News Articles From Days Gone By
Sirius may get a raise.
(27 February 2009)
After being rescued from the brink of bankruptcy by John Malone & Co., SiriusXM may have its credit rating raised by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services. Its rating is now 'CCC.' Says S&P analyst Hal Diamond, "For the Sirius rating to be raised, the company will need to demonstrate progress toward achieving sustainable profitability and positive discretionary cash flow, and address its sizable remaining 2009 maturities. We currently believe that the likely extent of a potential upgrade of the corporate credit rating would be limited to one notch, to 'CCC+'." more>>
uSirius not Sirius
(27 February 2009)
Have you been waiting for that great iPhone application that would stream SiriusXM (see RUsirius.com story dated 29 January 2009)? Well, forget it. uSirius, the StarPlayr application from NiceMac has been rejected by Apple. The only reason given is that "it could not be approved at this time." Oh well...time to go back to the Stiletto. more>>
ReachMD gets a partner.
(27 February 2009)
ReachMD, a service for physicians and other medical professionals on XM Channel 160, has announced a partnership with the Pri-Med Institute. Says Pri-Med Vice President for Educational Development Anne Goodrich, "We believe that partnering with ReachMD demonstrates our commitment to providing clinicians easy, anytime access to the most up-to-date continuing medical education." more>>
Absolutely Live!
(26 February 2009)
Live Nation has signed an agreement with Sirius Canada, making the satcaster the official Live Nation satellite radio partner. The new relationship gives Sirius listeners access to exclusive live broadcasts featuring Canadian artists and preferred tickets for Live Nation events. Says Alan MacNevin, Vice President of Consumer Relationship Management for Sirius Canada, "Sirius listeners are passionate about music and the Live Nation partnership will give subscribers more of what they love, including exclusive concert broadcasts and preferred access to concert tickets." more>>
Is a Sirius/DirecTV bundle possible?
(26 February 2009)
Since the bailout of SiriusXM by Liberty Media, parent of DirecTV, there has been speculation about a Sirius/DirecTV package deal being made available to consumers. According to Liberty CEO Gregg Maffei there are opportunities. Speaking with financial analysts, Maffei said, "One could talk about or imagine bundles, probably in the $80 (per month) DirecTV product offering free trials of the $11 (monthly) SiriusXM product more likely than the other way around. I certainly think those are things we have talked about and we didn't put a lot in our valuation for that. But it is something (Sirius CEO) Mel (Karmazin) is enthused about and something I believe (DirecTV CEO) Chase (Carey) is enthused about. I hope we will be able to proceed on some of those in ways that are obviously beneficial for both parties." There has also been speculation that DirecTV may make use of some of the SiriusXM spectrum to enhance Sirius' current mobile streaming video but that is "a long way down the road" according to Maffei. more>>
Survey says consumers are sirius.
(26 February 2009)
A recent J.D. Power survey indicates that satellite radio usage in vehicles is up. In a 2008 survey of 19,000 consumers who say they purchased or leased a new vehicle in the pas five years, almost 31 percent said they have satellite radio in their cars, a figure that is up from 23 percent in a 2007 survey. The percentages may not exactly match the numbers reported by automakers but, according to a J.D. Power spokesman, "the trend lines are accurate." Approximately 77 percent of those surveyed indicated that the satrad came with the car when it was purchased. The same survey indicates that HD Radio's market penetration is only 5 percent. more>>
ReachMD seeks more brand awareness.
(26 February 2009)
SiriusXM's ReachMD is trying to make more doctors aware of its presence. They're being assisted in the process by Middleberg Communications, which began the work late in January. Says Gary Epstein, CEO of ReachMD, "We use a variety of distrubution outlets to reach medical professionals with an emphasis on physicians, and we believe that the content becomes aspirational for all of the medical professionals. We're not looking to dumb down the content; it's not a patient channel." more>>
Fangoria Radio starts a blog.
(26 February 2009)
Fangoria Radio (Friday nights on Sirius 102 and XM 155) enthusiasts will be happy to learn that there is now a blog. INTERNal Injuries is being launched by intern Drew Tinnin (a.k.a. Drew Blood) who says, "For any and all of the fans that have always wanted to work at Fangoria, INTERNal Injuries will serve as a weekly account of what it's like to start working your dream job." Tinnin was chosen for the job in a live competition with other potential interns by Fangoria Radio hosts Dee Snider and Debbie Rochon. more>>
Show them the money!
(25 February 2009)
Sheryl Crow, Herbie Hancock and others are appearing before Congress to push for the "Performance Rights Act." The legislation, should it become law, would require terrestrial broadcasers to pay royalties to recording artists whenever their songs are played. Currently only Internet and satellite radio and cable television music channels are required to pay royalties. AM and FM broadcasters have been exempt since they claim that free air time constitutes a free promotion. Cathy Rought of the Free Radio Alliance disagrees, saying, "If the goal is truly to protect the artist, they should be starting with the labels' notorious compensation issues." more>>
Howard's Science Lesson
(25 February 2009)
In honor of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin, Sirius' Howard Stern had a few comments to make. During his show on 11 February, the day before the big event, the "King of All Media" discussed Darwin with long-time sidekick Robin Quivers. In a conversation that centered about the evolution of man, Stern was heard to say, "I think Darwin just saw the obvious. I don't know. I think if I had lived during those days I would have invented the theory of evolution. I would have looked at, like, Gary (Dell'Abate, shown in picture) and said, you know, you look like a monkey." Howard continued, "I could have come up with, I would have been the father, it would have been Howardism, not Darwinism." more>>
Willie & Ray at Carl's Corner Tonight
(24 February 2009)
Willie Nelson is ending his tour with legendary Texas swingers "Asleep at the Wheel," and the final act is being featured on Willie's Place (Sirius 64, XM 13) tonight. Nelson has had a long standing relationship with 'Wheel bandleader Ray Beson, who grew up in Philadelphia listening to country music on the radio. Says Nelson of Ray, "He knows how to put a band together. If you like people with talent - and you can put up with him - he's a good guy to hang around with." The final tour date takes place in Carl's Corner, Texas, site of a truck stop that Nelson won in a card game. more>>
Dolan gets Sirius on the Catholic Channel
(24 February 2009)
Archbishop Timothy Dolan, named the next Archbishop of New York, has sat for a Sirius interview along with Edward Cardinal Egan, the man he is succeeding. The inteview is being played throughout the day today on Sirius' The Catholic Channel (Sirius 159, XM 117). Says Cardinal Egan in the interview, "We're delighted to have the Archbishop here with us. I've known the Archbishop since the early 1990s. I was the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Pontifical North American College when we had the good sense to ask him to be our rector." Dolan officially succeeds Egan on 15 April. more>>
Media spending down!
(24 February 2009)
Veronis Shuler Stevenson (VSS) sees an overall decline in media spending this year compared with a previously projected growth rate of 4.9%. Both terrestrial and satellite radio are expected drop by 7.2% this year compared with a drop of %5.8 in 2008. Says VSS Executive Veep James Rutherfurd, "The media, information and education industries have been negatively impacted by the economic downturn. However, we are confident that over the medium and long term, the communications industrty will regain momentum." more>>
Sirius still Truckin' more than ever!
(20 February 2009)
Forget the loss of the Open Road Cafe (see yesterday's RUsirius.com story). The satcaster is expanding Road Dog Trucking Radio (Sirius 147, Sirius 171) by combining the best features of Sirius and XM prior to their merger last year. The new "Dog" features exclusive live call-in shows hosted by veterans of trucking radio like Dave Nemo and "Truckin' Bozo" Dale Sommers. "Sirius and XM have a long history of providing companionship, community and information to truckers nationwide, with our signal always there for truckers as they drive from city to city," says SiriusXM Chief Content Officer Scott Greenstein. more>>
You and Me and Sirius
(20 February 2009)
SiriusXM has announced the launch of "You and Me with B.B. King," a new weekly hour-long show with the legendary bluesman. "I'll be coming to B.B. King's Bluesville channel every week to tell you stories and answer your questions," said King. "I'm the mayor of Bluesville and my official proclamation: you're welcome anytime!" The new program premieres on Bluesville (Sirius and XM 74) today at 6:00 PM(ET). Encore broadcasts space tomorrow at 2:00 PM(ET), on Monday, 23 February at 12:00 AM(ET) and Wednesday, 25 February at 12:00 PM(ET). more>>
It's approved!
(19 February 2009)
SiriusXM can now issue some sirius preferred stock. The NASDAQ stock exchange has just granted the satcaster approval to issue new preferred stock in connection with its agreements with John Malone's Liberty Media. The stock can be issued without shaeholder approval. more>>
The truck stops here.
(19 February 2009)
Maybe it's because of hard times at SiriusXM. Maybe John Malone doesn't like truckers. In either case, the "Open Road Cafe" radio show for truckers, later renamed "The Loading Dock," which became a forum to promote the Tire Retread and Repair Information Bureau (TRIB), has been cancelled. Says TRIB's Harvey Brodsky, "We're sorry to learn that the show had been cancelled. By being on the show weekly, TRIB was able to contribute much to the education of truckers regarding the importance of proper tire maintenance." more>>
Little Steven's siriusly launches a new record label
(19 February 2009)
He's the creator of Sirius' Underground Garage Channel (Sirius 25) and Outlaw Country (Sirius 63) as well as "Little Steven's Underground Garage," but many just know him for his role on The Sopranos or as the guy standing next to Springsteen in the E Street Band. He's Steven Van Zandt and he's launching "Lost Cathedral," a new record label focusing on hard rock releases, the first of which will be "Faith," by Crown of Thorns. Says Steven, "Hard rock is garage rock's first cousin having come directly from the Rolling Stones, the Kinks, the Yardbirds and The Who and we've been getting a lot of harder stuff sent to us lately, a lot of it quite good. With the opportunity to release the legendary Crown of Thorns new record, we decided it's time for a new label." "Faith" should be available on 14 May. more>>
Thirty-eight percent are sirius about premium entertainment.
(18 February 2009)
Forget the recession. 38 percent of Internet-enabled households in the United States subscribe to premium entertainment services, 80 percent subscribe to premium television and 12 percent subscribe to satellite radio. That's the word from NPD, a leading market research company. NPD analyst Russ Crupnick says, "Despite the recession, there are dedicated consumers who remain committed to premium entertainment experiences." more>>
Celebrated by XM, BulletProof Messenger goes to ArenaFest 2009
(18 February 2009)
BulletProof Messenger has been selected by SellaBrand as the first band to perform at ArenaFest 2009. They had previously been named by XM as one of the top unsigned acts in the United States. Said band member Matt Litwin of "Arm Yourself," the group's first album, "Writing Arm Yourself was no easy process, especially with one member of the band miles away serving in the US Army. It presented us with a unique challenge and we literally wrote the entire album online by emailing demos back and forth. We are extremely pleased with all the songs on the album and are excited to be performing at ArenaFest." more>>
Saved!
(17 February 2009)
SiriusXM has been rescued from the brink of bankruptcy by Liberty Media. The parent of DirecTV has agreed to loan the satcaster $530 million, $175 million of which will be used to pay the debt due today. The remainder of the funds will be used for other debts coming due in May and at the end of the year and for general working capital. Liberty, in return, gets 40 percent of Sirius' common stock and seats on the board of directors for Liberty Chairman John Malone and chief executive Greg Maffei. Says Maffei, "We are excited to be investing in SiriusXM. We have been impressed with the company, its operations and management team. SiriusXM's ability to grow subscribers and revenue in a difficult financial and auto market is indicative of how listeners view this as a 'must have' service." more>>
Is Mellow Mel gone?
(16 February 2009)
A group of SiriusXM creditors apparently wants CEO Mel Karmazin out if he chooses a bankruptcy filing instead of seeking a deal with either EchoStar or Liberty Media to save the company. "Creditors will act quickly and definitively if they perceive that management is (not) acting...in the best interest of the estate," said the Wall Street Journal in quoting Brown Rudinck partner Edward Weisfelner. more>>
Free Satellite Radio...tomorrow
(14 February 2009)
With the world in the grip of the putative worst ecomomy since the Great Depression, isn't it nice to know that you can get a free satrad in Kentucky? Quantrell Volvo in Lexington is apparently offering customers a free Sirius Satellite Radio when they purchase a car. Until the end of March the dealer is offering buyers of the XC60 a free satrad when they sign on the dotted line. And if customers hurry they may be able to take advantage of the offer before SiriusXM goes out of business. more>>
XM Converts!
(13 February 2009)
SiriusXM subsidiary XM Satellite Radio Holdings has exchanged $172 million aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 10% Convertible Senior Notes due December 2009 for a like amount of newly issued Senior Secured Notes due 2011. It's speculated that the move may be in preparation for an eventual filing for bankruptcy by SiriusXM. more>>
Mel reaches out!
(13 February 2009)
SiriusXM boss Mel "Mellow Mel" Karmazin is reaching out to potential investors in an attempt to hold off a potential bankruptcy filing this Tuesday. He needs to raise $175 million that is the initial part of a debt payment due 17 February. Another $350 million is due in May. The alternative for Karmazin is to permit the satcaster to be acquired by either EchoStar or Liberty Media. Both potential acquisitions would likely be challenged by the Justice Department. more>>
Bill Mack gets Sirius.
(13 February 2009)
Legendary disk jockey Bill Mack of WBAP in Fort Worth is joining Willie Nelson's "Willie's Place" (XM channel 13) on SiriusXM starting on 16 February at 12:00 noon (ET). "I'm so happy to have my old friend and radio hero Bill Mack joining us at Willie's Place," said Nelson. "He's a true Texas-bred radio legend and we're going to have more fun than we're supposed to. I guarantee it." more>>
Harris in HD at NAB Show
(12 February 2009)
Harris is exhibiting a full suite of HD Radio transmission equipment at the upcoming National Association of Broadcasters Show. "The HD Radio rollout continues to push ahead, as consumer electronics manufacturers bring more receivers to market," says Harris' Tim Thorsteinson. "At last count, more than 90 digital receivers are now available, and 13 automakers either offer or have announced plans to offer HD Radio receivers in their vehicles." Harris is bringing two HD Radio-ready transmitters to the show, which takes place 20-23 April in Las Vegas. more>>
Liberty for Satellite Radio
(12 February 2009)
Liberty Media is said to be in talks with SiriusXM. In a move that would compete with the recent actions of Charles Ergen's EchoStar (see RUsirius.com story dated 9 February), the media giant is apparently fighting for a controlling interest in the satcaster. A successful deal between SiriusXM and Liberty, which owns a controlling interest in DirecTV, would kick off a battle for control of the satellite radio industry. more>>
A Stern podcast...siriusly
(12 February 2009)
If satellite radio finally goes the way of the Titanic, the Edsel and Betamax, Howard Stern can still prevail in a daily podcast. Marketing wizard Ernest Lupinacci proposes that the "King of All Media" could easily do a daily show on his own and sell it on the Internet for $3 a month. Says Lupinacci, "He could hire a competent sales guy, and if they can generate (conservatively) another million a month in ad revenue -- that's $12 million more." Stern still claims that satellite radio will prevail after what he calls a "minor snafu" and what SiriusXM's creditors call a $170 million debt payment. more>>
Major League Baseball and the NFL are sirius about their money.
(12 February 2009)
It appears that both the National Football League and Major League Baseball will be getting paid even if SiriusXM declares bankruptcy. Both sports organizations have contracts that require the satcaster to make payments for covering their games to escrow accounts. Says bankruptcy lawyer John Monagan, "M.L.B. has the right to get the money if the escrow satisfies the conditions of the agreement. Same with the N.F.L." more>>
Jaguar is sirius about HD Radio
(11 February 2009)
Jaguar has announced that it is offering HD Radio across its 2010 product line. "Jaguar is committed to being at the forefront of adopting innovative media and HD Radio technology is part of that vision," said Nick Gionis, Senior Manager, Jaguar Infotainment. "We're raising the bar by delivering the most pristine sound quality and copious progaramming variety standard to give our customers the best audio experience that they have come to expect from the Jaguar brand." Says HD Radio purveyor iBiquity Chief Operating Officer Jeff Jury, "Jaguar's unparalleled standards and reputation for innovative capabilities make their cars the perfect setting to showcase HD Radio broadcasting." more>>
Is Sirius bankrupt?
(11 February 2009)
After years of battling with competition, terrestrial radio, HD Radio and the Government the end may finally be here for satellite radio. According to a report by CNET the satcaster may be preparing to file for bankruptcy. A big debt payment is due on Tuesday and Mel Karmazin & Co. very likely don't have the funds to pay it. EchoStar mogul Charles Ergen may still come to the rescue. Stay tuned. more>>
Bad Company
(10 February 2009)
Question: How is SiriusXM like Krispy Kreme? Answer: Both are on Yahoo! Financial's list of companies that might fail this year. The list includes Chrysler, Dollar Auto Rental, Six Flags, Blockbuster, Trump Entertainment Resorts and Rite Aid. According to financial ratings firm Moody's, there is a "high likelihood" that the satcaster will fail to repay or refinance its debt this year. Then again, EchoStar could always come to the rescue. Donuts anyone? more>>
HD Radio in Vietnam
(10 February 2009)
Vietnam is apparently taking the plunge into HD Radio. In a conference currently being conducted in Hanoi, Voice of Vietnam Deputy Director Hoang Minh Nguyet stressed the imporance of technology in society and in broadcasting. During the event delegates are evaluating the results of VoV's experimental HD Radio project. Attendees include representatives from Brunei, Canada, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia and France. more>>
No satellite radio signal? Blame space storms.
(9 February 2009)
Space scientist Rod Heelis says that the clarity of signals transmitted from space depends on the current state of the ionosphere. If the ionosphere is disturbed, signals can be distorted or even removed completely. Heelis has been using special instruments abord a weather satellite to measure the size, density and movement of ionospheric particles, hoping to predict turbulent spots or "space storms." If we're lucky, we'll soon know whether or not we can anticipate an annoying signal dropout during a close football game or a Howard Stern rant. more>>
EchoStar still Sirius
(9 February 2009)
In a story that just won't seem to go away, EchoStar is still interested in taking over SiriusXM. Apparently EchoStar CEO Charles Ergen made an unsolicited bid late last year to acquire the satcaster but was rebuffed. In a story reported in RUsirius.com last week, the Dish Network parent has been pursuing SiriusXM's debt obligations in an apparent effort to gain control. It is far from certain that federal regulators would approve of the acquisition. SiriusXM boss Mel Karmzain has admitted that if he cannot raise $175 million the satcaster would be faced either with accepting Ergen's offer or filing for bankruptcy. more>>
Sirius gets Paul!
(6 February 2009)
Paul McCartney is using SiriusXM to promote his latest album, "Electric Arguments." The satcaster is giving him a dedicated channel for the purpose starting on Valentine's Day. Called "Fireman Radio" after the name of his record label, the channel (Sirius 33, XM 27) will feature "fireside chats" with Sir Paul along with selected music. more>>
The Return of the Royalties
(5 February 2009)
New legislation introduced by John Conyers (D-MI) and Darrell Issa (R-CA) is bringing royalities back to terrestrial broadcasters. The bipartisan Performance Rights Act would give the Library of Congress' Copyright Office authority to set a fee schedule for terresstrial broadcasters to pay performers for broadcasting their recorded works. Says Issa, "Beyond the fairness that this bill provides for performers, we have an opportunity to show the rest of the world that the United States practices what it preaches in protecting intellectual property." more>>
Is Echo a Star for Sirius?
(5 February 2009)
Dish Network parent EchoStar might be seeking a controlling interest in SiriusXM by buying up a sizable stake in its debt. According to the Wall Street Journal, EchoStar founder Charlie Ergen could use the debt as a means to take over the satcaster. All is not perfect, however, as EchoStar itself faces stagnant growth due to the putative worst economy since the Depression. The acquisition of SiriusXM could possibly provide the company with an additional source of revenue. more>>
Siriusly bailed out?
(5 February 2009)
Although Mel Karmazin isn't going to Washington, hat in hand, waiting for a bailout, the company is likely to benefit from the bloated package currently being pushed through Congress. Why? Because the Senate has approved an ammendment to the stimulus package to make sales taxes and new auto loan payments tax-deductible. The net effect would be to boost automobile sales, the most significant part of SiriusXM's growth plan. Could this mean the salary cap on corporate CEO's would apply to Mellow Mel? more>>
Live...from a neighborhood near you!
(5 February 2009)
Live Nation has announced a multi-year agreement with CBS Radio to produce select radio sponsored concerts in venues throughout North America. Says Live Nation Chief Executive Officer Jason Garner, "Our alliance with CBS Radio is another example of our focus on leveraging our unmatched portfolio of live venues across the nation to drive profitable revenue streams." more>>
Is the end near for SiriusXM?
(4 February 2009)
As February begins, the financial troubles for SiriusXM worsen. This is the month during which the satcaster has to start paying its bills and the job won't be easy. Persuading some of its creditors to swap debt for equity, Karmazin & Co. have been able to reduce bill from $300 million to $175 million. Still looming this year, however, are $750 million in loans and senior convertible notes and $43 million the National Football League is due to receive this month. more>>
Sex Pistol misfires in LA.
(4 February 2009)
Punk rocker Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols has, for the last several years, been the host of the eccentric but popular "Jonsey's Jukebox" on radio station Indie 103 in Los Angeles. No more. The financial crush of the putative worst economy since the Depression has forced the station to change its format. Jones' show had been known for its unpredictability during the lunch hour with obscure musical selections and occasional interviews with famous guests like Paul McCartney, Robert Plant and Brian Wilson. It's rumored that Jones might be headed to SiriusXM but he makes it a point of denying this. Insisting he would only work in local radio either in LA or New York, Jones said, "The thing I liked about Indie is you could really be in your town. It's live, and the people listening feel like they're part of one thing, a local thing. When you do satellite you're in space. It could have been recorded a month ago." more>>
Bob Dylan's more Sirius than ever.
(4 February 2009)
SiriusXM has announced that Bob Dylan's "Theme Time Radio Hour," currently available on Deep Tracks (Sirius 18, XM 40), will be broadcast weekly on "The Spectrum" beginning on 8 February. Listeners should have access to four uninterrupted hours every Sunday at 4:00 PM(ET). Says SiriusXM President and Chief Content Officer Scott Greenstein, "Bob Dylan's Theme Time Radio Hour is among the most unique programs ever done on radio, offering a window into the mind of one of the most prolific artists of our time. We are thrilled to be able to offer to even more Sirius XM listeners such an innovative show from one of the few people who are truly able to be called an American icon." more>>
Could fairness be Sirius?
(4 February 2009)
In the continuing debate on the possible reinstatement of the so-called "Fairness Doctrine" the subject has finally widened to its possible application to satellite radio and to the Internet. Opposed by President Barack Obama, the resurrection of the policy forcing broadcast outlets to present both sides of every issue is being sought by some prominent Democrats. Nevertheless, Federal Communications Commissioner Robert McDowell thinks a new fairness law would very likely be unenforceable. "Even if the FCC had a large number of people to devote to such reviews, which it doesn't," says McDowell, "and even if the prospect of government regulators scrutinizing individual editorial choices were not so constitutionally unsavory, which it is in practical terms, enforcement of the doctrine presents intellectually thorny challenges." more>>
Siriusly fill your home with satellite and HD radio!
(3 February 2009)
Want to be an audiophile? If so, spending $10k on a new system by Audio Design Associates might help. The new Suite 8300, Suite 8400 and Suite 8500 systems feature eight zones and both satellite radio and HD Radio tuners. Ranging in price from $5k to $7k, the systems feature keypads, touchpads and ad-ons for iPod docks. more>>
Salt + Light on Sirius
(3 February 2009)
Through a partnership with Salt + Light Radio in Toronto, SiriusXM is bringing the popular religous program to the Catholic Channel (Sirius 159, XM 17). Says Salt + Light CEO, Fr. Thomas Rosica, "When New York's Cardinal Egan first spoke to me about the posibility of our partnership with the Catholic Channel, I accepted the challenge immediately. It is a wonderful way for us to share the Canadian flavour of the Gospel and our youthful experience of Church with a wider radio audience." Salt + Light spaces every Saturday at 10:00 PM(ET). more>>
Internet rules!
(3 February 2009)
Those cutting costs because of the putative worst economy since the Depression just can't seem to part with the Internet, cell phones and cable TV. Satellite radio, however, may not make the cut. That's the story according to a new survey conducted by BIGresearch which found that nearly 81 percent of those surveyed could not give up their Internet service. A smaller percentage wouldn't give up either cell phones or cable television. more>>