News Articles From Days Gone ByXM and Nissan have announced a long-term data services agreement.
(31 January 2005)
The automaker has chosen XM to supply satellite-delivered data and telematics services, such as in-vehicle messaging and XM NavTraffic. Said XM boss Hugh Panero, "Nissan's choice to expand its relationship with XM in this important area of data services and telematics capabilities represents a major milestone for our company."
XM is prepared to get sirius about its financial activities on Thursday, 10 February.
(31 January 2005)
During a 10:00 AM (ET) conference call on that date the company will discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2004 financial results. Prior to the call, XM's quarterly results will be posted on their website. Interested parties can listen to the conference call at (800) 374-0551.
The Horizon League is getting Sirius.
(28 January 2005)
The athletic conference announced a multi-year agreement with the satellite radio provider to broadcast selected regular season and league tournament men's basketball games. Said Horizon League commissioner Jonathan B. LeCrone, "We are pleased to be able to partner with such a recognized brand as Sirius Satellite Radio."
The athletic conference announced a multi-year agreement with the satellite radio provider to broadcast selected regular season and league tournament men's basketball games.
(27 January 2005)
Said Horizon League commissioner Jonathan B. LeCrone, "We are pleased to be able to partner with such a recognized brand as Sirius Satellite Radio." XM is kicking off a new season of "Artist Confidential." The series, featuring one-on-one conversations and live performances with a variety of music legends, starts its new season with Phil Collins, Lenny Kravitz, Wynton Marsalis and Brian Wilson. Recorded live at XM's Performance Theater before an intimate audience of the artist's family, friends and fans, "Artist Confidential" debuted in fall 2004 hosted by George Taylor Morris.
Rumors as to a merger between Sirius and XM are highly exaggerated, or so says Sirius boss "Mellow Mel" Karmazin.
(27 January 2005)
The story began circulating shortly after Sirius reported a wider than expected fourth-quarter loss. Karmazin refuted any such speculation saying, "I have not met with the chairman or CEO, so I have no idea where any of this came from." The report of a possible merger originally appeared in the New York Post.
Sirius opened its books today to show the world that it had 1,143,258 subscribers as of the end of 2004.
(26 January 2005)
The number beats its year-end target of 1 million Sirius listeners. As of the time of the report there are over 1.24 happy customers tuned-in to "The Dog." The satellite broadcaster attributed much of the better-than-expected year-end number to robust holiday sales and an increase in its automotive channel business. Corporate revenue topped out at $66.9 million, a 419% increase over the previous year. Said Sirius boss "Mellow Mel" Karmazin of the report, "2004 was a turning point for Sirius, and a strong indicator of what we believe the future holds for a new entertainment category still in its early days."
According to Automotive News XM and OnStar are planning to offer bundle deals to prospective satellite radio subscribers.So far, the two companies have produced an antenna that works for both services and shared customer service. They are currently working on bundling subscriptions and developing hardware that would be compatible with both technologies. Said XM boss Hugh Panero, "When it comes to bundling and packaging, there are a lot of things we can do together."
Sirius and Interscope Geffen A&M Records Chairman Jimmy Iovine are forming a creative, marketing and promotional alliance.
(24 January 2005)
Iovine has been instrumental in the development of Sirius' hip-hop channel Shade 45, produced by Eminem, Paul Rosenberg, Shady Records and Interscope. Said Sirius President of ENtertainment and Sports Scott Greenstein, "Over the last 14 years, Jimmy Iovine took Interscope Records from a start-up operation to what is now one of the most influential record companies in the world." He went on to say, "I look forward to the exciting new projects we will work on together for Sirius."
FTS Wireless is getting Sirius.
(24 January 2005)
The retailer of next-generation wireless products and services and operator of Wi-Fi Hot Spots announced plans to begin distributing Sirius products and services on or about 1 February. Said FTS Wireless CEO Scott Gallagher, "The satellite radio market experienced explosive growth in 2004 when Sirius Satellite Radio named Mel Karmazin its new CEO and announced a block buster 5-year plan to bring the 'King of all Media' Howard Stern to Sirius satellite radio beginning in 2006. "
Hoops junkies can continue to be Sirius.
(24 January 2005)
The satellite broadcaster announced the extension of a multi-year programming and marketing agreement with the NBA. Under the non-exclusive multi-year extension agreement, Sirius will broadcast NBA regular season games, Playoffs and The Finals. "With millions of sports fans across the country, the NBA ranks among the world's premier sports franchises and we're delighted to expand our relationship with them," said Sirius President of Entertainment and Sports Scott Greenstein.
The nation's number two satellite broadcaster gets Sirius abouts its books on 26 January.
(24 January 2005)
Its 2004 financial and operating results are to be released during a conference call at 8:00 AM ET. Investors can listen to the conference call at the Sirius website or on Sirius Channel 131.
Listeners who also like to watch should soon be able to get Sirius about their habits.
(21 January 2005)
The satellite broadcaster has announced plans to offer a satellite TV service for cars in the second half of 2006. The service will use Microsoft's Windows Media platform to offer several channels of children's programming. No agreement has been reached with automakers to support the service.
XM is acquiring Effanel Music .
(20 January 2005)
The live music, remote and mobile recording specialist has provided live performances from the Grammys and MTV Video Music Awards to live performances by artists like U2, Madonna, Santana, and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. Said XM boss Hugh Panero, "Bringing Effanel into the XM family is a strategic fit because live content plays such a central role in XM's programming."
Sirius is getting Digital Fountain .
(18 January 2005)
The communications technology supplier announced that the satellite broadcaster has signed a licensing agreement to use Meta-Content technology in upcoming products. The companies expect that eventually Digital Fountain technology will be incorporated into all Sirius receivers. Said Digital Fountain CEO Charlie Oppenheimer, "Sirius has demonstrated that they are on the cutting edge in everything that they do and so this endorsement is further evidence of the leading position of our Raptor technology." Raptor is the most advanced Forward Error Correction technology currently available.
This year's Media Summit New York is getting Sirius, of sorts.
(17 January 2005)
Sirius boss "Mellow Mel" Karmazin is joining NBC Universal CEO Bob Wright at the event on 9 and 10 February at the McGraw-Hill building. The theme of the event is "Global Media - Technology Innovation = Communications Revolution." The event welcomes top media executives from organizations like Time-Warner, Disney, Viacom, and Sony.
XM is planning to broadcast "Tsunami Aid: A Concert of Hope" tomorrow from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm ET.
(14 January 2005)
The benefit, organized by the NBC Universal Television Group to help victims of the tsunami tragedy in southern Asia, is being featured on XM's MSNBC channel (130) and on XM's CNBC channel (127). The event is also airing across NBC's broadcast and cable channels. Said XM veep for programming Eric Logan, "We are calling on the XM Nation to stand up and make a contribution so the Red Cross can assist in the massive relief effort underway in southern Asia." XMers making an online contribution of $50 or more to the American Red Cross International Response Fund will receive a special "XM Nation: Operation Helping Hand" wristband.
Ever wonder where Ford would get all those promised Sirius receivers?
(10 January 2005)
Think no more! Delphi is helping Ford get Sirius by supplying units for select 2006 Ford and Lincoln Mercury models beginning this summer. The units are to be a factory-installed option on vehicles like the Ford F-150 and Explorer, the Lincoln Mark LT and Mercury Mountaineer. Delphi general director of sales and marketing Beth Schwarting said, "We are pleased that Ford has chosen Delphi satellite radios for these new and upcoming products."
According to the Washington Post, terrestrial radio broadcasters are fighting back.
(10 January 2005)
The radio industry plans to promote itself in the coming weeks with a string of high-profile print and on-air ads featuring artists like Nelly, Alicia Keys and Ludacris. The ads are aimed at Sirius and XM and the perception that conventional AM and FM radio is canned and over-formatted, too full of commercials, and lacking in personality. "There have been a lot of urban legends and falsehoods articulated in the public of late, and radio operators are stepping up and telling their story," said Entercom president David J. Field.
Call them backseat men.
(8 January 2005)
Sirius and Delphi are developing in-car video systems designed for kids who like to watch to do it in the rear seat. The two companies unveiled separate deals aimed at giving users more programming choices for their backseat displays. Said Phil Magney, principal analyst with the Telematics Research Group , "For over a year now we have anticipated the introduction of video solutions using satellite. That has been in the cards or a while and is a natural evolution of the technology."
Sirius and Delphi are developing in-car video systems designed for kids who like to watch to do it in the rear seat.
(8 January 2005)
The two companies unveiled separate deals aimed at giving users more programming choices for their backseat displays. Said Phil Magney, principal analyst with the Telematics Research Group , "For over a year now we have anticipated the introduction of video solutions using satellite. That has been in the cards or a while and is a natural evolution of the technology."
The number one satellite radio broadcaster has announced that NavTraffic would be available with new aftermarket vehicle navigation systems. XM's traffic data service delivers current traffic information directly to a vehicle navigation system, enabling the system to display local traffic data for the driver's personal route. NavTraffic is currently available as a standard feature of the 2005 Acura RL and will be available on certain 2005 Cadillac CTS models.
Panasonic is planning to offer thirteen models of XM-ready car stereo head units this year.
(8 January 2005)
The new units are the first Panasonic models to offer XM capability and the first to interface with the XM Direct universal tuner box without the need for smart cables. Said XM Director of Product Marketing and DIstribution Rocco Tricarico, "We at XM are thrilled that thirteen 2005 Panasonic car stereo head units will have XM functionality and branding, which we believe will add significant value to an outstanding line of products."
Further emphasizing its leadership in satellite radio, XM has declared a regular quarterly dividend on its 8.
(8 January 2005)
25% Series B Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock.It's payable in shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock at a rate of $1.0313 per share of Series B Preferred Stock owned, with fractional shares to be paid in cash.
XM is debuting "Connect-and-Play" technology for home entertainment systems.
(8 January 2005)
The new gadgets are designed to integrate XM into a broad range of home entertainment devices. The centerpieces of the technology are the chip and data-port, a low-cost mini-serial bus connector. Manufacturers of consumer electronic products can add the XM "Connect-and-Play" chip and data-port, making their devices instantly XM-ready.
Starbase, not to be confused with StarTrek, is a new digital control unit that allows any vehicle radio to get Sirius.
(8 January 2005)
It makes it possible for consumers who do not have a satellite-ready radio in their vehicles to connect to a new trunk mounted SriusConnect receiver. The unit allows for mounting in single din slots or using Velcro to the dashboard. Said Sirius Veep Larry Pesce, "Combined with our new SiriusConnect trunk mounted receiver, Starbase provides a complete end-to-end system for connecting to Sirius regardless of what vehicle a consumer drives." Beam us up!
Sports enthusiasts who want to get even more Sirius than ever before may want to consider the redesigned Sportster IR.
(8 January 2005)
The unit is capable of recording up to 44 minutes of programming simultaneously while a subscriber is listening. Said Srius Veep for Product Management and Strategic Planning Larry Pesce, "The popularity of the Sportster makes it the ideal Sirius 'Plug&Play' to introduce this exciting new feature.
Sirius has announced that Chief Financial Officer Dave Frear is scheduled to present at the Smith Barney Citigroup Global Entertainment, Media & Telecommunications COnference in Phoenix this Monday (10 January).
(8 January 2005)
A live video webcast of the event is being made available through the Investor Relations section of the Sirius website.
According to the National Post, the introduction of video service to cars by Sirius by 2006 could delay a Canadian launch of the satellite broadcaster's service.
(8 January 2005)
Kevin Shea, president of Sirius Canada, commented "Given the number of television sets going in mobile vehicles, it is clear this presents a great opportunity." He cautioned, however, that Sirius Canada "has to walk before it runs," and still needs approval from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission for its radio application. A decision from the CRTC is expected in April.
The SiriusConnect receiver was announced yesterday at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
(7 January 2005)
The new product represents a single-piece system that is compatible with Sirius-ready headunits from a variety of manufacturers, including Audiovox, Alpine, JVC, and Pioneer. It can also connect to XM-ready headunits from Alpine and Pioneer that are up to three years old.
StarMate, a Sirius "Plug & Play" unit that is about the size of a deck of cards was announced at the Consumer Electronics Show yesterday.
(7 January 2005)
The smallest ever Sirius receiver is expected to be available in retail stores beginning this month. It features a three-line full display, has 30 presets and a built-in wireless FM transmitter with 100 frequencies. Including both home and vehicle adapter kits, it is expected to retail for $129.96.
Audiovox has introduced four new XM products at the Consumer Electronics Show.
(7 January 2005)
Tom Malone, Senior Veep, Sales, said the new products would expand the sales and profit options for Audiovox's retailers. He also announced the signing of a letter of intent to acquire certain assets from Terk. Said Malone, "We are enthusiastic about being part of the XM solution, and feel that the continuing growth of this medium will result in a successful partnership between Audiovox and XM." The new products announced yesterday include the XR9 receiver, the XC9 mobile dock, and the XM9 BoomBox.
XM has announced that it has signed up more then 3.
(6 January 2005)
2 subscribers to date with more than 1.8 million having been added during 2004.Said XM boss Hugh Panero, "In one year, more than 1.8 new subscribers chose XM Satellite Radio for its compelling content and groundbreaking technology." The company expects to reach 5.5 million subscribers by the end of this year.
Continuing to expand its leadership in satellite radio, XM is adding new names to its lineup of broadcasters.
(6 January 2005)
In the talk category, XM is adding Dr. Laura Schlessinger and G. Gordon Liddy. They'll be joining the satellite broadcaster next month. In sports, XM is hiring FOX baseball guru Kevin Kennedy and sports journalist Tony Kornheiser.
Pioneer and Tao have announced the availability of the newest models of the popular XM2go portable satellite radio.
(6 January 2005)
The new models should be available this spring and represent the latest in a line that was named one of the year's best consumer electronics products by USA Today and BusinessWeek. XM veep for Product Marketing and Distribution Dan Murphy said, "The XM2go category has quickly established a new standard for portable audio, and the addition of Pioneer and Tao to the product lineup will make XM2go, the newest portable audio format, even more popular in 2005."
The number two satellite broadcaster is planning to offer a sirius video service in the second half of 2006.
(5 January 2005)
Sirius expects to devote two to three channels of video to content designed primarily for children in collaboration with Microsoft. Plans to use Windows Media Video 9 have been announced at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas where Sirius boss "Mellow Mel" Karmazin said, "We will take the DVD experience to the next level, offering the best content easily available to families and consumers."
The number one satellite broadcaster has announced at this year's Consumer Electronics Show that it is expanding its satellite radio product line-up with the introduction of the Delphi XM Signal Repeater.
(5 January 2005)
It represents the first system designed to rebroadcast the XM satellite signal throughout most homes and small offices. It includes both a transmitter and a receiver and can down-convert the XM signal and rebroadcast it to distances of between 75 and 100 feet. Said Delphi Director of Product and Service Solutions Joe Damato, "The Delphi XM Signal Repeater eliminates the need for long and unsightly antenna extensions. In addition, it offers multiple radio environments the ability to share the same XM antenna and signal."
Get ready for the ReGo!
(5 January 2005)
The new XACT product is the first ever portable Plug & Play satellite radio receiver that records satellite radio and plays MP3 files through a compact flash card. The wearable ReGo can record up to four hours of live Sirius programming and play it back at any time. Said XACT Senior Veep of Branding and Marketing Ben Lowinger, "With the ReGo, XACT offers the public a multi-faceted device that is nothing like other personal entertainment products on the market." In collaboration with Kuryakyn , XACT is also announcing the release of a satellite receiver mount made specifically for motorcycles. The custom bracket is expected to fit most brands including Harley-Davidson, Honda, BMW, Yamaha, Buell and Susuki.
Ford is getting Sirius.
(4 January 2005)
The automaker and the satellite broadcaster announced that Sirius Satellite Radio would be offered as a factory installed option this summer on as many as 21 vehicle lines. Ford expects to generate up to one million Sirius subscribers over the 2006 and 2007 model year periods. Said Sirius boss "Mellow Mel" Karmazin, "Ford is a very important automotive relationship for us, and we are very pleased that they plan to offer factory installed Sirius in the vast majority of their vehicle lines." Starting with the 2006 model year, Ford plans to offer Sirius on the Ford F-150, the Ford Explorer, the Lincoln Mark LT, and the Mercury Mountaineer."
1,143,258 listeners have gotten Sirius.
(4 January 2005)
That's the number of subscribers that the satellite broadcaster lists as of the end of 2004. The number exceeds the original target of one million and is attributed to robust retail sales, growing awareness of the benefits of satellite radio, and greater recognition by consumers of the company's premium quality programming. Said Mel Karmazin, "While we were looking to finish the year with 1 million subscribers, we are very pleased to have significantly exceeded that number."
XM has announced that it will hold a press conference on Wednesday, 5 January, at this year's International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
(4 January 2005)
The press conference will be held in the XM Satellite Radio Booth and will highlight new product and partnership announcements, new technology advancements, the latest programming updates, and current subscriber numbers.
The emerging satellite radio market has caused Media International Concepts to get sirius.
(3 January 2005)
Prompted by the realization that the radio talk show market is growing, the company has changed its direction to specialize in creating and developing content for XM and Sirius. By working with instead of competing against the satellite broadcasters, Media Concepts expects to be able to realize shareholder growth in what it sees as a potentially huge market.