourly newscasts and quarterly music specials are also anticipated.
It appears that the number two satellite broadcaster is finally starting to get Sirius.
(2 August 2005)
The satcaster reports record revenue for the second quarter of 2005 with subscriber additions up 184% over the same period last year. As of 30 June, Sirius has 1,814,626 subscribers, an addition of 365,931 during the quarter. Quarterly revenue is also up 295% over the same period last year. Sirius is now raising its 2005 year-end guidance to 3 million subscribers. Said Sirius boss "Mellow Mel" Karmazin, "Our great second quarter results clearly indicate that momentum for Sirius is accelerating."
Forget Anna Kournikova and the Williams Sisters .
(2 August 2005)
The U.S. Tennis Association can be XM-rated without them. The organization has signed a multi-year broadcasting and marketing partnership with XM. The three-year partnership calls for live broadcasts of the U.S. Open starting this year from Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing, anchored by Bud Collins. The deal also includes weekly reports from the U.S. Open Series, the North American summer season of 10 ATP and Sony Ericsson WTA Tour tournaments linked to the U.S. Open.
Toyota is continuing to get sirius.
(2 August 2005)
The automaker has announced that Sirius hardware is available as both a dealer and post-production option for the 2005 Avalon and the 2006 Lexus GS 300/430. MSRP for the Sirius post-production option is expected to be $449 on the Avalon and $486 on the Lexus.
Canadian Satellite Radio (CSR) is building a studio in Vancouver, complementing the one already in the works in Toronto.
(2 August 2005)
"Vancouver is going to be one of our hubs. We will broadcast from Vancouver and hire local talent. In addition to Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, we'll probably announce two or three more studios in the country." said CSR boss John Bitove.
Ford is getting more sirius than ever.
(1 August 2005)
The automaker has announced that Ford and Lincoln Mercury will begin offering Sirius Satellite Radio as a factory-installed option starting this month. The rollout schedule calls for the Ford F150 to get Sirius this month, followed by the Lincoln Mark LT in September and the Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer in December. Said Sirius OEM Veep Doug Wilsterman, "We are very excited about the start of Ford's factory program for Sirius. It will now be even easier for Ford customers to hear the unique programming that Sirius offers, and to see first-hand how this will enhance their driving experience." The price for getting Sirius with Ford is $195 and includes a six-month subscription.
Delphi is helping to bring satellite radio to India.
(1 August 2005)
The company has announced that it has signed an agreement with WorldSpace to make mobile satellite radio available in Asia for the first time. Delphi-WorldSpace Mobile Satellite Audio receivers are expected to be marketed first in India and subsequently in China. They should be available in India in the first half of 2006.