News Articles From Days Gone ByHD Radioheads rejoice!
(28 February 2007)
The award-winning MultiStream HD Radio from Radiosophy is here. The first transportable table-top receiver is now available to customers for $269. It can be removed from its speaker-base dock and taken from room to room or to a vehicle. It handles multiple digital streams as well as all existing terrestrial radio station signals. Said Radiosophy founder and Chief Technical Officer Bill Billings, "We're excited to be shipping the MultiStream HD to the loyal customers who have waited patiently with us throughout the extended design and manufacturing process." more>>
XM is ignoring talk of a merger, for now, and expanding its relationship with ClientLogic to provide customer service, technical support and customer retention services.
(28 February 2007)
The leading global business outsourcing provider has been providing services for XM from contact centers in three nearshore and offshore locations. The expansion calls for the hiring of approximately 150 associates at a facility located in Huntington, West Virginia. more>>
Mellow Mel Karmazin & Co.
(27 February 2007)
put up some Sirius numbers for the last quarter. The satcaster reported a narrower loss of 17 cents a share versus 23 cents a share in the same period a year earlier. Revenues doubled to $193 million. Sirius also reported that its average churn rate, the rate at which subscribers leave, rose to two percent versus 1.5 percent in the same period last year. The churn rate is in line with expectations. more>>
XM has demonstrated how sirius it is about the business of satellite radio by adding 1.
(26 February 2007)
7 million new subscribers in 2006.The satcaster has announced that 2006 revenue increased year over year by 76 percent to $933 million. Said XM boss Hugh Panero, "2006 was a pivotal year for XM. The automobile market is emerging as a key catalyst for satellite radio's future growth, and XM is well-positioned through its relationships with the nation's largest and fastest-growing automakers."
The King of All Media is no longer the king of radio.
(23 February 2007)
After a year of spacecasting Howard Stern has dropped from the top spot on the Talkers ' annual "Heavy Hundred" list. He currently holds the twelfth spot. Says Talkers editor Michael Harrison, "He's still doing very well. But this list is about what's hot - and you just don't hear about Stern the way you did before he went to satellite." more>>
Talk of the big satellite radio merger apparently has had little effect on consumers.
(23 February 2007)
Sales of each satcaster's equipment appear to be holding steady, at least according to Best Buy sales representative Mike Conrad in Rochester, Minnesota. "Both are very, very competitive," he says. more>>
Despite a potential merger between Sirius and XM satellite radio faces sirius competition from MP3 players.
(22 February 2007)
In increasing numbers drivers are purchasing car stereos with MP3 jacks, allowing them to download music and other programming over the Internet and listen while commuting. The percentage of vehicles sold in the United States with MP3 players has grown from 3% in 2003 to 21% in 2006 at the same time that the percentage sold with satrads has grown from 2% to 25% during that same period.
Mellow Mel Karmazin and Gary Parsons have said that they expect the FCC to allow the proposed merger between Sirius and XM.
(22 February 2007)
Saying that the future is bleak for satellite radio if the union is disallowed the two satrad bosses urged the Commission and the Justice Department to approve, emphasizing the combined loss of over $6 billion by both companies over the past several years. more>>
HD Radio pioneer iBiquity has announced a new incentive program aimed at small markets.
(22 February 2007)
The program extends current discounts on license fees for groups meeting certain conversion commitments. "The top 20 radio broadcast groups own just 20% of the AM and FM stations in the US, which means the overwhelming majority of the nation's radio stations are owned by small groups and independents," said Ron Davis, chairman of the Small Market Operations Caucus. more>>
The program extends current discounts on license fees for groups meeting certain conversion commitments.
(21 February 2007)
"The top 20 radio broadcast groups own just 20% of the AM and FM stations in the US, which means the overwhelming majority of the nation's radio stations are owned by small groups and independents," said Ron Davis, chairman of the Small Market Operations Caucus.
At least one group isn't happy about the Sirius/XM merger: The Consumer Coalition for Competition in Satellite Radio ("C3SR"). The group says that it is "ready to oppose the merger and fight for consumer choice and public interest." Their goal is to stop the merger because they believe it will lead to subscribers paying more for less programming. more>>
XM is finally getting Sirius.
(20 February 2007)
The two satcasters have agreed to merge in a deal worth $4.6 billion. Pending the approval of the Federal Communications Commission, a move many analysts think is unlikely, Sirius and XM hope to persuade more potential satheads to join up. "If the market is defined just as satellite digital audio radio they (the FCC) would never approve the only two companies merging," said Howard Liberman, a Washington lawyer and former FCC staff attorney. more>>
The National Association of Broadcasters continues to fume over the leakage of satrad transmissions into broadcast radio.
(19 February 2007)
The long standing problem is the result of retransmissions of the demodulated satellite signal onto the normal broadcast band to allow listeners to hear satcasts over car stereos and home radios. Of particular concern are "FM listeners in their cars and listeners of public and religious programming on noncommercial stations typically located at the lower end of the FM band.
Sportswriter, commentator and raconteur Tony Kornheiser is now XM-rated.
(16 February 2007)
"The Tony Kornheiser Show", originating from Washington Post Radio (WTWP) in Washington D.C. is being spacecast on XM channel 144 Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 11 AM(ET). Said XM's executive vice president of programming Eric Logan, "Tony is a superstar with a huge following across the country. XM puts Tony's new radio show on a national platform." more>>
Canadian satheads will be happy to know that the CRTC is allowing Cogeco Cable to distribute satellite radio subscription services on digital cable.
(16 February 2007)
The decision means that customers of Canada's fourth largest cable operator will be able to subscribe either to Sirius or to XM via their cable services. Cogeco distributes two national cable services on a digital basis: Galaxie and Max Trax. more>>
Sirius music from the Howard Stern Show is being presented starting today starting at 3 PM(ET) and running all weekend.
(16 February 2007)
Howard 101 is spacing great performances from the likes of James Taylor, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, AC/DC, Jethro Tull, Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, Willie Nelson and more. The programing will also feature some candid commentary and interviews. more>>
It looks like the "King of All Media" is getting Sirius again .
(15 February 2007)
.. this time about girlfriend Beth Ostrosky .Everybody's favorite shock jock and Sirius radio personality Howard Stern, nude himself at the time, proposed to a nude Ostrosky with a 5.2-carat diamond ring on Tuesday. Stern commented, "It just seemed to me that we should be nude, like innocent in the garden of Eden." It will be his second marriage. more>>
HD Radio is launching a major marketing blitzkrieg aimed at beemer pilots.
(15 February 2007)
The HD Digital Radio Alliance has announced an 85-market radio advertising campaign highlighting BMW's in-car HD Radio offering. The campaign features a mix of commercials on Alliance-member stations touting the consumer benefits of the new media.
The Daytona 500 is expected to be a Sirius event this year.
(14 February 2007)
The Great American Race is being carried by the satcaster on channel 128. "The Daytona 500 is the premier event on the NASCAR racing calendar and Sirius will cover the race from more angles than ever before on satellite radio," said Sirius President of Entertainment and Sports Scott Greenstein. Sirius plans to have 15 hours of coverage from the track from 9 AM(ET) to midnight. It's unlikely that Michael Waltrip will be there. more>>
Mazda Canada is getting Sirius.
(14 February 2007)
The automaker has signed an exclusive, multi-year agreement making the satcaster's satrads available available in Mazda vehicles. Mazda Canada is offering factory-installed, fully integrated receivers with Sirius subscriptions. Said Mark Redmond, President and CEO, Sirius Canada, "We are thrilled to announce this partnership and make our premium 110 channel programming line up available to new Mazda customers." more>>
Canadian radio and television personality Mike Bullard is hosting an announcement between XM Canada and Hyundai.
(14 February 2007)
The announcement regarding the new Veracruz is taking place on Thursday, 15 February 2007 at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto. more>>
Mellow Mel Karmazin and company are getting ready to put up some sirius numbers on Wall Street.
(12 February 2007)
he satcaster has announced that it plans to release its 2006 financial and operating results on 27 February. A conference call is planned at 8:00 AM(ET) on that date. The call can be accessed via the Sirius website. more>>
Not to be outdone by rival Sirius, XM has scheduled a conference call on 26 February at 10:00 AM(ET) to present its fourth quarter and full year 2006 financial numbers.
(12 February 2007)
The conference call can be accessed at (877) 268-6808 or via the XM website. more>>
Scott Riggs is getting Sirius.
(12 February 2007)
The Valvoline/Stanley Tools Dodge Charger driver is slated to get a weekly spot on the Sirius NASCAR Radio program, The Drivers Seat. Said Riggs, "I look forward to having my own outlet to connect with fans and having some fun talking about racing." more>>
WorldSpace has announced its selections for the inaugural WorldSpace Honors.
(12 February 2007)
Specialty programming has been created by the international satcaster to showcase each honoree, including interviews, highlights, background information and music. The programming spaces on 16-19 February. more>>
Odd as it may sound, punk is getting Sirius.
(12 February 2007)
The satcaster has announced that it will premiere a punk channel. Channel 29 is expected to compete with XM's Fungus channel. No channel name or information as to the content has been released. more>>
For $199.
(12 February 2007)
99 HD Radioheads can convert any car stereo to the new digital format.The Directed Electronics DMHD-1000 connects to any car audio system. It features a backlit, multi-line display showing station information as well as artist and song title. It's expected to retail at Crutchfield. more>>
WorldSpace is celebrating Valentine's Day.
(12 February 2007)
The international satcaster is using the holiday as an occasion to celebrate its love channel, Radio Amore. Interested WorldSpace customers will have the opportunity at that time to purchase a satrad and get a pair of speakers free. The offer lasts until 18 February 2007. more>>
XM is trying to raise a little cash by selling one of its satellites.
(9 February 2007)
The sale and leaseback deal for XM-4 could yield up to $300 million in cash according to UBS analyst Lucas Binder. The arrangement would remove XM's need to access its credit line. more>>
HD Radio is expected to be featured prominently at this year's National Association of Broadcasters show.
(9 February 2007)
Booth N6330 features vendor presentations by Radio World, a promotional partner with NAB. more>>
XM personality Bob Edwards has been selected as the next president of the American Federation of TV and Radio Artists.
(8 February 2007)
Edwards replaces John Connolly as AFTRA president and is expected to take the organization in a new direction. Edward's new role is not expected to interfere with his activities a XM. more>>
For years terrestrial radio stations have had to comply with the Federal Communications Commission's regulations regarding the use of language.
(8 February 2007)
Satcasters, meanwhile, have been exempt from these regulations. Land-based broadcasters now want to change that, starting with a lawsuit involving the FCC. more>>
Ever get annoyed by having to move your satellite radio from your car to your home and from room to room?
(8 February 2007)
XM has a better idea, the "mini-tuner." The new device is a satellite radio tuner that can be easily plugged into a variety of platforms. more>>
Ol' Blue Eyes is back, at least on Sirius.
(7 February 2007)
The satcaster is developing "Siriusly Sinatra,'" an exclusive radio channel dedicated to the music, time and spirit of Frank Sinatra. In addition to featuring a show hosted by Nancy Sinatra, the new 24-hour, seven-day-a-week channel is expected to include "The Chairman's Hour," hosted by Frank himself from special archives. more>>
HD Radio is taking Europe by storm, starting with equipment manufacturer RVR Elettronica SpA.
(7 February 2007)
The company is being licensed by iBiquity to develop, manufacture and market HD Radio exciters for AM and FM broadcasters who are converting to the new format. "Opportunities to market HD Radio products directly and through resellers in the Americas, combined with the growing interest in HD Radio technology in EUrope make producing HD Radio equipment a priority," said Stefano Ravagnani, one of RVR's owners. more>>
The Sun Belt Conference is getting Sirius again this season.
(6 February 2007)
Coverage of the conference's basketball games begins Saturday with the satcast of a game between the University of Louisiana at Monroe and North Texas. Sirius plans to carry six more conference games before the end of the season. more>>
WorldSpace is getting secure with Certicom .
(6 February 2007)
The international satcaster has licensed Certicom's Conditional Access System to secure its broadcast services in Europe. WorldSpace plans to roll out a European service beginning with Italy, which is expected to be serviced by the ArfiStar satellite. more>>
Awareness of HD Radio is up but interest is down according to Bridge Ratings.
(6 February 2007)
The company has surveyed 2,448 people and has concluded that although more individuals know about the new medium only a small percentage of consumers are interested in buying an HD receiver. The trend is said to be "a positive sign that the industry's marketing efforts to raise awareness have worked." more>>
HD Radio continues to expand its market.
(6 February 2007)
The new format is now available in seventeen new markets bringing to 85 the total number of areas in which listeners can hear the new digital format. The HD 17 are Grand Rapids, MI, Fresno, Monterey, Stockton and Bakersfield CA, Allentown, Harrisburg and Wilkes Barre PA, Omaha NE, Akron and Toledo OH, Wilmington DE, Knoxville TN, Sarasota FL, Syracuse NY, Baton Rouge LA and Little Rock AR. more>>
The long awaited decline in satellite radio may finally be starting.
(5 February 2007)
Financial firm UBS has indicated that XM is likely to gain only 1.5 million subscribers this year, giving the satcaster a total of only 9.1 million subscribers. The news has had a dampening effect on the stock price for both XM and Sirius. more>>
Boston Acoustics is getting sirius about HD Radio.
(5 February 2007)
The high-end audio equipment manufacturer is offering its first table radio with the new technology. The Receptor Radio measures 4.5" X 7.5" X 6.75" and sells for $299.95 at Sharper IMage. more>>
It started becoming popular as a substitute for hockey during the NHL strike.
(2 February 2007)
Now the National Lacrosse League is being taken very Siriusly. The league has signed a multi-year agreement with the satcaster to make Sirius its exclusive satellite radio partner. Sirius expects to satcast a live NLL "Game of the Week" throughout the season plus the playoffs. more>>
WorldSpace is becoming the first satcaster with its own awards.
(1 February 2007)
The inaugural "WorldSpace Honors" kicks off "Honors Week" on 12 February live from Studio 2 at Abbey Road, the legendary Beatles recording studio. Other awards featured during the week on WorldSpace include the 2002 Brit Awards and "UPop@Abbey Road Sessions."
As predicted by RUsirius.
(1 February 2007)
com, commercials are now becoming a significant part of satellite radio.Always a mainstay of talk programming like the Howard Stern Show, the ads are now making their way into XM music channels. Some subscribers are rebelling by canceling their service. Analysts say the worst could be yet to come.