News Articles From Days Gone ByXM Hot Import Nights (HIN) fans should enjoy Nightshift, the latest offering from Action Media and the satcaster.
(31 August 2006)
The event debuts in Las Vegas on Saturday, 9 September from 4-11 PM(PT) at Sam Boyd Stadium. The event features live performances from T-Pain and Paula Deanda as well as drifting demos and stunt bike exhibitions. more>>
Sirius fans of WLEE in Richmond, Virginia may want to tune in to XM.
(31 August 2006)
The satcaster is reviving the 1960's version of the station on Channel 6. "The 60s" includes five hours of music, radio station jingles, sound checks and mention of Richmond high schools, restaurants and people. It hits the spacewaves on 1 September from 4 to 9 PM(ET). more>>
XM Canada is making more management changes.
(31 August 2006)
The Canadian XM affiliate has announced the appointment of Donald McKenzie to the position of Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing. McKenzie has more than 22 years of sales and marketing experience in a variety of industries and most recently served with Clearnet. more>>
Sirius is apparently ready to launch an online radio service that will allow web junkies to listen to music played at 128 kbps.
(31 August 2006)
It is reported that Sirius Internet Radio Plus will be offered at an introductory price of $12.95 a month. There are no details on when the new service will commence. more>>
In addition to providing weather and traffic information, XM is getting into the parking business.
(31 August 2006)
XM ParkingLink is a joint venture of the satcaster, Standard Parking and Quixote and was first demonstrated at the Intelligent Transportation Society World Congress in San Francisco last November. more>>
HD radio is hitting the New York area in a big way.
(31 August 2006)
Consumer electronics giant RadioShack is expanding its rollout of HD radio receivers to include approximately 250 of the 350 RadioShack stores in the the New York metropolitan area. The retailer is prepared to explain and demonstrated HD radio's expanded programming and high-quality sound to interested consumers. more>>
Those not so sirius about satellite radio may want to consider just listening to some music courtesy of AOL.
(30 August 2006)
The Internet giant has revamped its Web-based music download service, adding videos, streaming radio, including XM, and user community features. The new version of AOL Music Now debuted Tuesday. more>>
Sirius HipHop DJ Dirty Harry has released Unforgiven, his latest mixtape.
(29 August 2006)
To celebrate the new offering he has launched a Sirius show called Sudden Impact, which spaces on Saturday afternoons. Said Harry, "It's been a long time in the making." more>>
In what is seen as a major break for XM the Federal Communications Commission has cleared the satcaster for the resumption of production of three of its popular satrads (see RUsirius.com story dated 14 August 2006).
(28 August 2006)
The commission also reviewed and cleared several Sirius satrads as part of its decision. In both cases the units in question were found to have been interfering with nearby terrestrial radio receivers. more>>
Bob Dylan's popular XM show is coming to AOL.
(28 August 2006)
AOL Radio will begin carrying the program, "Theme Time Radio Hour" on Wednesday, 30 August. The network is also carrying 18 "Theme Time" shows back-to-back as part of XM's weeknd-long marathon starting on Friday, 1 September at 6 PM(ET). AOL is also simulcasting XM's world premiere of Bob Dylan's latest offering, Modern Times. more>>
Niles Audio continues to become ever more sirius about HD radio.
(28 August 2006)
The company has announced the official release of its new HD Radio module for its IntelliControl whole-house distributed audio system. The new module enables IntelliControl users to listen to HD broadcasts throughout their distributed audio systems. Said Niles prez Frank Sterns, "The TM-HD/R module represents a quantum leap forward in radio listening enjoyment." more>>
Country Bash '06 is officially XM-rated.
(24 August 2006)
The Los Angeles country festival is replacing KZLA (93.9 FM) with the satcaster as its official sponsor. XM is using the occasion to promote its selection of nine different country music channels to LA listeners. The event featuring Gretchen Wilson , Phil Vassar and SHeDAISY is being held on 14 October at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater. more>>
Bridge Ratings has released its latest survey results and they indicate that the average radio listener (satellite, terrestrial and internet) spends 34 hours per week listening and that 67 percent of listeners are not interested in listening to music on their cell phones.
(24 August 2006)
The survey also indicated that 78 percent of XM and Sirius subscribers planned to renew heir subscriptions. Bridge projects year end satellite radio subscriptions of 8.1 million for XM and 6.5 million for Sirius. more>>
Anyone who thinks that HD radio won't last should take a look at Arbitron's Technology and Research Center in Columbia, MD.
(24 August 2006)
The ratings service features a Boston Acoustics Recepter HD receiver in its lobby. "HD Radio stations are emerging rapidly as broadcasters adopt the new technology. There are currently 962 stations across the United States," said an Arbitron spokeswoman. more>>
HD radio technoheads will be pleased to know that Wireless Telecom has introduced the Noise Com DSG9000 digital signal generator.
(23 August 2006)
The devices are sid to be the first commercially available product line that is certified by iBiquity to provide digital test signals in both AM and FM bands. more>>
There are now five more radio stations broadcasting in HD in the Pacific Northwest.
(23 August 2006)
Entercom Seattle is launching live rock on FM frequency 99.9 HD2, roots music and blues on 103.7 HD2, world music on 107.7 HD2, all comedy on 100.7 HD2 and urban adult contemporary on 97.3HD2. more>>
MSNBC is no longer good enough to be XM-rated.
(22 August 2006)
The satcaster has confirmed that as of 4 September the cable network's news programming (XM 130) will no longer be available. Said an XM spokesperson, "XM has 13 different news channels and it regularly updates its schedule to make way for new channels." more>>
The long-awaited i-Sonic entertainment system from Polk (see RUsirius.com story dated 17 July 2006) is finally ready to ship.
(22 August 2006)
The i-Sonic is the first product to include an HD radio tuner, a DVD/CD player and an XM satrad. It sells for $599 in the U.S and $719 in Canada. more>>
Need a place to go to get XM-rated?
(21 August 2006)
Try Satellite Radio Superstore . The outfit has entered the ranks of the Top 10 Independent Retailers for XM. "We feel our competitive advantage is our trained and committed staff that works hard to bring each customer the very bes in service and support," says Matt Moffett, President of Satellite Radio Superstore. more>>
He may not be riding on the Marrakech Express or hanging out at the Suite Judy Blue Eyes but former rock legend Graham Nash is comfortable at XM.
(18 August 2006)
He'll be hosting a new music program called "SongStories with Graham Nash." The show spotlights Nash interviewing Carole King, Grace Slick, Ben E. King and other singer/songwriters covered in Nash's book, "Off The Record." Said Nash, "The songs we'll explore are ones whose lyrics have become emotional landmarks for many people, and continue to resonate through our lives." The program debuts on The Loft (channel 50) on Monday, 21 August at 11 PM(ET). more>>
XM is announcing the commencement of an offer to allow May 2006 Private Placement Notes to be fully tradable.
(18 August 2006)
The company is offering an exchange of a new series of 9.75% Senior Notes due in 2014 and a new series of Senior Floating Rate notes due in 2013 registered under the Securities Act of 1933 for all of the 9.75% Senior Notes due in 2014 and Senior Floating Rate Notes due in 2013, respectively, issued in May 2006 as part of a private placement under Rule 144A. more>>
Clear Channel and CBS are more sirius than ever about HD radio.
(18 August 2006)
The former says that 269 of its radio stations in 66 markets are now set to air HD digital multicasts. The new channels will be made available at the company's HD2 streaming site and will either complement existing on-air programming or bring new genres to local listeners. CBS has added HD stations in four more markets: Austin, Buffalo, Rochester and West Palm Beach. CBS now has 85 HD stations. more>>
Satellite radio investors have apparently been calling for a merger between Sirius and XM.
(17 August 2006)
The reason, according to the Hollywood Reporter , is that both companies finished at the bottom of a recent entertainment stock index. Meanwhile, some Sirius subscribers are threatening to abandon the satcaster over the recent antics of "King of All Media" Howard Stern, who apparently failed to show up at the funeral of producer Gary Dell'Abate's father over the weekend. more>>
Kenworth drivers can finally get Sirius.
(17 August 2006)
The truck manufacturer has announced that the satcaster's systems will be included on selected Class 8 models with the VIT sleeper interior. Three months of complimentary Sirius service is included in the deal. "Driver comfort is especially important in the trucking industry today as drivers spend more time in their trucks under the hours of service regulations," said Gary Moore, Kenworth assistant general manager for marketing and sales. more>>
In its continuing effort to promote HD radio the HD Digital Radio Alliance is promoting devices that can turn any car radio into a high-definition digital stereo.
(17 August 2006)
In a $200 million campaign to sell the quality of HD radio, the alliance is offering a converter box through auto dealerships starting in November. The converters allow car stereos to receive terrestrial stations with HD subcarriers. more>>
GM is cheapening satellite radio.
(16 August 2006)
The automaker is dropping the cost of factory-installed XM systems from $325 to $199. The reduction represents a 39 percent drop for the optional equipment and reflects increases in engineering that allow for more a efficient installation. "The strong support of General MOtors and its customers has been a key factor in establishing and maintaining XM's leadership position in satellite radio and in-car entertainment," said XM Executive Vice President Steve Cook. more>>
Sirius satheads should start thinking about the Stilleto, a fully-portable satrad than can be taken anywhere.
(16 August 2006)
The unit has some sirius features like a bigger screen and an easy-to-use click wheel. It also features up to 100 hours of MP3 music and audio via WiFi connectivity. It retails for $399.99. more>>
HD radio is continuing its march across he globe.
(16 August 2006)
The HD Digital Radio Alliance has announced that 18 new, local markets will begin HD2 multicast programming this fall. "We're even surprised by how fast this is moving," said Peter Ferrara, president and CEO of the alliance. The next 18 markets to roll out HD2 multicasting are Austin, TX, Raleigh, NC, Nashville, Greensboro, NC, New Orleans, West Palm Beach, Monmouth Ocean, NJ, Buffalo, Oklahoma City, Rochester, NY, Louisville, KY, Richmond, VA, Greenville, SC, Honolulu, Tucson, Albany, NY and Ft. Myers, FL. more>>
The March of Dimeday is getting Sirius.
(15 August 2006)
The satcaster's Hard Attack is presenting he second annual March of Dimeday on Sunday, 20 August. The event celebrates the life and music of Pantera / Damageplan guitar star Darrell "Dimebag" Abbott. more>>
Satheads should get ready for MusicDock.
(15 August 2006)
It's a device that allows users to listen to satcasts on any mobile device that is compatible with Windows Media 9 or higher. It's necessary to have a GPRS or faster internet connection. Extra software is not required. more>>
Canadian shock jock Jeff Fillon is now officially XM-rated.
(14 August 2006)
The man who proved he wasn't sirius by commenting on the size of a woman's breasts has signed a five-year deal with XM. The courts took him siriusly, fining station CHOI $340,000 to pay for "vicious, sexist and malicious" on-air comments targeting Sophie Chiasson. FIllon's satcast begins next month on XM channel 172. more>>
The Federal Communications Commission is stepping up its investigation of XM satrads suspected of interfering with nearby terrestrial receivers.
(14 August 2006)
The move is seen as a setback for the satcaster as it attempts to get its receivers back on the market. more>>
XM Canada is going trucking.
(14 August 2006)
The Ontario Trucking Association is teaming up with the satcaster to offer carrier members a guaranteed lowest subscription price. "Through this agreement, we have guaranteed that OTA members who wish to purchase XM for their fleet vehicles will get the lowest rate possible, hassle free," said OTA president David Bradley. more>>
XM is getting sirius about Starbucks.
(11 August 2006)
The satcaster has announced that it will release a new compilation CD from its series "Artist Confidential" for sale exclusively at the trendy coffee shops. Artist Confidential, Vol. 1 features renditions of "Clocks" by Coldplay, "Always On My Mind" by Willie Nelson, and "Whole Lotta Love" by Robert Plant. Performances by Bonnie Raitt, Roseanne Cash, Phil Collins and Cyndi Lauper are also included. Said XM's Lee Abrams, "The performances captured during an XM Artist Confidential are always so incredible, we wanted to share some of our favorites with the larger community of music fans." The CD should be available on 29 August. more>>
Harness racing is getting SIrius.
(11 August 2006)
The sport will have a show, "Down the Stretch," every Saturday at 10 AM(ET) on Sirius channel 125. Said show producer Ed Pappas, "We believe we are giving harness racing what it deserves, a quality radio program available throughout the U.S. and Canada to Sirius subscribers." more>>
Cellphones are now officially XM-rated.
(10 August 2006)
XM has announced a deal with Alltel Wireless to distribute some o its commercial-free channels over cellphones. The deal is said to be similar to a deal Sirius has with Sprint. Alltel subscribers can get access to 20 XM music channels for a monthly fee of $7.99. more>>
After a brief hiatus courtesy of the Federal Communications Commission (see RUsirius.com story dated 1 August 2006), Sirius is ready to get its manufacturing business back on line.
(10 August 2006)
Kiryung Electronics has received new grants of authority from the FCC for the Xact Visor, the Sirius One and the Sportster Replay. more>>
Paul van Dyk is finally getting Sirius.
(10 August 2006)
The German native is launching his own weekly show on Sirius starting on 31 August. Paul van Dyk's Vonyc Sessions will be hit the spacewaves every Thursday from 6 to 8 PM(ET) on Area 33 (channel 33) and will be repeated on Saturdays from 8 to 10 PM(ET) and Tuesdays from 12 midnight to 2 AM(ET). To showcase their new star Sirius is broadcasting van Dyk's concerts taking place on 18 and 19 August from Central Park in New York. Said van Dyk, "I am thrilled to be joining Sirius Satellite Radio and Area 33. Broadcasting my live appearance at Central Park is the perfect way to kick off this new endeavor and I'm excited to have the Sirius listeners enjoy such an exciting event." The Central Park shows are being broadcast on 25 August. more>>
Volvo is getting Sirius.
(9 August 2006)
The automaker, a Ford unit, has said that Sirius satellite radio systems will become a factory installed option this summer on certain cars. Said Sirius Senior Vice President and General Manager, Automotive OEM Doug Wilsterman, "We are very excited about our relationship with Volvo and the launch of factory installed Sirius on the heels of the successful Special Edition S60, which featured Sirius as well." Sirius satrads are being offered as options on the S40, V50, C70 and S80 vehicles for the 2007 model year. more>>
Get ready for Sports Nation, XM's new 24-hour sports and news talk channel.
(9 August 2006)
The new venture is expected to incorporate existing XM-produced shows hosted by the likes of Cal Ripken, Dale Earnhardt and Mike Krzyzewski. Also featured will be programs from longtime broadcaster Tim Brando and former NFL star and recent Hall of Fame inductee Troy Aikman. more>>
Sirius satheads should get ready for "Concerts in the Sky," a showcase for live performances from top name acts, indie artists and music legends.
(7 August 2006)
The program is hosted by Jesse Dylan on the East Coast and Jaci Rae on the West Coast with guests hooked up remotely. "It will be exciting to showcase independent artists who may not have had an opportunity to perform at this level as well as honoring our legendary artists in music history," said Rae. The show hits the spacewaves on 25 August at noon (ET) on Sirius channel 114. more>>
Ford, General Motors and Mazda may not be so sirius about satellite radio after all.
(4 August 2006)
The automakers are teaming with Apple to make it easier for users to integrate their iPods into a car stereo system. General Motors has said that it has developed an "affordable, all-new iPod adaptor, allowing music lovers to use their iPoid with the factory installed audio system in GM vehicles, beginning this fall." The "personal Audio Link" will sell at GM dealerships for less than $160. It is estimated that by 2007, more than 70 percent of all U.S.-based car makers will offer iPod integration. more>>
Sirius has named Adrienne Calderone to the post of Senior Vice President and Controller.
(4 August 2006)
In this position she will be responsible for public reporting and Sarbanes-Oxley compliance as well as overseeing billing and revenue assurance, general accounting, payroll, tax and financial operations. She has previously served in a similar position at PanAmSat . more>>
Sirius star Howard Stern has been double dog dared by Opie and Anthony.
(3 August 2006)
The duo challenged the "King of All Media" to get them kicked off "The Late Show with David Letterman." Stern claimed to have been contacted by someone from the show asking for permission to book Opie (Gregg Hughes) and Anthony (Cumia). The reaction from Cumia was not unexpected. "Howard does this all the time. He says things that can never be confirmed. There's no accountability. We are telling Howard, go ahead, put his foot down. If he can get us taken off Letterman, do it." "We dare you," Hughes added. "He's so full of crap." more>>
HD radio is becoming so popular that iBiquity is expanding its automotive team to meet the increasing demands.
(3 August 2006)
"We are working with virtually every OEM manufacturer doing business in North America, and today's announcement will assure we continue to provide the best sales, marketing and technical support for our automotive partners," said Bobert Struble, iBiquity Digital Corporation, president and chief executive officer. more>>
Gooooooogle is now XM-rated.
(2 August 2006)
The world's favorite search engine is said to have reached a deal to have its commercial advertising available on the satcaster's non-music channels. The agreement includes Google's AdWords' customers ability to use dMarc media to place terrestrial and satellite radio spots. more>>
Satheads wanting to get even more Sirius will be happy to know that the satcaster has announced that it expects to debut a new "personal live satellite radio product" later this month.
(2 August 2006)
Says Sirius boss "Mellow Mel" Karmazin, "Our personal live satellite radio product, Stiletto, is great. We have been beta testing it for a few weeks and we will have it available to consumers by the end of the summer." more>>
Elvis Week is getting Sirius.
(2 August 2006)
The satcaster's all-Elvis music channel, Elvis Radio, (channel 13) is providing national coverage of the annual Elvis Week celebration in Memphis from 8-16 August. In-depth reports, celebrity guest DJs, and fan interviews are expected during the festivities. more>>
HD radio is going Hispanic.
(2 August 2006)
The increasing availability of the new format in the United States has resulted in an explosion of new Hispanic channels. Stations whose primary format is in English are now launching HD2 multicast channels in Spanish. Said Alfredo Alonso, senior vice president, Hispanic Radio for Clear Channel, "Spanish-speaking listeners comprise a huge and growing part of our listener base." more>>
Sirius reported a second quarter loss of $0.
(1 August 2006)
11 per share compared with an expectation of $0.15 per share.Revenues, however, rose to $10.1 million from the $523.2 million reported last year. The satcaster boosted its full year revenue forecast to $615 million, from previous expectations of $600 million. more>>
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is asking the U.
(1 August 2006)
S.government to recall any satellite radio device that is in violation of the current interference standards. NAB President David Rehr has informed Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin that the NAB has commissioned a study finding that 13 satellite radio devices currently on the market exceed the FCC's field-strength limits. more>>
XM is getting more sirius about traffic.
(1 August 2006)
The satcaster has announced that its NavTraffic service will launch in 13 additional U.S. metropolitan areas during the third quarter of this year. The 13 new XM NavTraffic markets include Austin, TX, Buffalo, NY, Charlotte, NC, Columbus, OH, Hartford, CT, Indianapolis, IN, Kansas City , KS, Las Vegas, NV, Memphis, TN, Nashville, TN, Norfolk, VA, Sarasota, FL, and West Palm Beach, FL. more>>