News Articles From Days Gone ByIn the latest round of Sirius' efforts to remain solvent, the satellite broadcaster announced that it is launching an offer to exchange shares of its common stock for all of its outstanding debt.
(31 January 2003)
Most holders of Sirius debt securities (around 80%) have already agreed to the offer. Debt holders are to receive 779.5 shares of common stock for each $1000 of obligation.
XM is celebrating Black History Month his February with 350 hours of programming across 19 channels.
(31 January 2003)
The music consists of everything from Ragtime to Jazz to Gospel to Hip Hop. Some features include interviews with two of the legendary Tuskegee Airman and specials on the African-American impact on cultural development. XM Veep Steve Harris said "African-Americans have had a hugh impact on all aspects of American life, from music to politics, culture, sports and technology."
Delphi is planning to ship 80,000 XM SKYFi units during the first half of this year.
(31 January 2003)
That's the prediction of Delphi boss J.T. Battenberg III who said "Distribution of these units in the first six months of 2003 provides further evidence that consumers are excited by this revolutionary product, and will allow retailers to meet increasing demand."
The dispute between XM and the National Association of Black Organizations (NABO) finally has a mediator.
(29 January 2003)
Jesse Jackson is meeting with XM boss Hugh Panero in an effort to diffuse a situation that has fomented numerous demonstrations and protests at XM facilities and those of its affiliates. Jackson has asked NABO to cease and desist in its protests until his meetings with the XM CEO have concluded. It is anticipated that Jackson will ask that XM carry The Word Network, the primary bone of contention between the two organizations. Representatives of The Word Network and NABO will be in attendance at the meetings.
To provide some competition, albeit stationary, to satellite radio Yahoo is adding a set of commercial-free Internet radio stations to its roster of paid-subscription services.
(29 January 2003)
The service from Launch will sell for $3 to $4 a month. Analyst P.J. McNealy of GartnerG2 notes "People are willing to pay for access to radio and a quality experience. Getting people to pay for quality content and access takes time."
In a development that may be significant for satellite radio a group of wireless carriers is cautioning against the further relaxation of ultra-wideband (UWB) rules.
(27 January 2003)
A letter to National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Deputy Director Michael Gallagher cites the emissions mask under development by the Conference of Postal & Telecom Administrations (CEPT) as protecting "public safety and a variety of commercial and government applications while preserving the potential of existing digital services and technologies to continue to innovate." The letter was signed by, among others, Sirius Satellite Radio.
Chrysler is finally getting Sirius.
(24 January 2003)
The automaker is making the satellite radio service available in most of their products. This includes factory installation on the 2003 PT Dream Cruiser Series 2, the 2004 300M, and the new 2004 Pacifica. Other models featuring Sirius radios include the Chrysler Voyager and Town and Country, the Dodge Stratus, Dakota, Ram, and Caravan, and the Jeep Liberty and Grand Cherokee.
XM has announced that it has now received the necessary tenders and consents to close their new $475 million financing package.
(24 January 2003)
The company now expects to complete the funding package subject to closing conditions. Commented XM boss Hugh Panero "We believe that with the completion of this funding package, XM's business plan will be fully-funded through cash flow breakeven. We are pleased by the strong encouragement and support from all our stakeholders and look forward to continuing XM's leadership in satellite radio, an exciting new entertainment service."
The company now expects to complete the funding package subject to closing conditions.
(22 January 2003)
Commented XM boss Hugh Panero "We believe that with the completion of this funding package, XM's business plan will be fully-funded through cash flow breakeven. We are pleased by the strong encouragement and support from all our stakeholders and look forward to continuing XM's leadership in satellite radio, an exciting new entertainment service." Get ready for some Sirius hoops as Shaq, Kobe, Vlade, and Yao take their act to satellite radio. The NBA and Sirius have announced a deal allowing the satellite provider to carry live broadcasts of up to 40 games per week.
XM has announced that it expects about 80,000 Delphi SKYFi satellite "boom boxes" to be shipped to retailers in the first half of this year.
(22 January 2003)
XM boss Hugh Parent commented "XM's accelerating subscriber growth has been fueled by our 'third launch' into the home and portable markets with our next generation SKYFi family of products from Delphi, including XM's first portable boom box radio, which will be a big part of our 2003 march to exceed 1 million subscribers."
XM boss Hugh Panero has been selected as the keynote speaker at this year's Washington D.
(20 January 2003)
C.Technology Council Early Stage Capital Forum. The event takes place on Friday, 7 February. "This is the first regional investment meeting of the new year and provides all 'players' with the opportunity to get some fresh ideas," commented Lara Walle, D.C. Tech Council's president.
Just when the satellite radio business is beginning to gain momentum, along comes a fierce competitor in the form of digital broadcasting.
(17 January 2003)
Over 35 radio groups in 40 markets have announced that they are committed to converting to digital. This involves more than 120 stations, 4 of which have already converted. Stations currently broadcasting in digital are WOR-AM in New York, WDMK-FM in Detroit, WRAL-FM in Raleigh, N.C., and WYGY-FM in Cincinnati. Digital radio should provide CD-quality sound on FM and FM-quality sound on AM with less interference than analog. Unlike satellite radio, listeners probably won't need to pay monthly subscription fees. JVC, Harmon-Kardon, and Kenwood demonstrated their digital receivers at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
Bolstering XM's "mindshare," Honda has announced that it is offering the satellite provider's service on several of its key Acura and Honda models.
(16 January 2003)
The 2004 Acura RL is planned to be equipped with XM hardware as standard equipment. This Springtime offering is being supplemented by the release of the XM-ready 2004 TL sedan in the Fall. "We are excited to offer XM Satellite Radio to our Honda and Acura customers," said Tom Elliott, American Honda's executive vice-president.
The Federal Communications Commission has approved Sirius' application to transfer control of its operating licenses in connection with its recapitalization plans.
(16 January 2003)
The FCC indicated that "the proposed restructuring will benefit the public interest" (not to mention Sirius stockholders). The transfer application was filed because of the significant amount of common stock expected to be issued to its debt holders and preferred stockholders.
To clarify its financial status to the SEC, Sirius warned in a filing that it would use a "pre-packaged" bankruptcy to force a restructuring of its finances if a recapitalization plan announced in October fell through.
(15 January 2003)
Sirius now expects the plan to be completed by March
In a development that may affect the future of satellite radio, the FCC is finding that interference issues are preventing it from leaving spectrum use issues to market forces.
(15 January 2003)
The Wireless Communications Association and its attorney Paul Sinderbrand are asking the commission to establish technical rules to the developers of services requiring spectrum allocation. "The problem is, if anybody can do anything they want with their spectrum, you have severe interference problems," said Sinderbrand, "This is a concept that's been lost somewhere at the Commission. We're pushing it." Sirius had previously claimed interference from unlicensed wireless broadband operations in the 2.4 GHz band. The petition had been withdrawn but may soon be reinstated.
First there was radio, then cell phones, now --- car video!
(14 January 2003)
!After successfully demonstrating its video capability at this years Consumer Electronics Show, Sirius is interested in providing in-car video to interested consumers. A Sirius survey found that of the 13 percent of survey respondents interested in subscribing to satellite radio, 12 percent want video services. The video is intended for use by passengers, not the vehicle's driver. In order to provide entertainment to children in the back seat, Sirius is talking with Toon Disney, the Cartoon Network, and Nickelodeon. Sirius might also consider including sports, movies, live television or adult entertainment. (One would hope the driver doesn't get too distracted.) "We wouldn't rule anything out," said Sirius Veep Larry Rebich.
The Delphi SKYFi was named a finalist for the "Best of CES" award at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
(14 January 2003)
The satellite "boom box" allow listeners to take XM broadcasts anywhere and retails for $229.99.
Those waiting for a Sirius Beemer need wait no longer.
(10 January 2003)
BMW has announced that all 2003 model year BMW 3 Series sedan and coupe, 5 Series sedan and X5 vehicles equipped with an in-dash CD radio are compatible with Sirius receivers. Customers willing to commit to a one-year Sirius subscription can receive two months free service upon activating their units at a BMW center. "BMW is excited to offer Sirius' unique, uncompromised service to our car buyers," said BMW VP of Aftersales and Engineering Hans Duenzl.
Alpine has introduced two new units, the CDA-9807 Classic and the CDA-9815 SwingFace (TM), specifically engineered for digital audio formats, including XM.
(10 January 2003)
Steve Witt, Alpine's vice president of Brand Marketing commented "It's clear that people want in-car access to music in multiple digital formats -- whether that's their MP3/WMA library, CDs, or XM Satellite Radio."
Sirius is now the only satellite radio service broadcasting video.
(9 January 2003)
The capability was demonstrated at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Sirius subscribers could eventually be able to receive video transmissions in addition to audio. "It's all about choice," commented Sirius boss Joe Clayton. "Our technology enables us to transmit a wide variety of data in addition to our commercial-free music and entertainment programming."
Mindful of the need for fair and balanced political programming, Sirius is introducing "Sirius Right" and "Sirius Left" on channels 144 and 145.
(9 January 2003)
Sirius Right is featuring Bob Dornan and Oliver North as well as some up and coming right-leaning commentators. Sirius Left provides opinions from David Horowitz, Peter Werbe, and John McMullen. Commented Sirius Veep Larry Rebich "One of the exciting things about creating new content for Sirius is being able to offer listeners their choice of diverse programming that covers many different viewpoints."
It is reported that Sirius is set to introduce a channel dedicated to news and talk for the nation's gay population.
(9 January 2003)
"This is a big idea. Nobody has done this," commented Sirius marketing and programming VP Larry Rebich. "It's estimated that there's 20 million gay people in the United States, and they're not served well on radio." The channel is expected to debut in about 90 days.
To provided exposure for unknown artists, Sirius is introducing a WAGS program to record and produce unsigned artists.
(9 January 2003)
"This program will benefit the record labels, artists and our listeners. It reduces the financial risk associated with releasing new artists and gives the artists themselves a chance to demonstrate some traction in the marketplace. And our subscribers reap the benefits of hearing new music first on Sirius," said Larry Rebich, Sirius Vice President of Programming and Market Development.
Sirius listeners should be happy to hear that the satellite service has recently announced a variety of new programming including Jam Central (17), Planet Rhyme (41), Wax (42), House Party (60), The Rave (62), Folk Town (94), The Trend (18), Movin' Easy (04), Weather Channels East and West (110 & 111), Sirius Left and Right (145 & 144), Court TV Plus (134).
(9 January 2003)
To make room Sirius is dropping The Express (44), Jazz En Clave (61), Tropical (70), Alt N (72), Sirius Arts (161), The Hook Up (167), Intimate (172), and Real Sirius (117). The changes take effect on 3 February.
In addition to mobile units, Sirius unveilled plans for home systems.
(9 January 2003)
The new units are being offered by Kenwood and Audiovox and are expected to be available later this year. They use wireless remotes for control and channel selection and can easily be plugged into existing home stereo equipment using standard RCA audio jacks.
A new feature has been announced by Sirius --- daily live broadcasts.
(9 January 2003)
Starting on 3 February, "Sirius Sessions" are expected to feature performances recorded live at the satellite broadcaster's New York studios. The sessions feature artists from a variety of genres.
As of the end of 2002, XM had signed up more than 360,000 subscribers.
(9 January 2003)
XM boss Hugh Panero commented "XM had an outstanding fourth quarter, adding 145,000 subscribers, a 72 percent increase in subscribers over our cumulative total at the end of the third quarter and more than five times as many subscribers as we signed-up in the fourth quarter of 2001." XM expects to have more than a million subscribers by the end of 2003.
The long awaited Sirius rental cars are finally here!
(9 January 2003)
Hertz began renting the satellite-equipped vehicles in Denver, Phoenix, and Las Vegas -- just in time for visitors to this year's Consumer Electronics Show. The wired cars for Sirius drivers are Ford products Taurus, Windstar, Expedition, Explorer, Crown Victoria, and Mercury Grand Marquis.
Toyota announced that its anticipated Scion vehicles, the xA and xB, will feature a satellite radio option.
(8 January 2003)
The satellite receivers will be part of Pioneer's CD/MP3 players aimed at producing sound quality that exceeds the expectations of Scion's target youth customer. "The optional Pioneer XM receiver with 100 channels of coast-to-coast digital sound quality is the perfect addition to the Scion Sound Processing system," commented Russ Johnston, Pioneer's senior vice president of marketing and strategic planning.
Sirius is planning to provide an audio web cast of its press conference at the 2003 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) today at 12 pm (EST).
(8 January 2003)
A link is available on the Sirius homepage (see RUsirius.com main page). Sirius is also planning to post updates on its CES activity.
Delphi is showcasing its new satellite radio technology in a Jeep Liberty on display at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
(8 January 2003)
The Sirius-compatible system installed in the demo vehicle integrates a second-generation chipset that eliminates the need for a remote satellite receiver. The added benefits include a less complex wiring harness, weight reduction, and simplified installation. Said Jeff Owens, Delphi Delco Electronics Systems president, "These simplified features and advanced capabilities are the next steps in the evolution of satellite radio technology that will catch the attention of vehicle makers and consumers."
Not to be outdone by Delphi's display of its XM products, Sirius' plans for this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas includes a demonstration that a Sirius-configured car stereo can receive satellite-beamed video alongside radio broadcasts.
(7 January 2003)
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Just to show that they're worthy of their name, the Good Guys are offering visitors to this year's L.A.Auto Show a 30-day free trial of Sirius.
(6 January 2003)
The promotion is being conducted together with Kenwood. Visitors at the Good Guys exhibit booth can obtain a coupon for 30 free days of Sirius when they buy a Kenwood Sirius-ready receiver or FM adapter and get the system installed by 1 March. "This is a terrific, risk-free way for people to test out Sirius and experience what they're missing," commented Good Guy Dan Navarro, director of merchandising for mobile and wireless.
SKYFi does Vegas!
(3 January 2003)
Delphi is planning to demonstrate its products, including XM satellite receivers, at next month's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Delphi is planning to demonstrate how its mobile multimedia products are keeping passengers and drivers entertained. "This year, we are showing the latest Delphi innovations to bring the newest products like satellite radio, rear-seat DVD playback, voice-controlled navigation, wireless Internet access and wireless networks to consumers," says Dave Wohleen, president of Delphi's Electronics & Mobile Communication Sector.