News Articles From Days Gone ByIn an effort to compete with National Public Radio, XM is launching a new channel on 1 September.
(30 July 2004)
"XM Public Radio" (Channel 133) is going to feature programs from Public Radio International including This American Life, Michael Feldman's "Whad'Ya Know?," Garison Keillor's "The Writer's Almanac," "Speaking of Faith," "On Point," and "Only a Game." Said XM boss Hugh Panero, "We are thrilled to announce the launch of XM Public Radio and it is an honor to carve out this completely new space in the broadcasting arena."
NPR's Bob Edwards is leaving the public institution for the greener pastures of XM's Washington studios.
(29 July 2004)
The former host of "Morning Edition" will bring us the "Bob Edwards Show" from 8 to 9 a.m. daily on "XM Public Radio." "They want to give me a program, so I can continue to host and be heard every day instead of occasionally, as I would have been at NPR," Edwards said this week while driving around Maine as part of a fundraising effort. The new, XM-rated, Bob Edwards start his new gig on 4 October.
XM is doing its best to continue to irritate local broadcasters by expanding its traffic and weather channels to five more metropolitan areas.
(27 July 2004)
Service is being added for Atlanta, Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, Minneapolis-St. Paul, San Diego, and Seattle for a total of 21 XM traffic and weather channels. XM boss Hugh Panero commented "We are very excited to be expanding our popular XM Instant Traffic & Weather service to include five more major markets."
Get ready for Streamer!
(27 July 2004)
The new boombox from The Brix Group features "always on" Sirius access. It's available at participating American Wireless or Pana-Pacific dealers for $99.95. Brix CEO Harry Brix said of the occasion, "In the car, at home, on the beach or anywhere in between, users can enjoy 100-plus streams of commercial-free 24-hour satellite radio. The addition of the Streamer Boombox to our portfolio of satellite radio gear is a bonus for our customers looking to fully take advantage of satellite radio wherever and whenever they choose."
The new boombox from The Brix Group features "always on" Sirius access.
(23 July 2004)
It's available at participating American Wireless or Pana-Pacific dealers for $99.95. Brix CEO Harry Brix said of the occasion, "In the car, at home, on the beach or anywhere in between, users can enjoy 100-plus streams of commercial-free 24-hour satellite radio. The addition of the Streamer Boombox to our portfolio of satellite radio gear is a bonus for our customers looking to fully take advantage of satellite radio wherever and whenever they choose." The Great White North is a lot closer to getting Sirius with the appointment of Kevin Shea as the boss of a new venture of Standard Radio and "The Dog." Shea is expected to oversee the new company's efforts to obtain a license from the CRTC. Said Standard Radio boss Gary Slaight, "We are delighted to have Kevin Shea on board during these exciting early days of satellite radio in Canada."
Showing everyone why they're only number two in satellite radio, "The Dog" exemplified its name by reporting a larger loss in the second quarter than a year ago.
(22 July 2004)
To make matters worse, the loss exceeded analysts' expectations. The company showed tat they're not very Sirius about making money, with a loss of $136.8 million on revenue of $13.3 million. The loss for the same period last year was $111.8 million on revenue of $2.1 million. Spinning the bad news to the extent of his ability, Sirius boss Joe Clayton called the period a "landmark." "Not so fast, Joe!" was the reaction from OEM partner, Ford. The automaker is expected to announce that it won't begin Sirius factory installations until the 2006 model year.
Get ready for Roady2!
(21 July 2004)
The latest Delphi XM offering is on the market in retail stores nationwide. Selling for $129.99, the compact unit is on average four times smaller than competing plug-and-play products. It's also capable of displaying up to 20 customized stock quotes simultaneously with regular XM programming. Said Delphi's Joe Damato, "Roady2 sets a new standard for small size and functionality."
As if they weren't Sirius enough, Hertz is getting even more Sirius.
(21 July 2004)
The auto rental giant is offering complimentary Sirius Satellite Radio in the Lincoln LS and Navigator within the Prestige vehicle category. The service is being expanded into the other Prestige vehicle lines later this year when renters of Volvo, Jaguar, and Range Rover can expect to be able to get Sirius.
Mazda is going to "The Dog" this fall.
(21 July 2004)
..or sooner.Sirius Satellite Radio is currently being made available as a dealer-installed option in the Tribute and MPV. Happy Miata, RX-8, Mazda3, and Mazda6 can expect to get Sirius this fall.
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(19 July 2004)
.or sooner.Sirius Satellite Radio is currently being made available as a dealer-installed option in the Tribute and MPV. Happy Miata, RX-8, Mazda3, and Mazda6 can expect to get Sirius this fall. Record-breaking skateboard champion Tony Hawk is going to "The Dog." He's becoming the first host on the innovative music channel Sirius Faction, broadcasting "Tony Hawk's Demolition Radio" from a custom-designed studio from his new practice facility in California. Uncensored and commercial-free, the show is set to launch Tuesday, 20 July. Said Hawk, "I am very excited about doing a show on Sirius Satellite Radio. Music has always been a hugh part of what I do, and now I can share my influences and experiences with the world."
Motor Trend is getting Sirius.
(16 July 2004)
The world's automotive bible is beginning broadcasts of Motor Trend Radio on "The Dog's" Talk Central channel. In its fourth year, the talk show for motorheads is hosted by Bob Long and offers listeners information on road tests, products, and industry news. Said Lou Mohn, President of Motor Trend parent Primedia, "As the premium satellite radio provider, Sirius is the natural outlet for Motor Trend Radio as it reaches those listeners that are in-tune to the latest technology for their vehicles and in-tune to Motor Trend."
Aerielle is introducing the AudioBug(TM) AB-250 , the latest wireless FM music transmitter that works with the Delphi XM Universal Audio Adaptor.
(16 July 2004)
The system transmits an FM signal to the car radio and plugs into a car's power outlet.
More than half a million happy listeners have gotten Sirius.
(15 July 2004)
The number two satellite radio provider announced that its subscriptions have passed the 500,000 mark. The company expects to have a million subscribers by the end of the year.
Delphi is getting a Sirius boost in the form of additional orders from the Chrysler Group.
(15 July 2004)
The automaker is featuring Delphi satellite digital audio receivers in 11 models for the 2005 model year. Said Delphi's Beth Schwarting, "We are certainly excited about supplying additional units to the Chrysler Group for Sirius satellite radio receivers." The latest announcement features plans to make Sirius-ready systems available in the Chrysler 300, the PT Cruiser, Town and Country, Pacifica, Dodge Magnum, Caravan, Durango, Ram and Dakota pickups, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Liberty.
XM has announced a deal to broad Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and Pacific-10 (Pac-10) collegiate football and men's and women's basketball games.
(15 July 2004)
"XM cannot be more excited to have the marquee conference match-ups of the ACC and Pac-10, which represent more than 400 sporting events," said XM boss Hugh Panero.
Sirius coverage of NFL football is set to begin on 2 August.
(15 July 2004)
Former coach and perennial Super Bowl loser Dan Reeves is hosting a daily morning talk show from 8 am to 10 am (ET) Monday through Friday. He's joined by former ESPN Radio host Chris Moore. Said Sirius veep Jay Clark, "Dan Reeves is one of the most respected men in football and will anchor our morning coverage with an insider's view second to none."
Potential Porsche Pilots can get start getting sirius (and XM) as both satellite broadcasters' systems become available as Cayenne factory installed option.
(14 July 2004)
Sirius and XM systems are being featured on three models: the Cayenne, Cayenne S, and Cayenne Turbo. Sirius veep Doug Wilsterman said of the occasion "Sirius is an ideal addition to the Cayenne model line, and complements the high standards personified by Porsche." XM boss Hugh Panero commented "We are very pleased that a renowned automaker such as Porsche will offer XM Radio beginning this fall."
The nation's number two satellite broadcaster is opening its Sirius financial statements for the second quarter on 21 July.
(14 July 2004)
Sirius investors, and even investors who are just joking around, can access the company's financial and operating results by tuning to Sirius Channel 131 or via the Sirius website.
Under a new agreement, XM and Elan Home Systems are joining forces to develop new multi-room products that play the broadcaster's satellite streams.
(13 July 2004)
The first product is expected to be an audio system capable of delivering three different XM channels simultaneously. Said Elan's Bob Farinelli, "Our vision is to continuously provide greater options for music and information in every room with the next generation Elan products, and this relationship will provide exactly that."
Eminem is finally getting Sirius!
(13 July 2004)
The multi-platinum recording artist, Shady Records and Interscope Records are creating a hip-hop music and lifestyle channel on "The Dog" starting this fall. "Once upon a time not too long ago, the feds wanted all my music off the air, " Eminem said. "Now we'll be on Sirius 24 hours a day, playing the best hip-hop."
XM has announced a sirius dividend on its Series B Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock.
(12 July 2004)
The dividend of 8.25% is payable in shares of XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. Class A Common Stock at a rate of $1.0313 per share of preferred stock owned, with fractional shares to be paid in cash. The dividend is payable as of 1 August 2004 to stockholders of record as of 22 July.
Canadians can start getting sirius about satellite radio.
(9 July 2004)
Licensing hearings for the medium are being held on 1 November by the CRTC in Gatineau, Quebec. Chairman John Bitove said "This important first step is great news for the Canadian music industry and for Canadian consumers, who will have the opportunity to get on he ground-floor of the most significant technological development of the new millennium." Canadian Satellite Radio's partner in the new venture is XM.
XM wants to talk about siriusly about its revenue.
(9 July 2004)
The satellite broadcaster has scheduled a conference call on Thursday, 5 August at 10:00 AM (EDT) to announce and discuss its quarterly financial results. XM-rated investors and other interested parties can access the conference at (800) 374-0551.
XM's headquarters in Washington D.
(9 July 2004)
C.is the venue for "Con Hunley Un-Plugged" on 14 July at 2:00 PM EDT. Hunley , who continues to chalk up raves from reviewers for his single "Still," will spend four hours from 8:00 PM EDT until Midnight on the same day taking phone calls (866-267-0349) and talking with America's show host Country Dan Dixon.
Conservative talk show fans can siriusly enjoy "The Dog's" latest offering.
(8 July 2004)
Sirius Patriot, a call-in talk radio channel, becomes the satellite broadcaster's second venue dedicated to conservative viewpoints. Said Sirius veep Jeremy Coleman, "Earlier this year, Sirius added a second liberal channel with Air America Radio. We felt it was not only fair, but essential that in this crucial election year we add a second conservative channel for our subscribers."
Advance Auto Parts is getting Sirius.
(8 July 2004)
The leading retailer of automotive parts and products announced a partnership with the satellite broadcaster to permit customers to purchase the Sirius "Plug & Play" receiver by Audiovox at over 2500 stores across the United States. "Advance Auto Parts provides a new channel of distribution for Sirius products, ultimately offering consumers further convenience and access to our premium portfolio," said Sirius veep Bob Law.
According to the New York Post, Shannon Sharpe has signed a deal with Sirius NFL radio, replacing Deion Sanders.
(7 July 2004)
The satellite broadcaster apparently decided that Neon Deion wasn't really Sirius when contract negotiations stalled. Sharpe will apparently have a three-day-a-week, three-hour football talk show.
Ground-based broadcasters are continuing to blast satellite radio before the FCC.
(7 July 2004)
The National Association of Broadcasters had previously asked the Government agency to confirm that XM and Sirius could provide only national programming, prohibiting them from distributing locally oriented programming. Terry Fahy of Salem Communications said this prohibition prevented satellite broadcasters from "putting traffic and weather on their service." Fahy said terrestrial had been "extremely accommodating" when XM and Sirius sought FCC authority for repeaters, "and now that accommodation is being thrown in our faces." Fahy went on to say "It's time for the FCC to declare its commitment to local radio now before XM and Sirius seek to provide local-into-local service based on a subscriber's location."
MediaBay announced a strategic sales and marketing agreement with XM to promote its archive of Radio's golden age on its 24-hour Radio Classics channel.
(7 July 2004)
The spoken audio media marketing company's CEO, Jeff Dittus said of the occasion, "XM has done a fantastic job building a new generation of old time radio." Radio Classics (channel 164) features a programming archive with The Bob Hope Show, The Shadow, and The Jack Benny show, among other favorites.
Adding to its significant lead over rival Sirius, XM announced that it finished the second quarter with more than 2.
(2 July 2004)
1 million subscribers.Said XM boss Hugh Panero "It was another outstanding quarter for XM. We saw significant growth at both retail and automotive dealerships, and we experienced very strong sales for Father's Day. We have an exciting summer ahead of us, with a wide variety of exclusive programs on tap, and new products such as he much-anticipated Delphi XM Roady2 available at retail stores."
The nation's number two satellite broadcaster is siriusly burnishing its image with five new music channels.
(2 July 2004)
Spanning the spectrum from pop to dance, the new Sirius channels are Elvis Radio (see story below), Underground Garage (channel 25), Boombox (channel 61), Area 63 (channel 63), and Vacation (channel 97).
Willie Nelson kicks off an XM-rated Fourth of July with a live concert from Fort Worth.
(1 July 2004)
The satellite radio broadcaster is using the event to kick off a month of exclusive specials. Other events in the series include the "4th Annual Louis Armstrong 4th of July Birthday Celebration" (Real Jazz, Channel 70), "The Big Bang: The Evolution of Rock 'n' Roll" (Channel 5), and "Forth of July Moog Fest Special" (Fine Tuning, Channel 49). XM Programming Chief Lee Abrams praised the legendary Nelson saying "Willie Nelson is a longtime fan dna friend of XM Radio, and we're proud to be broadcasting his legendary July Fourth concert exclusively to our 2-million-plus subscribers across the country."
RadioShack is getting Sirius by introducing the Orbiter Model SR4000 plug and play satellite radio receiver.
(1 July 2004)
RadioShack veep Don Carrol said of the event "We are excited about the opportunity to offer our customers the very best satellite radio content and hardware available. By partnering with Sirius, RadioShack is continuing to deliver on its reputation for introducing customers to innovative, leading-edge products while making it easy for them to buy and activate subscription-based services."