News Articles From Days Gone ByXM is introducing a new audio breakthrough.
(29 December 2005)
In conjunction with Neural Audio , the satcaster is providing select music channels in 5.1 Surround Sound. The announcement by the companies comes in advance of the 2006 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The new broadcasts start in March when XM will broadcast Fine Tuning (channel 76) and XM Pops (channel 113) in Surround.
"Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Sex" may not have been XM-rated but Woody Allen is.
(28 December 2005)
His remarkable career is being celebrated in a four-week program series on XM as part of a promotional campaign for his Golden Globe-nominated film "Match Point." Allen, who doesn't even own a computer, is also releasing downloadable video and audio podcasts.
His remarkable career is being celebrated in a four-week program series on XM as part of a promotional campaign for his Golden Globe-nominated film "Match Point."
(27 December 2005)
Allen, who doesn't even own a computer, is also releasing downloadable video and audio podcasts. Call it the "Stern Effect." It appears that there are now more than 3 million Sirius subscribers as the satcaster wraps up 2005. No additional information has been provided in a statement released today. XM currently has more than 5 million happy listeners.
No to to be outdone by XM, Sirius is also going bowling this year.
(27 December 2005)
The satcaster is covering twelve bowl games including the Rose Bowl (channel 123), the FedEx Orange Bowl (channel 123), the Nokia Sugar Bowl (channel 110) and the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl (channel 126). Details are available on the Sirius website.
Sirius Canadians will be happy to know that Sirius Canada is now shipping the Sportster Replay to retailers across the Dominion.
(27 December 2005)
The popular plug and play receiver records up to 44 minutes of Sirius programming. Said Sirius Canada CEO Mark Redmond, "The Sportster Replay is ideal for those listeners who want a winning combination of style and functionality when they listen to Sirius Canada's premium 100 channel lineup of commercial free music, sports, news and talk programming."
WorldSpace and Raytheon have launched the global Disaster Warning, Response, and Recovery (DWRR) system.
(27 December 2005)
The real-time emergency alert and recovery tool is intended for use in disasters such as tsunamis and hurricanes and is capable or reaching into remote areas and to mobile users such as emergency response vehicles.
WorldSpace is gearing up for the 2006 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
(27 December 2005)
The international satcaster has added rising star Ellie Lawson and recording artist Saul Williams to its talent roster for the big event. Williams work in the critically acclaimed film "Slam" made him a figurehead of the spoken work/slam poetry movement that has spread across the United States.
Sirius is broadcasting Christmas Masses live from St.
(22 December 2005)
Patrick's Cathedral in New York this year. Midnight Mass is being broadcast on Sunday, 25 December at 12 AM (ET) and re-broacast at 12 AM (PT) on channel 86. Christmas Day Mass can be heard live on Sunday, 25 December at 10:15 AM (ET) and at 10:15 AM (PT) on channel 85.
XM is going bowling this year.
(22 December 2005)
The satcaster is broadcasting 14 college bowl games including the 2006 Bowl Championship Series. Yesterday's GMAC Bowl in which Toledo defeated UTEP 45-13 was the first in a lineup that features the Champs Sports Bowl between Clemson and Colorado at 5:30 PM (ET) on 27 December (channel 193), the Emerald Bowl between Georgia Tech and Utah at 4:30 PM (ET) on 29 December (channel 140), the Music City Bowl between Minnesota and Virginia at 12 noon (ET) and the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl between Miami and LSU at 7:30 PM (ET) on 30 December (channels 191 and 140), the Meineke Car Care Bowl between NC State and South Florida at 11:00 AM (ET) on 31 December, the Outback Bowl between Iowa and Florida at 11:00 AM (ET), the Capital One Bowl between Wisconsin and Auburn at 1:00 PM (ET), the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl between Notre Dame and Ohio State at 4:30 PM (ET) and the Nokia Sugar Bowl between West Virginia and Georgia at 8:30 PM (ET) on 2 January 2006 (channels 197, 198, 140 and 140 respectively), the FedEx Orange Bowl between Penn State and Florida State at 8:00 PM (ET) on 3 January (channel 140) and the Rose Bowl between USC and Texas at 8:00 PM (ET) on 4 January (channel 140). Got that? If not, check the XM webpage for details.
Hockey legend Mark Messier is now officially XM-rated.
(21 December 2005)
He signed a marketing agreement with the satcaster at the time the latter was announced as the sole presenting sponsor of the New York Rangers ceremony to retire his jersey. Messier will work with XM to promote their nationwide broadcasts of National Hockey League games and the talk radio channel Home Ice. Said Messier, "I'm an XM subscriber and a big fan of the service, so I was excited about the prospect of working with the company."
Get ready for the 2006 Consumer Electronics Show (CES).
(21 December 2005)
..Delphi is.The company anticipates making a major announcement about its satellite radio business during next year's even in Las Vegas on 4-6 January. The company's briefing to the press is being held on Wednesday, 4 January from 1:00 to 1:45 PM (PT) in the Sands Convention Center. WorldSpace is also getting ready for the big event. They're CES entertainment includes DJ Rekha , the British-born disc jockey recognized as the queen of bhangra beats in the U.S.
The "King of All Media" continues to get Sirius, in some ways that are not entirely desirable.
(20 December 2005)
Having completed his gig on terrestrial radio, Howard Stern is ready to begin satcasting an uncensored daily program of profanity, strippers and toilet humor -- and that has Morality in Media concerned. The president of that organization, Robert Peters, comments, " Prior to 1987, the FCC's test for determining whether an activity constituted 'broadcasting' was whether there was an 'intent for public distribution' and whether programming was 'of interest to the general... audience.' 'Broadcasting,' said the FCC, 'remains broadcasting even though a segment of the public is unable to receive programs without special equipment." In other words, Howard should get ready for more trouble...and the trouble isn't coming just from Morality in Media. An accountant and a former Sirius executive have paid fines to settle insider trading charges in connection with the Stern deal. Gary D. Herwitz, the former president of Mahoney Cohen & Co. and former Sirius veep Tracey A. Stanyer are paying $52,0900 and $35,000 respectively to settle charges of having used inside information to profit in trading Sirius shares prior to the Stern announcement. Mahoney Cohen & Co. has been Howard Stern's longtime accounting firm.
Dan Reeves has decided he's really not that Sirius after all.
(19 December 2005)
The onetime football player and coach is leaving his morning show on Sirius to assume a consultant's role with the beleaguered Houston Texans. His part time position with the franchise could become permanent if, as expected, he takes over as head coach next season.
There is a Sirius side to Las Vegas and it's being launched by celebrated sports bettor Jim Feist .
(19 December 2005)
Vegas Sports Radio is being produced for delivery through Sirius and other media outlets including webcasting, podcasting and streaming audio. The program covers sports with a Vegas perspective including analysis and handicapping.
Viewers of ABC's Good Morning America found out yesterday that the program would soon be simulcasting on XM.
(16 December 2005)
The date for the big move is 23 January 2006, after which the television show becomes a television/radio show. Diane Sawyer commented, "But for everybody who says, oh, to go to satellite radio, you know, that's hard. You can do it in your car, sort of, but can you carry it around?" Said Charles Gibson, "Why can't we be on all the channels?" Good Morning America debuts on XM channel 155.
Energy & Engine Technology Corporation (EENT) is becoming XM-rated.
(16 December 2005)
The leading developer of auxiliary power generators for the long haul trucking industry has announced that it has a one year advertising contract with the satcaster. It is estimated that over 500,000 truckers listen to XM each week.
Hoping to fight off the onslaught of satellite radio in Canada, CHUM is considering reviving its subscription radio service.
(16 December 2005)
CHUM chief executive Jay Switzer said the company would sell "a very pro-Canadian platform" but is still moving toward more imported programming.
Network Live, a venture of XM, America Online, DirecTV and AEG has announced an agreement to provide DirecTV customers with exclusive entertainment programming.
(15 December 2005)
As part of the agreement, Network live becomes DirecTV's music and live entertainment partner. The official launch of Network Live programming on DirecTV takes place in March 2006.
Put your hands on the radio!
(14 December 2005)
Sirius is launching "Christian Talk" exclusively on channel 159. The new channel is airing preaching from some of the nation's top pastors, among other programming, courtesy of FamilyNet , the broadcasting arm of the Southern Baptist Convention. Said FamilyNet's Chief Operating Officer Martin Coleman, "On this new channel, listeners will hear a message of hope and encouragement that's as relevant now as it was at the time of Southern Baptists' initial radio broadcast in 1941."
Satellite radio is more popular in Canada than had originally been thought.
(14 December 2005)
Sales across the Dominion are 30 percent higher than expected according to the Vancouver Sun. Sirius and XM receivers have been on sale in Canada for about two weeks.
Bloomberg is reporting that Sirius boss "Mellow Mel" Karmazin has spoken with Apple CEO Steve Jobs about the possibility of working together.
(14 December 2005)
In a recurring theme that has been around for a little over a year it is emphasized that Sirius' technology duplicates some iPod functions, making a partnership unlikely. Nevertheless, Sirius chief financial officer David Frear is looking ahead to the new S50, which allows customers to download, rewind and fast-forward programming. Said Frear, "Would we be interested in working with Apple? Sure. I'm not sure it's likely to happen."
XM's Hot Import Nights is wrapping up its season this year in Honolulu.
(14 December 2005)
The big show runs from 5 PM to midnight at the Blaisdell Center on 17 December with a preview in Waipahu on 15 December. The entertainment features Moonshine Record's DJ Miss Lisa along with local and national artists.
Despite the presence of Ron Artest and the legacy of Dennis Rodman, the National Basketball Association is about to get Sirius.
(13 December 2005)
The league has announced a multi-year agreement with the satcaster which expands on the current broadcasting arrangement . The new deal makes Sirius an official NBA marketing partner and a broadcaster of more NBA games than any other radio outlet. Said NBA commish David Stern, "Sirius is the content leader in satellite radio and this deal deepens our partnership by delivering more NBA games and programming to our fans and provides new marketing opportunities for Sirius to promote its product and brand." NBA Radio on Sirius, launched as part of the new agreement, is the first 24/7, year-round radio channel devoted to the NBA.
It may not be "Blowin' in the Wind" but the studios are close to positively fourth street in Washington DC -- and that's good enough for Bob Dylan, who signed with XM to host a weekly music show.
(13 December 2005)
The show features an eclectic mix of music hand-selected by Dylan, who will offer commentary on music and other topics, host and interview special guests and take emails from XM subscribers. The program debuts in March 2006 on Deep Tracks (channel 40). Said Dylan, "A lot of my own songs have been played on the radio, but this is the first time I've ever been on the other side of the mic. It'll be as exciting for me as it is for XM."
Elan Home Systems has announced the shipment of its revolutionary new receiver that simultaneously delivers three discrete XM channels for independent access from any room in the house.
(13 December 2005)
The XM-R3, heralded by Elan's President and Chief Technology Officer Bob Farinelli, marks the company's first major step into the realm of satellite radio. Said Farinelli, "We are pleased to announce that our XM-R3 is now shipping. The implementation of the XM-R3 represents a great move forward in perfecting multi-room satellite radio listening."
To combat the debut of "King of All Media" Howard Stern on rival Sirius, XM is offering holiday shoppers a little cash.
(12 December 2005)
The satcaster is providing a $50 mail-in rebate for select home and portable XM receivers. "We understood there'd be Howard Stern buzzing and media attention," said XM Chairman Gary Parsons at the annual UBS Media Conference last week. XM's solution -- "attractive price points."
XM is trying to simplify the lives of some of its subscribers.
(12 December 2005)
Starting this month the satcaster is airing "Real Simple Solutions" on "Take Five," the women's channel launched last month. Said Real Simple managing editor Kristin van Ogtrop, "We're thrilled to be working with XM to make Real Simple's mission -- life made easier -- available to its millions of listeners."
WorldSpace has unveiled its new logophone, an audio signature of the international satcaster's broadcast identity.
(12 December 2005)
"WorldSpace's audio signature provides brand cohesion for the individual channels, uniting them as recognizable elements in the WorldSpace Satellite Radio network; it does a phenomenal job of highlighting our diverse range of content," said WorldSpace Vice President of Global Programming Billy Sabatini.
"WorldSpace's audio signature provides brand cohesion for the individual channels, uniting them as recognizable elements in the WorldSpace Satellite Radio network; it does a phenomenal job of highlighting our diverse range of content," said WorldSpace Vice President of Global Programming Billy Sabatini.
(9 December 2005)
XM is giving Snoop Dogg (Calvin Cordozar Broadus) a big "promotion." The Hip Hop icon is now he executive producer of "The Rhyme" (channel 65), home of "Welcome to Da Chuuch With Big Snoop Dogg." Said Snoop Dogg, "I am truly excited about being able to have total control over the music and programming for The Rhyme on XM. I will play music that people have never heard and music that they haven't heard in a long time."
The music industry is apparently up in arms over satellite radio receivers that can store and organize hundreds of songs.
(9 December 2005)
The new Sirius and XM receivers can set up playlists to permit subscribers manage songs as if they had been purchased individually, according to the Wall Street Journal. The satcasters are crying foul, however, claiming that the receivers are not like MP3 players but more like time-shifters, similar to TiVo. The net result of the current round of accusations is that Sirius and XM will likely have to pay increased fees to the music industry when current agreements expire next year.
In a sign that digital radio may be siriusly threatening its satellite counterpart the Digital Radio Alliance has announced that it is targeting sub-$100 pricing for high definition receivers within two years.
(8 December 2005)
Emmis Radio President Rick Cummings made the announcement at this year's UBS Global Media Conference. The lower price is anticipated as a result of a switch from current custom ASIC designs to a mass produced integrated chipset.
In what may portend the antics in store from Howard Stern, XM's Opie & Anthony have started a gag that has listeners conducting graphic and uncensored phone sex.
(8 December 2005)
There are apparently plans to extend the bit on the Saturday night show on XM High Voltage (channel 202). Asked to comment on the concept, which calls for having females host a show for listeners to call in and have phone sex with the hosts, Gregg "Opie" Hugues said, "This just goes to show how hard we work to put on a quality show."
Sorry XM.
(8 December 2005)
Motorola's iRadio was named Best Radio Service at the 2005 Digital Entertainment and Media Excellence Awards. The award, presented at the Digital Entertainment and Media Expo , recognized the iRadio as "the best radio service (digital, Internet, satellite or other format) with respect to variety, innovation and user experience. XM was a finalist in the category.
Satellite radio is getting a little more competition from its terrestrial counterpart.
(7 December 2005)
The radio industry, finally fed up with the onslaught from Sirius and XM, has formed an alliance to accelerate the rollout of digital radio. The group is promoting the broadcast of "high-definition" digital radio, capable of producing CD-quality sound without the static and hiss associated with conventional analog broadcasts. So far, about 600 of more than 10,000 radio stations have started digital broadcasts, which are free pending the purchase of a somewhat costly receiver. The anti-satellite radio commercials, however, have begun just in time for the holiday season
WorldSpace continues to expand into the Indian market.
(7 December 2005)
The company has announced the launch of service in Chandigarh, capital of the country's Punjab state. The move represents the ninth of ten major India metro launches planned for 2005. Said WorldSpace boss Noah Samara, "We are excited that, with the Chandigarh launch, the WorldSpace experience is now available in nearly every corner of India." WorldSpace currently has a customer base of 100,000 subscribers worldwide, a statistic that will no doubt be discussed as it presents at this year's UBS Global Media Week Conference. Samara, Chief Financial Officer Sridhar Ganesan and Chief Operating Officer Andy Ras-Work are scheduled to present today at 3:30 PM (ET). The presentation can be accessed at http://event.streamx.us/event/20051205 .
The total value of the stock being offered by Canadian Satellite Radio is $55 million, a figure that represents 3.
(7 December 2005)
4 million subordinate voting shares valued at $16 each.The offering, under the Toronto Stock Exchange XSR.SV, is scheduled for completion on Monday. The proceeds are to be used to complete the company's initial infrastructure.
XM Nation gets its first taste of fame as the winners of the first XM Nation Music Awards are announced.
(6 December 2005)
Nearly 1.4 million votes have been cast by happy music fans across the nation in categories selected by the XM programming staff. Some of the winners are M.I.A. for "XM Next" -- most important Indie emerging artist, Mariah Carey for "On the Rebound" -- best comeback of the year and Gwen Stefani for "The Single Live Is Good" -- best solo career.
Sirius Chief Financial Officer David Frear presents this week at the UBS Media Week Conference and at the CSFB Global Media Week Conference .
(6 December 2005)
His spiel is scheduled for Wednesday, 7 December at 2:30 PM (ET) and on Thursday, 8 December at 9:40 AM (ET). Both conferences are in New York. Frear's remarks are being carried on the Investor Relations section of the Sirius website.
His spiel is scheduled for Wednesday, 7 December at 2:30 PM (ET) and on Thursday, 8 December at 9:40 AM (ET).
(6 December 2005)
Both conferences are in New York. Frear's remarks are being carried on the Investor Relations section of the Sirius website. WorldSpace has announced that it is teaming with BBC World Service, TWI , Radio Mid-Day and others to deliver India's first all-sports satellite radio channel. "Play" is planning to cover cricket, Formula One racing, tennis, rugby, football, hockey and golf. News, live call-in shows and sports information are also being covered with top-of-the hour reports, celebrity appearances and "sports desk" programs.
XM's Hot Import Nights tour is headed to Miami on 10 December.
(6 December 2005)
The show features Powermoves CEO Eric Martinez and music by Power 96 featuring Nina Sky with their chart-topping hit "Move Ya Body."
Those curious about what to expect from "King of All Media" Howard Stern's new show on Sirius need look no further than his recent Newsweek interview.
(5 December 2005)
Stern dispels claims that he's only funny when he's defying the FCC, saying, "People have said to me, 'The FCC is such a good foil for you. You need it.' It's such bullshit. My act isn't about saying the FCC sucks. It never has been. It's about going out and talking to people in a real way." He goes on to explain to writers Marc Peyser and Nicki Gostin that he's no "shock jock." "If I just went on the air and did shocking things, the show would be over in a month," says Stern. "It's not about someone getting naked in a studio for me. It's about what drives a person to get naked in a studio, who the hell they are and what makes them tick. It's about honesty." Stern is planning to bring back some of his most famous gags like "The Bathroom Olympics" and "It's Just Wrong." There is no word yet at to whether "The Homeless Howiewood Squares" or "The Head Injury Club for Men" will be making a comeback.
XM partner Canadian Satellite Radio (CSR) is going public with an initial offering of $16 a share, according to market sources.
(5 December 2005)
This represents the upper end of a price range of between $15 and $16.5. CSR was the second issue to be priced at the upper end of its target range, joining Miranda Technologies, a maker of software and hardware for the television industry.
Portal Software has been selected by WorldSpace to provide billing and revenue management for its global operations.
(5 December 2005)
WorldSpace is planning to use Portal's "Portal 7" to manage equipment purchases, activation fees and monthly satellite radio subscriptions.
Two big players in the automotive business are getting a little more Sirius.
(2 December 2005)
Mazda has announced that the Mazda3, the Mazda6, the RX-8, the MVP, the Tribute, the Mazda5 and the MX-5 Miata would be offered with Sirius as a port-installed option during the 2006 model year. "We're very pleased that Mazda has decided to install Sirius in these models at their port facility, so that potential Mazda buyers will now be able to experience Sirius as soon as the car arrives at the dealer," said Sirius Veep for OEM Doug Wilsterman. Meanwhile, Hertz is siriusly introducing its "Fun Collection" featuring select convertibles, roadsters and SUVs equipped with, of course, Sirius Satellite Radio. The vehicles are being offered at airports in Florida, California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado and Hawaii.
The satellite radio market is poised for a big jump in popularity according to a new eMarketer report.
(1 December 2005)
"The $500 million question is, of course, what Howard Stern's move to satellite radio will mean for his show, for Sirius and for satellite radio in general," said Krikor Daglian, Editor and Analyst at eMarketer and author of the Satellite Radio report. eMarketer estimates that 35.6 million Americans will subscriber to satellite radio by 2010. There are currently 9.3 million subscribers.
Sirius Canada is kicking off satellite radio service with live concerts in Toronto and Montreal featuring Canadian recording stars The Trews , Kathleen Edwards , Feist , Ron Sexsmith , Les Pistolets Roses , Anik Jean and aKido.
(1 December 2005)
The concerts are being held on 6 December in Toronto and 7 December in Montreal and are being simulcast live throughout North America on CBC Radio 3 (channel 94) and Iceberg (channel 95). Said Sirius Canada Prez Mark Redmond, "This is just the beginning."
Phil Jackson is getting Sirius.
(1 December 2005)
The famous basketball coach is hosting a weekly NBA talk show exclusively on Sirius along with veteran broadcast Ian Eagle. "The Phil Jackson Show" debuts Monday, 5 December (6 - 7 PM (ET)) on Sirius channel 123. "I'm excited about this partnership and working with Ian to put together a unique show for a growing audience at Sirius Satellite Radio," said Jackson. "As a fan of Sirius, I'm looking forward to being a part of this cutting edge medium."