News Articles From Days Gone ByIt appears that satellite radio will be getting a little competition north of the border.
(26 February 2004)
CHUM Ltd. has filed an application for Canadian terrestrial digital radio to the CRTC . The development parallels that of digital terrestrial broadcasting in the United States and promises to provide cristal-clear signals to offer an alternative to the Sirius-based service currently being pursued in Canada. A rival radio executive discounted the ability of the new service to compete saying "It's the last gasp at Digital Audio Broadcasting," adding a criticism of a previous venture, which he called "a complete flop."
Just to show they're sirius about the Big Choice Sweepstakes, the nation's second satellite radio broadcaster has happily shelled out a million dollars to Shirley and WIlliam Jones of Knoxville, Arkansas.
(24 February 2004)
They're the big winners in the contest announced in September 2003 and will have the award paid as an annuity of $50,000 per year for 20 years.
According to Twice , boomboxes are becoming hot-selling items as the popularity of satellite radio increases.
(24 February 2004)
Delphi reported that more than 200,000 XM SkyFi units shipped last year. The Sirius boombox by Audiovox is catching up. Almost 10,000 units have sold so far. Shipments of approximately 20,000 per month are expected to ship beginning in April.
We all knew it had to happen sooner or later.
(19 February 2004)
Satellite radio is finally being offered as a standard feature on an automobile. The car is the 2004 limited edition "Satellite Blue" New Beetle by Volkswagen. The satellite radio is provided by XM. Said XM boss Hugh Panero "XM is proud to be the first satellite radio service offered as a standard feature by Volkswagen. The Satellite Blue New Beetle is the first vehicle whose name and theme are based on satellite radio, which is one more compelling example of XM Radio's enormous appeal to consumers." We're finally at the stage at which "with or without" doesn't mean air conditioning.
They've been known for the Beetle, the Bus, the Rabbit, and the Jetta.
(16 February 2004)
Now they're finally getting Sirius. Volkswagen has announced that the satellite radio broadcaster's receivers will soon be available as factory and dealer installed options. The New Beetle will be Sirius-ready this year, the Jetta in 2005. Said Sirius Veep for European OEM Pat Brunett, "We are very excited to be working with Volkswagen to offer their customers the very best in-vehicle entertainment experience possible."
By the end of this year, Sirius expects upwards of a million subscribers.
(13 February 2004)
The announced number beats the previous estimate of 860,000 and is attributed in part to a new agreement with RadioShack. In the deal, the popular consumer electronics distributor becomes a retailer of Sirius products and services. It is expected to increase Sirius' product availability from 6,000 retail floors today to over 20,000 by year's end.
Sirius announced the offering of $200 million principal amount of Convertible Notes due 2009 to a qualified institutional buyer.
(13 February 2004)
Sirius is granting the initial purchaser a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional $40 million principal amount of the notes. Sirius plans to use the proceeds for general corporate purposes.
XM released its financial numbers for 2003 and the results look encouraging for the satellite broadcaster.
(13 February 2004)
As of the end of the year, XM reported 1,360,228 subscribers with the number of subscribers now exceeding 1.5 million. Net subscriber additions of 430,580 in the fourth quarter represent a 46% increase from the end of the third quarter 2003. Contributing to the success was a successful 2003 Holiday shopping season. Said XM boss Hugh Panero, "With over 1.5 million subscribers today, the foundation is in place to grow XM's business to 20 million subscribers by 2010. XM's impressive performance through 2003 has only scratched the surface of the potential market for satellite radio."
The Miami International Boat Show is getting Sirius about satellite radio.
(13 February 2004)
Marine partners of the satellite broadcaster are featuring more than 100 models of boats and yachts equipped with Sirius radios. Sirius Non-Automotive OEM and Specialty Markets Veep Tom Steckbeck said, "This event clearly demonstrates Sirius' dominance as the satellite radio provider of choice for the boating industry." Sirius-equipped brands include Four Winns, Carver, Formula, Larson, Glastron, Wellcraft, Hydra-Sports, Aquasport, Triumph, Windsorcraft, Regal Boats, Century, Cobia, and Pursuit.
Sirius strategic partnerships with EchoStar and RadioShack were announced at a press conference today.
(12 February 2004)
The participants were Charles Ergen of EchoStar, Len Roberts of RadioShack, and Sirius' Joe Clayton. A replay of the conference is available at (973) 341-3080, pass code: 4513890.
Dow Jones is getting Sirius as the Wall Street Journal Radio Network comes to satellite radio.
(12 February 2004)
Starting this month, Sirius listeners can hear hourly market reports and financial news. Said Sirius programming veep Jay Clark "Sirius subscribers will now be able to receive the information they need to make smart business decisions, whether they're in the biggest city, the smallest town, on the open road or even off-shore."
According to Twice , XM and Sirius had a few significant announcements to make recently.
(11 February 2004)
Sirius is introducing new OEM initiatives to offer service in 80 vehicle models this year, 50 of which will have factory-installed systems. Among the offerings is a Diamler Chrysler factory option on the DOdge Magnum and Chrysler 300C this spring. German automakers Mercedes Benz and BMW, and Ford are expected to offer factory programs in the spring and third quarters respectively. XM is responding to the Sirius initiative by offering XM Direct kits for Ford and Chrysler dealerships in May. The kits allow Sirius-ready factory units to operate with XM service and will cost approximately $399. XM is also announcing the addition of MSNBC programming to its lineup.
The Great White North is finally getting Sirius about satellite radio.
(11 February 2004)
Standard Radio Inc. of Canada announced that is joining with CBC/Radio-Canada and Sirius Satellite radio to bring the service north of the border. Standard Radio Prez Gary Slaight said "As this country's largest privately-owned broadcaster we are excited to be partnering with CBC Radio-Canada and with Sirius. Not only will this service expand the choices available to Canadians, it will also create new opportunities for Canadian talent on this new platform."
Mazda is getting Sirius, at least in six of its vehicle lines.
(10 February 2004)
The Mazda Tribute, MPV, Miata, RX-8, MAZDA3, and MAZDA6 will have, as an option, factory-equipped radios that display artist, song title and category while playing a Sirius stream. Sirius veep for Automotive OEM said "We are elated to be working with Mazda to expand the Sirius offering to include their most popular vehicles."
In a further effort to promote XM radio in their vehicles, the folks at GM are tuning in the satellite broadcaster's signal on vehicles when they arrive at dealerships.
(10 February 2004)
The promotion permits easy demonstrations of the service to potential customers. XM receivers will be activated for 90 days in all XM-equipped vehicles. Buttons on the units will be preset to the most popular channels.
XM is announcing its "2004 Dashboard Concert Series" for car buyers subscribing to the satellite radio service for new vehicles purchased at Acura, Audi, Honda, Lexus, Scion, or Toyota dealerships from 1 March to 31 May.
(6 February 2004)
New subscribers are automatically entered in a sweepstakes to win a private concert at XM's live performance theater in Washington, DC. Winners can choose to attend a concert with up to three friends for B.B. King, LeAnn Rimes, Everclear, or Michelle Branch. "With XM on board, any car becomes a private concert hall," said XM boss Hugh Panero.
XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc.
(6 February 2004)
announced the issue of a notice to redeem any of the approximately $45.7 million outstanding amount of the 7.75% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2006. XM will use a portion of the proceeds from its recent offering of Class A common stock for the prepayment of the Series GM Convertible Note and the redemption of any 7.75% Convertible Notes.
announced the issue of a notice to redeem any of the approximately $45.
(5 February 2004)
7 million outstanding amount of the 7.75% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2006. XM will use a portion of the proceeds from its recent offering of Class A common stock for the prepayment of the Series GM Convertible Note and the redemption of any 7.75% Convertible Notes. The National Hockey League is getting Sirius this weekend as the satellite broadcaster announces its new title as "Official Satellite Radio Provider of the NHL All-Star Weekend." Sirius logos will be visible on dasherboards, on-camera positions, and site materials in St. Paul, Minnesota for the festivities. NHL Live!, the Sirius call-in talk show produced by the NHL will also conduct remote broadcasts throughout the weekend.
In its continuing effort to establish its dominance in sports programming, Sirius completed a definitive seven-year agreement with the National Football League.
(5 February 2004)
The deal had been announced in December and calls for Sirius to carry all NFL reguar-season contests as well as select pre-season and playoff games starting in 2004. As Official Satellite Radio Partner of the NFL, Sirius can now use the NFL "shield" logo and team trademarks for consumer promotion.
Just for Valentine's Day, song-stylist Victor Fields will become the first male jazz vocalist to perform live in concert at XM's state-of-the-art 2,600-square-foot performance studio theater.
(5 February 2004)
XM's "Real Jazz 70" program director Maxx Myrick will celebrate the occasion by airing Field's new free single "I Was a Fool," first performed by legendary jazz singer Joe Williams in 1985, who passed away several years ago. Fields will be accompanied by Norman Simmons on piano, Paul West on bass, and Gordon Lane on drums.
A special translator from SoundGate can now help owners of General Motors and Honda vehicles get Sirius.
(4 February 2004)
Used in conjunction with a Sirius tuner and antenna, the module allows the signal to be played over any in-dash satellite-ready radio in addition to non satellite-ready radios from GM and Honda. "The SoundGate translator module is the easy and convenient answer for consumers who want to receive premium satellite radio programming, but whose in-dash radios are currently not set up to receive Sirius," said Sirius veep Larry Pesce, head of product development and strategic planning.
Keeping in step with rival Sirius, XM is launching its new, 100% commercial-free music lineup.
(3 February 2004)
All XM music channels are now broadcasting without commercial interruption, up from only half their music channels previously. Said XM boss Hugh Panero "In 2003, XM established itself as one of the fastest growing entertainment media ever by adding more than one million subscribers. Our 2004 commercial-free music lineup will make XM's critically acclaimed programming even more appealing to consumers coast-to-coast."
GM is now more XM than ever.
(2 February 2004)
The automaker announced at the National Automobile Dealers Association Conference that it would be increasing XM availability to more than 50 cars and trucks in the 2005 model year. GM veep John F. Smith said "GM is pleased to offer XM on the majority of our products this summer including our new and exciting 2005 models debuting this year."
Sirius execs told financial analysts in a conference call on 28 January that the satellite radio broadcaster would hit cash-flow breakeven with 2 million subscribers by late 2005.
(2 February 2004)
Joe Clayton et. al. rehashed their 2003 successes and discussed new commitments with Diamler-Chrysler and Ford. They also predicted a growth in subscriptions to 860,000 by the end of the year. The current listener base stands at 261,061.
Former XM comedy programming director Mark Parenteau pleaded guilty in District of Columbia Superior to second-degree child sexual abuse and admitted to giving alcohol and marijuana to minors.
(2 February 2004)
The abuse took place in May-June 2002. The 54-year old former broadcaster admitted to touching "A.C," a 14-year old boy.