News Articles From Days Gone ByTo get away from the idea of the same artists performing over and over again, Sirius has developed a program to foster the growth of unrecorded singers and musicians.
(28 February 2003)
Called the Working Artist Group at Sirius (WAGS), the organization is intended to record and produce new artists using the state-of-the-art recording studios at Sirius in New York. "The biggest hurdles for an artist today are studio time and getting airplay. Now, with our WAGS program, Sirius can provide both," said Teddy Zambetti, an in-house composer/producer and architect of the program.
Pleased with the current marketing success of SkyFi, Delphi is broadening shipments of the XM satellite boom box to most leading retailers.
(28 February 2003)
Until now SkyFi has been available only through Best Buy, Circuit City, Crutchfield, Tweeter and Ultimate Electronics. Commented Bob Kustasz, Delphi's national sales manager, "I've been in the consumer electronics business for 30 years and this is the hottest product I've ever seen."
The interoperable receivers capable of receiving both Sirius and XM may not be available for another two or three years.
(28 February 2003)
That's the word from the top at the two satellite radio providers. The Federal Communications Commission is requiring Sirius and XM to develop the units but, at least according to Sirius boss Joe Clayton, no deadline has been set.
That's the word from the top at the two satellite radio providers.
(26 February 2003)
The Federal Communications Commission is requiring Sirius and XM to develop the units but, at least according to Sirius boss Joe Clayton, no deadline has been set. Taking a cue from "Jerry Maguire," Sirius is beginning to distribute an 11-page manifesto that takes shots at "Big Music." The screed charges "There are times when the entire industry holds the music hostage by pumping out more and more commercially driven clones." The document was delivered to music executives attending Sunday's Grammy show. Up to 11 million may mailed to others with an attached letter that contains the prose "It's time to play music uncompromised by money, politics, or corporate agendas. Those that stand in the way of music, always lose."
XM may not need a genius to figure out how to survive in the satellite radio business but an "nGenius" may help.
(26 February 2003)
NetScout systems has announced that XM would be applying its nGenius Performance Management system to assure the performance and availability of their networks. It is not clear at this time as to how XM intends to apply the facility.
As Sirius and XM struggle to stay alive in a tough satellite radio market, the Europeans may just have a better idea.
(24 February 2003)
The European Space Agency (ESA) is proposing a technique to use satellites that are already in orbit to broadcast digital signals to willing customers. "This service would include music and voice data. Plus additional data could be displayed on-screen such as information on songs, traffic, and weather forecasts, and other services dedicated to car drivers," said ESA engineer Rolv Midthassel from the Technology Projects Division of the Telecommunication Department. The basis of the ESA idea is to use television satellites whose supply of propellant is too low to maintain them in geostationary orbits aligned with receivers. Because the broadcast of digital audio does not require the precise alignment required for TV a few additional years of service can be squeezed out of these otherwise useless pieces of space junk. Because there are no new satellites to be built and launched, the costs are far less than those currently plaguing Sirius and XM.
Those thinking that satellite radio has had no influence on the broadcasting business may want to consider the reaction of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB).
(19 February 2003)
It's reported that Dennis Wharton, a spokesman for that organization has blamed satellite radio for recent bad publicity about radio. The NAB apparently thinks this has contributed to a recent decline in their time spent listening (TSL) statistic.
After years of poor financial performance, Sirius has finally lost its founder.
(17 February 2003)
David Margolese, who started Sirius when it was known as CD Radio, has stepped down as chairman. Board member Joseph Vittoria has also resgned. Vittoria is the former CEO of Avis.
Sirius is rolling out the red carpet to welcome the Grammy Awards back to The Big Apple.
(14 February 2003)
The program, broadcast live on the night of 23 February, is being carried on Sirius stream 135 from 7 to 11 p.m. EST. Up to the minute coverage is anticipated followed by a special live show from the Sirius studios in New York. Former MTV personality Ken Ober, Timbre Henning, and comic Charles Zuker are providing the commentary. "With the Grammy's finally coming back home to New York City, we're thrilled to provide our listeners with real-time access to the biggest and most cherished event in the world of music," said Sirius Veep, Music Content and Programming, Joel Salkowitz.
The first luxury sedan equipped with satellite radio was showcased at the Chicago Auto Show this week.
(14 February 2003)
The Acura 3.5 RL features an XM system together with satellite navigation as standard equipment.
XM boss Hugh Panero was selected by the editors and analysts of PBI Media LLC's Satellite Group as Via Satellite's Satellite Executive of the Year 2002.
(13 February 2003)
As such, he will be featured on the cover of the March 2003 issue of Via Satellite magazine and will present the Satellite Executive of the Year 2002 luncheon address at PBI Media LLC's annual international conference and exhibition, SATELLITE 2003 , on 27 February. Commented Via Satellite editor Nick Mitsis "This was a very challenging year for the commercial satellite industry. Many companies shifted business focus to try to survive, financing sources remained thin and lack of industry-wide innovation continued. But not for XM."
In response to a lawsuit filed by Sentraliant Inc.
(12 February 2003)
(see story below) Sirius claimed that the subscriber system set up by the former firm is inadequate and full of problems. "Rather than cure, Sentraliant threatened to shut down the computer services provided for Sirius in order to extract financial and legal concessions from Sirius - a move that Sentraliant knew could have a devastating impact on Sirius' business, particularly in light of the holiday season, which promised large volumes of sales," claimed the Sirius response.
As part of its expanding service, Sirius began broadcasting NBA basketball games last night.
(12 February 2003)
Up to 40 games each week are planned. "Adding NBA games immensely enhances our service for our valued subscribers," said Sirius Veep, Programming and Market Development, Larry Rebich.
Using the catch phrase "It's_ON" Sirius launched its new $11 million branding campaign last week.
(11 February 2003)
Ads by Crispen Porter + Bogusky began last week on late night television shows like Letterman, Leno, Conan, "Last Call with Carson Daly," and "The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn." The spots are expected to continue during major events like this month's Grammy Awards. Sirius is also targeting print media such as Rolling Stone, Spin, and Blender.
XM is taking to the streets of the Windy City as it motors into the Chicago Auto Show .
(7 February 2003)
XM has entered into an agreement with the ten-day public exhibition to assist local, national, and international media in getting their jobs done more efficiently. "XM is thrilled to enter into this relationship with the Chicago Auto Show," said XM Veep for Retail and OEM Marketing Dan Murphy. The XM Media Center offers television, radio, and print journalists a working newsroom backdrop, including banks of computers and high speed Internet connections.
Sirius' financial mess has finally spilled over onto another business.
(4 February 2003)
Sentraliant Inc., a technology company in Richmond, Virginia, has filed for bankruptcy. The Chapter 11 reorganization paperwork contains a lawsuit against Sirius claiming that Sirius owes Sentraliant at least $156,000 under the terms of a 1999 contract. Sentraliant developed and operates Sirius' system for enrolling and billing subscribers.
The sad story of financial struggles and restructuring has finally affected some Sirius big shots.
(3 February 2003)
Chairman and founder David Margolese and another Sirius director are being replaced by officers selected by creditors. Unless these creditors agree to Sirius' proposed restructuring the satellite provider is going to be forced into bankruptcy protection around 15 March. The restructuring plan calls for Sirius' note and loan obligations, some $765 million, to be turned into a 62% equity stake in the company. The action by the creditors marks the end of the road for Margolese, who stepped down as CEO to be replaced by Joe Clayton in October 2001.
After a year of lagging behind XM, Sirius has finally decided to put a little zip into its advertising campaign.
(3 February 2003)
It is launching a new effort to embrace music fans and challenge them to elevate their expectations. The advertising assault, created by Crispin Porter & Bogusky , encompasses television, cinema, magazines, newspaper, direct mail, outdoor and online components. Today's national television kickoff consists of the first of six thirty second spots featuring a different music genre with an associated computer animation. "At Sirius, we present music in a way that has never been done before. It is delivered uncut, uncompromised, commercial free and with digital clarity -- the way artists meant the music to be heard," said Mary Pat Ryan, Sirius Executive Veep, Marketing. The new Sirius campaign tagline?? "It's_ON!"
The saga continues between XM and The Word Network as a coalition of ministers from the National Association of Black Organizations (NABO) contends that XM boss Hugh Panero is operating at the behest of some XM board members in keeping "The Word" from reaching XM's audience.
(3 February 2003)
"We have obtained information that will expose the real motivation of those that have encouraged Panero to close the doors of XM carriage to The Word Network. THe shame of what we know is that small minded, greedy gate keepers have operated in a clear conflict of interest to keep the Word off of XM," said Reverend Horace Sheffield, NABO's CEO. Sheffield went on to say "There is a good ol' boy and girl network operating that is akin to the days of the Ku Klux Klan. Failed business deals in one arena carry over into another arena. Some members of the XM Board of Directors are hiding under hoods of conflict. They should resign and take Panero with them for operating under such a clear conflict of interest when decisions concerning The Word Network were made. This corporate culture of bias and dishonesty rooted in conflict of interested should be examined by the SEC and FCC."