News Articles From Days Gone ByiBiquity is having its say.
(29 August 2008)
The HD Radio purveyor is apparently responding to an inquiry from the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC inquiry deals with the issue of whether or not SiriusXM should be required to include an HD Radio capability in any future satellite radio receiver (see related story dated 27 August below). iBiquity's position on this issue is pretty obvious. more>>
Brother Ray is in Denver.
(28 August 2008)
Jamie Foxx, best known for his Academy Award-winning portrayal of the late Ray Charles, is going to get Sirius at the Democratic National Convention tonight. Foxx is taking his Foxxhole Radio channel to the big event to deliver reports from every angle of the convention, culminating in the historic acceptance speech of Barack Obama. more>>
It's baaaack.
(27 August 2008)
The Federal Communications Commission is said to be reconsidering the issue of forcing SiriusXM to include HD Radio capabilities in satrads. The move is in response to complaints from Senators John Kerry (D-MA), Claire McCaskill (D-MO) and Ben Cardin (D-MD) who said in a letter to the FCC that called such a capability "an essential check against the merged entity using its monopoly power to stifle a promising new free, over-the-air technology." more>>
Sony is ZAPPIN.
(27 August 2008)
The company is introducing a new car stereo system with ZAPPIN technology, which offers listeners a new and unique way of searching for and selecting music. The first model, the CDX-GT630UI, connects directly to iPods or digital music players via USB and features a Quick-BrowZer that selects music via a "rotate and push" button. It's expected to retail for around $160. more>>
Satrad retail sales are better than expected.
(26 August 2008)
Analysts had been expecting a decline in satellite radio retail sales of roughly 30%. What they got instead was a drop of only 14% with Sirius being down only 1% on a year to year basis and XM down 52% compared with 2007. The new Al-La-Carte radios are expected to help business pick up soon. more>>
Michelle goes XM.
(26 August 2008)
Michelle Obama was interviewed last night by Gayle King for this week's "Oprah & Friends" (channel 156). The interview took place hours before her major speech on opening night at the Democratic National Convention in Denver. Asked about Joe Biden, her husband Barack Obama's choice for Vice President, Michelle said, "I always tell him, 'This is your choice. You will be the president of the United States and you've got to have somebody that you can trust.'" The interview spaces throughout the week. more>>
Who needs royalties?
(25 August 2008)
BMI does. After all the fees have been collected from terrestrial, satellite, and internet radio they often wind up in the hands of Broadcast Music, Inc. The company has announced that it has recently topped the $900 million mark in revenues for this year. Says BMI prez Del Bryant, "BMI has been extraordinarily successful in signing the brightest and most popular new music creators across all genres, building upon a repertoire that already includes the most beloved songs of America's legendary songwriters and composers." more>>
It's time to get Sirius about politics.
(24 August 2008)
The satcaster kicks off it's convention coverage tomorrow from the Democratic National Convention in Denver. There are two dedicated channels, one in English (channel 113) and one in Spanish (channel 119). Both will carry uninterrupted gavel-to-gavel coverage. Coverage of the Republican National Convention from Minneapolis begins on the same two channels on 1 September. more>>
The satcaster kicks off it's convention coverage tomorrow from the Democratic National Convention in Denver.
(21 August 2008)
There are two dedicated channels, one in English (channel 113) and one in Spanish (channel 119). Both will carry uninterrupted gavel-to-gavel coverage. Coverage of the Republican National Convention from Minneapolis begins on the same two channels on 1 September.
SoundExchange says "Commercials!" After insisting on new royalties from Pandora (see RUsirius.com story dated 18 August) SoundExchange boss Jon Simson says the popular webcaster should add audio ads between songs. "They're not right now in the business of selling advertising. If they were...they'd actually have ads in the streams. Buy they say that's what makes over-the-air radio bad." more>>
There are two dedicated channels, one in English (channel 113) and one in Spanish (channel 119).
(20 August 2008)
Both will carry uninterrupted gavel-to-gavel coverage. Coverage of the Republican National Convention from Minneapolis begins on the same two channels on 1 September.
SoundExchange says "Commercials!" After insisting on new royalties from Pandora (see RUsirius.com story dated 18 August) SoundExchange boss Jon Simson says the popular webcaster should add audio ads between songs. "They're not right now in the business of selling advertising. If they were...they'd actually have ads in the streams. Buy they say that's what makes over-the-air radio bad."
HD Radio is gaining momentum. HD Radio purveyor iBiquity has announced significant momentum for digital radio installations. Says iBiquity prez Bob Struble, "The number of automakers announcing HD Radio receiver installations at the factory continues to grow. Complementing that success, aftermarket retailers are increasing their commitment to the technology as additional products come to market." more>>
The Pink Channel is on.
(19 August 2008)
A combined effort of Premiere Radio Networks and City of Hope, the channel spaces on XM 24. The Pink Channel is the first radio channel supporting the fight against cancers, particularly those affecting women. A weekly celebrity host is expected to report on City of Hope's latest cancer research and treatment programs. Some of the upcoming hosts include Jordin Sparks, Olivia Newton-John and Jillian Michaels. more>>
There's a new chip for HD Radio.
(18 August 2008)
The SP1010 single chip HD receiver by SiPort has been approved by iBiquity and is ready for the market. It's expected to be available for manufacturers of analog and digital mobile, tabletop and automotive applications. Said SiPort CEO Sid Agrawal, "HD Radio certification is an important milestone for SiPort and validates our unwavering commitment to delivering the highest performance HD Radio solution." more>>
Is Pandora 's box finally closed?
(18 August 2008)
Due to higher royalty fees paid to SoundExchange (see RUsirius.com story dated 12 June 2008) the popular webcaster may have to shut down. Politicians in Washington D.C. are attempting to relieve some of the pressure but their attempts don't appear to be working. Says Pandora founder Tim Westergren, "The moment we think this problem im Washington is not going to get solved, we have to pull the plug." more>>
It's money that matters.
(16 August 2008)
Sirius boss "Mellow Mel" Karmazin admitted as much when he discussed his "ugly" debt deal immediately prior to the merger with rival XM. A late bond sale on the evening of Monday, 28 July, was struck to permit the $2.76 billion all-stock buyout to take place. Mel apparently was concerned that terrestrial radio owners would attempt to stop the merger via the courts after the final approval from the Federal Communications Commission. The best way to stop a lawsuit, he reasoned, was to complete the transaction as quickly as possible. "I hated it," said Mel. "It was unfortunate, but we did it." more>>
The company formerly known as WorldSpace narrows its losses.
(15 August 2008)
1worldspace (see RUsirius.com story dated 23 July) reported a narrowing of its losses and a slight decline in sales for its second quarter. The company reported a net loss of $36 million, or 85 cents a share, compared with $51 million, or $1.30 a share a year ago. The company is continuing to make strides toward the European market. Says 1worldspace boss Noah Samara, "Our goals moving forward in 2008 continue to be the resolution of our financial situation and a focus on our plans to bring mobile satellite radio services to Europe, starting with Italy, sometime next year." more>>
Is the Mad Dog Sirius?
(15 August 2008)
Rumor has it that Chris Russo, the canine half of "Mike and the Mad Dog," will be leaving WFAN in New York and heading to the comfortable studios of Mel Karmazin et al. for another sports talk job and a lot more money. Said WFAN operations director Mark Chernoff, "We wish Chris nothing but the best and look forward to all that Mike will do in a role in which he has excelled." Russo and partner Mike Francesa had been entertaining rabid sports fans during the afternoon drive time for almost 19 years. more>>
The next generation of HD is here.
(14 August 2008)
After a significant effort, iBiquity and NXP have developed a new solution for vehicular HD Radio receivers (see RUsirius.com story dated 11 December 2007). Dubbed the SAF3560, the chip can receive a variety of digital radio formats. Said iBiquity's Jeff Jury, "NXP's innovative multi-standard radio solution enables car manufacturers to incorporate HD Radio reception capability, along with analog radio, in an easy-to-integrate manner - allowing the automotive industry to offer new entertainment technologies to consumers." It even supports iTunes Tagging (see RUsirius.com story dated 4 October 2007). more>>
Are HD commercials finally here?
(14 August 2008)
Since the beginning of this year HD Radio purveyor iBiquity has been permitting stations who are members of the HD Digital Radio Alliance to broadcast commercials on their HD2 and HD3 digital channels. It appears that finally some stations are beginning to do so as HD Radio makes its way into the mainstream, generating revenue as well as providing new programming. Says Alliance prez Peter Ferrara, "We're not sure at what revenue level this is happening." more>>
Davy Jones is horsing around for XM.
(12 August 2008)
The former Monkee is the guest host for this weekend's edition of Animal Radio, carried by the satcaster's America's Talk (channel 158) this Saturday at noon (ET). Says Jones, "It's amusing though, most people think I'm dead-but I'm not really . I'm just out-there." The 62 year-old Jones still tours when he's not spending time with his horses. more>>
Martha Stewart isn't sirius.
(11 August 2008)
The domestic diva is being satirized by her daughter Alexis and Jennifer Koppelman Hutt, daughter of Martha Stewart Living chairman Charles Koppelman, in the series "Whatever, Martha!" Based roughly on "Mystery Science Theater 3000," the new show features the Sirius personalities commenting on old Martha Stewart programs recorded during the 1990s. more>>
Does the man who opposed the merger like HD?
(9 August 2008)
The National Association of Broadcasters will find out on 17 September when Federal Communications Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein (see RUsirius.com story dated 23 July) speaks to the organization as part of the NAB Radio Show. He's expected to discuss the FCC's localism rules, HD Radio and Low Power FM. more>>
Metallica is XM-rated.
(9 August 2008)
Everybody's favorite metal band is getting a dedicated channel from the satcaster. Starting on 16 August, "Mandatory Metallica" (channel 51) will feature music from the entire Metallica catalog, including some rare live recordings and personal interviews. Band members James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo are the hosts for the six-week gig. more>>
Looking for some nice dreams?
(9 August 2008)
Try attending Tommy Chong's taping session for XM on 12 August in New York City. If you can guarantee your presence in the Big Apple on that date, just let XM know by sending a note to live@xmradio.com to be among the 200 chosen on a "first-come, first-served" basis. Dave may not be there. Will you? more>>
Sirius XM is serious.
(7 August 2008)
The satcaster has announced a second-quarter net loss of $83.9 million compared with $134.1 million a year ago. Sales rose 25 percent to $283 million, in line with previous estimates. The company merged from Sirius and XM has more than 18 million listeners and promises $400 million in savings next year. Says financial analyst James Goss of Barrington Research, "What we're really looking for is what else they feel they can talk about, now that the deal has actually closed." The comment was made after a teleconference held to discuss the results (see RUsirius.com story dated 3 August). more>>
Satrads are more popular than ever.
(7 August 2008)
According to respondents to a recent JD Power & Associates survey, 51 percent of new cars have satellite radio capability, an increase from 41 percent a year ago. Says Power's Allison LaDuc, senior research manager of automotive product quality, "New-vehicle buyers are looking for the latest technologies in audio systems, and the presence of features such as satellite radio and navigation systems will only increase as manufacturers try to meet consumer demand." more>>
HD Radio is continuing to grow.
(7 August 2008)
As more auto manufacturers install HD Radios in their new vehicles, HD Radio purveyor iBiquity has had to move its Michigan sales office from Pontiac to a larger one in Auburn Hills. Said Jeff McGannon, iBiquity vice president of OEM business development, "The majority of my group's job is to work with the automakers and help them deploy HD into their radios in a much quicker time frame." There are now more than 1500 radio stations broadcasting in HD. more>>
XM puts the Sirius in Sirius XM.
(7 August 2008)
The "Dog Star" is getting lots of attention on Animal Radio, heard on XM, as the program goes to Los Angeles to cast "It's Me of the Dog." The series is being hosted by Victoria Stilwell and is looking for unruly dogs that can't make it in obedience school. Says casting director Johnnie Raines, "Don't bring your dog to the casting call - if you can bring him, then he's probably not the kind of dog we're looking for." more>>
There are golden parachutes at XM.
(6 August 2008)
Thanks to some foresight by the satcaster prior to the merger, the XM executives all have sweetheart severance deals drawn up just in case they aren't wanted by Sirius XM. The agreements were all drawn up and approved last year while the merger was still awaiting approval. What a surprise!
Del McCoury is coming to XM.
(6 August 2008)
The legendary bluegrass artist is hosting the 19th Annual International Bluegrass Music Awards on Thursday, 2 October at 8:30 PM(CT) in a program that is being carried by the satcaster. The event takes place at Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. Del says the music has been good to him from the beginning and that "having the opportunity to give a little something back by hosting our music's biggest night is a special honor." more>>
Mercedes-Benz is going HD.
(6 August 2008)
The automaker has announced that it will be offering HD Radio on several models for 2009. They are the M-, R-, GL- and Class SUVs as well as the E-Class models. Says Rasheq Zarif, Assistant Product Manager - Technology Planning at Mercedes-Benz USA, "HD Radio technology serves to enhance our digital information and entertainment system today and has the potential to significantly expand the options available to consumers in the future." more>>
XM is buying back more notes.
(6 August 2008)
As part of a debt repayment plan associated with the merger (see RUsirius.com story dated 19 July), XM is offering to purchase for cash any and all of its outstanding Senior Floating Rates Notes due 2013. The satcaster is offering to pay $1010 for each $1000 note. The deal expires on 4 September. more>>
The King of All Media is rockin' out.
(6 August 2008)
Sirius' Howard Stern is set to product two new films this fall. "Rock 'n' Roll High School" is a remake of the 1979 film of the same name in which The Ramones help a group of teenagers take down their high school's principal. "Porky's" is a remake of the 1982 film featuring high schoolers and a disreputable night club. The high school theme is strongly apparent in both films co-produced with Larry Levinson. more>>
RF Monolithics likes the merger.
(5 August 2008)
The provider of surface acoustic wave technology for both Sirius and XM receivers is endorsing the decision by the Federal Communications Commission to unify the satcasters. Says RFM prez David Kirk, "We are pleased with the FCC's approval of this proposed merger. RFM has been a long-time supporter of the satellite radio business and a primary provider of custom filters for their radios. Combined, RFM has shipped more than 70 million filters for satellite radios." more>>
Mellow Mel is SIrius.
(5 August 2008)
Just to show his confidence in the new Sirius XM Radio, chairman Mel Karmazin purchased 2 million shares of the common stock. The move had the desired effect as investors followed suit and raised the stock price by about 7 percent. In other management news, Gary Parsons is in and Joe Clayton is out. Parsons, the former CEO of XM, is now the head of the merged company. Clayton, former CEO of Sirius, has resigned from the board of directors. more>>
Rhythm & Roots is back.
(5 August 2008)
Mountain Stage, heard weekly on XM, is returning to historic Bristol Tennessee on Sunday, 17 August to record special performances by Carlene Carter, Eric Church, Ed Snodderly, Mike Farris and others. more>>
SiriusXM is getting sirius.
(3 August 2008)
The merged company has announced that it plans to release its second quarter 2008 financial results on Thursday, 7 August. In conjunction with the big news the company plans to hold a conference call at 8:00 AM(ET). Investors and those just looking for some cheap thrills can access the event at the Sirius website, Sirius channel 119 or XM channel 120. more>>
Apple has a better idea.
(3 August 2008)
Based on a recent patent filing it appears that the company has plans to pipe radio and television to an iPod or iPhone. The proposed device would operate on all frequencies of radio broadcasts including FM, AM, HD and satellite in addition to all forms of television. more>>
The results are in.
(1 August 2008)
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting's study of raising the power of HD Radio signals (see RUsirius.com story dated 27 July) indicates that significant interference with analog signals may result. The National Association of Broadcasters wants the Federal Communications Commission to allow stations to increase digital power to one-tenth that of the analog signal (see RUsirius.com story dated 16 June). At the current 1 percent of analog, digital coverage to car radios is 85 percent of normal coverage but only 38 percent of normal coverage for home and portable radios according to NPR Labs. Increasing the power of the digital signal to 10 percent that of analog would result in car radio coverage improving to 117 percent of normal and home radio coverage improving to 80 percent of normal. more>>
Get ready for XM NavWeather.
(1 August 2008)
The service provides in-vehicle real-time weather tracking service for GPS navigation systems. Says Steve Cook, executive vice president, Automotive XM Satellite Radio, "XM NavWeather is the only service that uses predictive technology to track threats and let drivers know about severe weather and road conditions before they happen." The system is being made available on the 2009 Acura RL and TSX and coming soon to the new TL. more>>
XM's Luke Russert is joining NBC.
(1 August 2008)
The son of the late Tim Russert and co-host of "60/20 Sports" on XM is going to be working with the television network during this year's political conventions and general election, covering the youth vote. He'll be an at-large correspondent for "NBC Nightly News," Today and MSNBC. "Reporting the stories will be the best team in the business, and we welcome Luke Russert to that group," said NBC News President Steve Capus. more>>