News Articles From Days Gone ByHow's Sirius financing the merger?
(31 July 2008)
Easy...they're just issuing more stock. The satcaster is issuing shares at a 20 percent discount to Monday's closing price of $1.88 per share. Sirius plans to issue about 262 million shares, with about 184 million offered at a fixed price of $1.50 per share. more>>
Ondas is still competing in Europe.
(31 July 2008)
The Spanish media company (see RUsirius.com story dated 23 April 2008) has issued contracts to its technology partners Delphi, The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft Institute (FHG) and Certicom to begin integrating its satellite radio system in Nissan vehicles and those two other leading European manufacturers. Says Christoph With, Ondas Media Chief Financial Officer, "Depending on the OEM's specific internal schedules, these contracts will assure Ondas Media's delivery of factory-installed radios in millions of cars sold in Europe in the 2011 and 2012 time frame." more>>
HD Radio is finally here.
(31 July 2008)
..in Colombia.Broadcast Electronics has installed HD Radio transmission equipment for TROPICANA 102.9, the first station in Colombia to transmit using HD Radio technology. The installation is part of a test authorized by the Colombian government and was conducted in Bogota. The station, owned by Caracol, is one of a network of 130 AM and FM stations. more>>
The other big radio deal finally went down.
(31 July 2008)
Clear Channel has closed its agreement to be purchased by private equity firms Thomas H. Lee Partners and Bain Capital Partners for $39.20 per share (see RUsirius.com story dated 26 March 2008). The delay was caused by the credit crunch and ended when Clear Channel re-negotiated the price to $36 per share. more>>
The competition from iPods just got tougher.
(31 July 2008)
AAMP of America has announced the release of the Automotive Media Gateway . The device allows iPods to be connected directly into an automobile's head unit if the unit is satellite radio-capable. It sells for $169.95. more>>
Marty's back!
(30 July 2008)
Famed football coach Marty Schottenheimer is returning to the public scene with Sirius. The former Bills linebacker and coach of the Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Redskins and San Diego Chargers is making his debut Monday as the co-host of "Movin' The Chains" with Tim Ryan and Pat Kirwan. Monday's show can be heard at 2:00 PM(ET). Throughout the season Schottenheimer will host "Sirius Blitz" every Monday at 9:00 AM(ET) and "The Red Zone" every Thursday at noon (ET). All spacecasts are on Sirius NFL Radio (channel 124). more>>
XM's going to the dogs.
(30 July 2008)
AnimalRadio , featured by the satcaster, has announced a partnership with DogTimeMedia to produce "Road to Rescue," a new segment that captures real-life stores of people who dedicate their lives to rescuing animals. Says Animal Radio programming veep Hal Abrams, "AnimalRadio is excited to work with an industry leader like DogTime to bring to light the work being done everyday by hundreds of volunteers across the country." more>>
The CRTC is getting sirius about the merger.
(29 July 2008)
After winning approval in the United States for a combined satellite radio system, XM and Sirius need to go before the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission to explain their merger plans and how those plans will affect their broadcasts. The CRTC says that it has the right to reject a merger between XM Canada and Sirius Canada and that a public hearing would be required. At issue is the amount of Canadian content, currently being satisfied by the existence of 20 Canadian streams. The concern is that with a combined system the amount of Canadian content might decline to an unacceptable level. more>>
Sirius completes the deal.
(29 July 2008)
After the approval of the Federal Communications Commission, Sirius officially completed its takeover of rival XM to form a company renamed to Sirius XM. The all-stock deal is valued at $2.76 billion. The combined company anticipates a savings of $400 million next year and more than $300 million in adjusted earnings. more>>
HD Radio is on ICE .
(29 July 2008)
In Car Experts has announced a "strategic marketing alliance" with HD Radio purveyor iBiquity to offer products featuring the technology to its members. Says ICE director of vendor relations David Schwartz, "ICE believes that HD Radio technology as a feature has tremendous headroom with the consumer." more>>
Sirius has some big results.
(28 July 2008)
The satcaster has announced preliminary second quarter numbers and they're encouraging. Revenue is up, subscribers are up and losses are down. As of the end of June, Sirius had 8.924 million subscribers, an increase of 25% from the same period last year. In addition, revenue increased 25% to $283 million and there was a 70% decrease in adjusted loss from operations. more>>
The merger is migrating across the border.
(28 July 2008)
XM Canada says that it is reviewing its options now that the Federal Communications Commission has approved the merger between XM and Sirius. Says XM Canada President and CEO Michael Moskowitz, "We are now evaluating how best to leverage the FCC's decision so that we optimize our critical, market-leading advantages, which include innovative partnerships, long-term automotive contracts, steadily increasing retail market share, superior signal coverage and 130 channels of unbeatable programing." more>>
CBS Radio is getting a makeover.
(28 July 2008)
In an effort aimed at unifying its conventional, HD Radio and web-based content delivery the company has announced a new strategy to augment both its audio and video capabilities. "Rethinking and evolving our business had led us to this transformation and in the very near future every station will have a major video component transforming radio from a purely audio medium to a visual one as well," said David Goodman, President, Digital Media and Integrated Marketing, CBS Radio. more>>
Public radio's ready for more power.
(27 July 2008)
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting is hosting a Webinar next week to discuss the implications of the proposed increase in the power of HD Radio broadcasts (see RUsirius.com story dated 16 June). According to the posted announcement, "Public radio stations have been on the forefront of digital radio conversion, consequently, the proposed power increase has raised many questions with regard to planning digital conversion and upgrading existing installations."
This is it!
(25 July 2008)
After what seems like years of disputes, delays, the wringing of hands and the gnashing of teeth it's finally here. It's not the Second Coming, Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny. It's the MERGER, the fantastic, glorious MERGER. Sirius and XM can finally march forward as one. Hallelujah! The final decision was reached by the Federal Communications Commission today as Deborah Taylor Tate dutifully cast her vote in favor of the deal after both satcasters agreed to satisfy her concerns, starting with their violations of FCC emissions rules for their terrestrial repeaters. more>>
XM's going boating with PBI.
(25 July 2008)
The satcaster and Pro Brand International have announced a new marine kit for XM satrads. The ProTechT Water-Resistant Marine Housing Kit allows XM listeners to operate a plug-and-play XM radio on a boat, protecting it from water, salt, fog, ultraviolet rays and dust. Says PBI Chief Executive Officer Philip Shou, "We are excited to be partnering with XM to introduce this new solution to address the needs of this high growth market segment." more>>
It's $19 million.
(24 July 2008)
That's the sum Sirius and XM are paying for violating Federal Communications rules. The violations are with respect to complaints about interference with land-based stations and terrestrial repeaters. XM's share of the amount is $17 million. Sirius' is $3 million. more>>
The Federal Communications Commission appears poised to approve the merger between Sirius and XM.
(24 July 2008)
The only member of the commission yet to vote is Deborah Taylor Tate, who has indicated that she is prepared to vote in favor of the deal should the companies agree to settle charges they have violated agency rules plus accept a few other concessions. more>>
Get ready for the big challenge!
(24 July 2008)
Sirius Canada and Targa Newfoundland have announced that the Sirius Satellite Radio President's Challenge for Manufacturers is being launched at the seventh annual Targa Newfoundland, a week-long road rally covering 2000 km. Said Targa organizer Robert Giannou, "We are excited to welcome Sirius Satellite Radio as the inaugural title sponsor of this new and exciting competition." more>>
Adelstein says no.
(23 July 2008)
In a startling development, Jonathan Adelstein has joined fellow Democrat Michael Copps in voting no on the merger between Sirius and XM (see below and RUsirius.com story dated 18 July). That leaves it all up to Republican Deborah Taylor Tate to decide whether the Federal Communications Commission approves the deal. Developing... more>>
In a startling development, Jonathan Adelstein has joined fellow Democrat Michael Copps in voting no on the merger between Sirius and XM (see below and RUsirius.com story dated 18 July).
(23 July 2008)
That leaves it all up to Republican Deborah Taylor Tate to decide whether the Federal Communications Commission approves the deal. Developing... It's "1worldspace." That's the new corporate identity for international satcaster WorldSpace. The idea is the brain child of PIR Marketing and was developed to reflect WorldSpace's mission and vision. The company's new tagline, "I am many; my world is 1," is intended to celebrate the power of 1worldspace to bring together people from all over the world through the power of satellite communications. Now if only they could start selling those subscriptions... more>>
Copps says no.
(23 July 2008)
Democrat Michael J. Copps of the Federal Communications Commission votes against the merger between Sirius and XM. His vote brings the total so far to two for and one against the deal between the two satcasters. Republican Commissioner Deborah Taylor Tate and Democrat Commissioner Jonathan S. Adelstein have yet to cast their votes, although Adelstein indicated that he would support the merger with certain conditions (see RUsirius.com story dated 18 July). more>>
HD Radio is still a mystery to many.
(23 July 2008)
A recent survey has found that only 24 percent of respondents knew what an HD Radio was. Undaunted, Edison Vice President Tom Webster said, "Programming is a regional crap shoot of varying technology. The industry has to create value through the creation of strong, passionate brands that may be augmented by music, but stand for more than 'one great song after another.'" more>>
Are you ready for some football?
(23 July 2008)
Sirius is. The satcaster is starting its fourth annual training camp tour on Saturday. Live broadcasts are featured from the training camps of all 32 teams during a three week period. The tour starts with the training camps of the New York Jets and the World Champion Giants.
Forget the recession!
(22 July 2008)
Financial expert Jean Chatzky is providing expert advice tomorrow with "Recession Busting 101." The big event is just for happy XM listeners on the Oprah channel (XM 156). The audience will have an opportunity to call 866-OPRAH-XM from 10:00 AM(ET) until noon with questions and complaints about high gas prices, bad mortgages, lost jobs, the stock market, etc., etc., etc. more>>
XM continues to grow.
(21 July 2008)
The satcaster has announced that it added 322,000 new subscribers in the second quarter of 2008 for a total of 9,653,000 subscribers, up 17% since he end of the second quarter of 2007. The quarterly churn also improved to 1.67% compared to a second quarter churn of 1.84% in 2007. more>>
HD Radio is finally cordless.
(21 July 2008)
Coby Electronics has announced the HDR-650 and the HDR-700, two new portable, cordless HD Radio receivers. The HDR-700 features a splash-proof housing and integrated rechargeable battery. It sells for $149. The HDR-650 retails or $99 and is designed to be added to existing stereo and audio systems. . more>>
XM is preparing for the merger.
(19 July 2008)
The satcaster cleared a major financial hurdle by reaching an agreement with holders of their outstanding 9.75% senior notes that are due in 2014. In return, the debt holders agree to waive XM's change of control repurchase obligation. The waiver provides that upon the closing of the merger with Sirius, XM will commence an offer to exchange the 9.75% notes for a combination of at least $400 million of cash and up to $200 million aggregate principal amount of a new series of notes. more>>
Sirius is taking F1 racing more siriusly.
(19 July 2008)
The satcaster has announced a new Formula 1 pre-race show hosted by racing journalist Adam Cooper as a lead in to its live Grand Prix race coverage. The Sirius Formula 1 Pre-Race Show spaces tomorrow, 20 July, at 7:30 AM(ET), preceding live coverage of the German Grand Prix in Hockenheim. The action is on Sirius channel 125. more>>
The merger just got a little closer.
(18 July 2008)
Democrat Jonathan Adelstein, of the Federal Communications Commission, has submitted a proposal that would allow Sirius and XM to merge if they agree to a six-year price freeze and make twenty five percent of their combined channels available for public interest and minority programming. Said Adelstein, "It's critical that if we're going to allow a monopoly, that we put in adequate consumer protections and make sure they're enforced."
Why did Redbeard leave XM?
(18 July 2008)
Find out by listening to his podcast interview. The famous Dallas area broadcaster describes his experiences on the music show " In The Studio " and offers his opinions on the future of terrestrial and satellite radio. Redbeard has interviewed music legends like David Bowie, The Eagles, Led Zeppelin, Metallica and the Rolling Stones and is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. more>>
Clear Channel apparently leads the pack.
(17 July 2008)
In the world of real-time traffic (see RUsirius.com story dated 11 April 2008) the broadcasting giant appears to be ahead of NAVTEQ, the system used by XM. Clear Channel Total Traffic Network (CCTTN) has announced that it has more than half a million active and current paid users. Current Clear Channel partners include BMW, MINI USA, Volvo, Garmin, Delphi, Kenwood, Clarion, Harmon Kardon and Panasonic. It serves 65 markets in the United States plus Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto. more>>
Ed Markey wants HD on satrads.
(16 July 2008)
The House Telecommunications Subcommittee Chairman Ed Markey (D-MA) has sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin saying that HD Radio receivers should be included on satellite radios as part of a merger deal. He thereby joins the list of lawmakers with conditions on the deal between Sirius and XM (see RUsirius.com story dated 1 July). States Markey, "If the commission is going to countenance the merger of the two existing satellite radio companies, I believe that terrestrial HD Radio technology should be required in all new satellite radio receivers." Markey also wants a three-year price freeze and a set-aside for noncommercial programing. more>>
McIntosh Laboratory is going HD.
(15 July 2008)
The hign-end audio provider has just introduced a new AM/FM HD Radio tuner for its new MA6600 integrated amplifier. The new tuner is expected to be priced at around $800. more>>
The Young Turks are coming to XM.
(15 July 2008)
The progressive radio show is now on XM's America Left (channel 167) from 8:00 to 10:00 AM(ET), hosted by Cenk Uygur. Said Uygur, "We are coming back to our roots and thrilled to be a part of the line up on XM." Recent guests on "The Young Turks" include Nancy Pelosi, Edward Kennedy, Jimmy Carter, Jesse Jackson, Brian Williams, Mel Brooks, Mary Matalin, Harry Reid, Ralph Nader, Howard Dean, Bob Saget, Wes Clark and Joe Wilson. more>>
The King of the Blues is XM-rated.
(15 July 2008)
B.B. King is slated to host his own weekly radio show for XM starting in September. The show is expected to feature a broad range of blues and gospel music interspersed with stories about the artists and personal anecdotes. The re-launched "Bluesville" will henceforth be called "B.B. King's Bluesville" on XM channel 74. more>>
Program Associated Data or PAD for HD Radio may soon be generated using a new system by Dalet .
(14 July 2008)
The company is presenting its new technology offerings at this year's International Broadcasting Convention Exhibition . It's solutions run on a DaletPlus media asset management platform that combines integrated production and playout capabilities with Dalet's file migration and conversion technology. One of the results of the application of Dalet's technology is more up-to-date information on the digital HD Radio display. more>>
Bar goers are satellite radio fans.
(14 July 2008)
According to a recent survey bar patrons are more likely to be subscribers to Sirius or XM. The same survey also found that 58 percent have listened to online radio. Could it be because so many drinking establishments routinely use either satellite or internet radio for background music? more>>
iChannel is throwing a party.
(13 July 2008)
The HD Radio network, together with Bonneville International Corporation, is sponsoring the first ever iFest, a concert for independent music artists and fans. The big even takes place on 16 August at the Family Arena in St. Charles, Missouri. more>>
GM and Toyota like satrads as they are.
(12 July 2008)
General Motors and Toyota are against incorporating HD Radio capability into future satellite radio receivers as part of a merger agreement (see RUsirius.com story dated 3 June 2008). In a joint letter to the Federal Communications Commission, the automakers say that "HD is already penetrating the automotive sector without a mandate. Several manufacturers are either currently offering HD or have announced plans to make HD radio standard or optional in future models. Nothing in our companies' respective agreements XM inhibits our ability to offer HD radio." more>>
Stop the TV!
(12 July 2008)
That's the complaint against Sirius by Georgetown Partners. As part of its continuing effort against satellite radio (see RUsirius.com story dated 18 March 2008) the law firm has filed a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission seeking an investigation into the satcaster's use of digital radio spectrum for television (see RUsirius.com story dated 15 April 2008). Says Georgetown, "We could establish a competitive alternative voice using just the 20 percent of spectrum capacity that Sirius admits it is planning to use for broadcasting television instead of for radio." more>>
XM has achieved positive cash flow in Canada.
(11 July 2008)
Canadian Satellite Radio, the Canadian XM affiliate, has announced that it has attained this goal in only two and a half years. Revenue has increased 81 percent to $10.3 million and its total operating loss has improved $2.7 million to $7.1 million. Said XM Canada Chief Executive Officer Michael Moskowitz, "Our achievement of positive cash flow for the quarter, an important milestone that measures the financial health of the company, demonstrates our ability to effectively manage costs and working capital while growing our subscribers and revenue." more>>
XM's POTUS'08 is going to the conventions.
(11 July 2008)
The XM channel dedicated exclusively to this year's election is providing 24-hour news coverage of the Democratic and Republican conventions without commercial interruption. Says XM senior vice president of news., sports and talk Kevin Straley, "The channel has ben reporting on the presidential campaign nonstop for the last ten months, and we're bringing that same, intense level of coverage to the conventions. While other media outlets are only carrying the primetime speeches, we will air everything that's happening on the podium throughout the day." more>>
Joy Behar is going to the dogs for XM.
(11 July 2008)
The View personality is on the satcaster's Animal Radio this weekend to talk about allowing dogs to sleep in bed. "Despite what the experts advise," says Joy, "my dog sleeps in-between my legs." The program is being spaced this Saturday at noon (ET) and at 9:00 AM(ET) on Sunday on America's Talk (XM channel 158). more>>
HD Radio just got cheaper.
(10 July 2008)
At a time when everything from gasoline to bread is getting more expensive isn't it nice to know that HD Radio receivers can be had for less than $100? The newest, most inexpensive HD Radios are made by Coby, iLuv, JVC, Pioneer, Radiosophy and Sony. more>>
Eric Logan is leaving XM.
(10 July 2008)
The satcaster's former executive vice president for programming is jumping ship and heading to Harpo Productions in a similar position. Says Logan, "I'm very excited to be joining Harpo at a time when the future for the company has never been brighter." He'll be handling Harpo's talent relations efforts. more>>
Mark Osegueda is Sirius.
(10 July 2008)
The Death Angel frontman will be appearing on "Hard Files" today at 7:00 PM(ET) to talk about the band's latest release, "Killing Season" as well as its history as one of the first minority metal acts to break through to the mainstream. The program repeats on Friday at noon (ET), Saturday, 12 July at 3:00 PM(ET) and on Sunday, 13 July at 6:00 PM(ET). more>>
The attorneys general are sirius.
(9 July 2008)
In what appears to be a last-ditch effort to derail the Sirius-XM merger a group of state attorneys general (see RUsirius.com story dated 26 April 2008) are appealing to swing vote commissioner Deborah Taylor Tate (see RUsirius.com story dated 26 June 2008) of the Federal Communications Commission. In a 1 July phone call the group told Tate that the merger would deal a "stacked deck" to consumers despite voluntary conditions the companies have accepted. In a letter submitted in conjunction with the conference call the AGs said "A lease of spectrum and facilities could produce competitive benefits to an outright divestiture and, most importantly, could do so quickly in the absence of a full-fledged new entrant able to launch its own competing system." The group wants the FCC to approve the deal only if at least 20% of the combined spectrum is set aside for use by a third party presumably consisting of the minorities and non-commercial broadcasters (see RUsirius.com story dated 1 July ) favored by three prominent senators. more>>
Hyundai is ready for HD Radio.
(9 July 2008)
The automaker is the latest to include digital radio as an option. It's included in a package for the new Genesis sedan, putting Hyundai in the company of , among others, BMW and Volvo. Says HD Radio Alliance executive vice president Diane Warren, "Some of the automakers known for innovation are picking up on this. The rest of the industry will follow." more>>
The iPhone is now XM-rated.
(9 July 2008)
Not to be outdone by Sirius (see RUsirius.com story dated 27 June) XM is now providing streaming access for the iPhone. Called uXM, the service provides "most of the functionality of a standalone XM radio to your iPhone handset." As in the case of uSirius, a subscription is necessary. more>>
Get ready to play ball with the stars on XM.
(9 July 2008)
The satcaster is spacing next week's All-Star Game and Home Run Derby from Yankee Stadium in New York. Home Plate with Cal Ripken is also live from New York's Javits Center starting on 12 July. Said XM executive vice president for programming Eric Logan, "The All-Star Game this year is especially historic because it's the last one to be played on the most hallowed ground in baseball. We will have wall-to-wall coverage of All-Star events in New York for five days straight." The Home Run Derby starts at 8 PM(ET) on Monday, 14 July. The All Star Game begins at 8:00 PM(ET) on Tuesday, 15 July. Both are on XM channel 176. more>>
Victoria Stilwell puts on the dog for XM.
(5 July 2008)
The television star and dog trainer is featured this weekend on Animal Radio together with Francesco Quinn. The program is featured on America's Talk (XM channel 158) today at noon and tomorrow at 9:00 AM(ET). more>>
Congressional Democrats are following their Senate colleagues on the merger.
(4 July 2008)
Five Democratic House members from Minnesota want a 25 channel set aside for non-commercial channels should the merger be approved. The action mimics that of some senators (see RUsirius.com story dated 1 July). Minnesota representatives Timothy Walz, Betty McCollum, Keith Ellison, Collin Peterson and James Oberstar also want HD Radios included in all satrads. more>>
They may as well buy him a beer in Mexico.
(4 July 2008)
XM is launching a Kenny Chesney channel this year on 26 July. No Shoes Radio features Kenny's favorite songs, rare recordings and interviews with famous friends. Says Chesney, "This is a way to keep the vibe alive, long after our tour is gone." But it won't last long. No Shoes Radio ends on 25 October. more>>
HD Radio pays.
(3 July 2008)
..at least for Andy Whatley.After spearheading a new marketing blitzkrieg for HD Radio, Charles Andrew Whatley has been named President of American Media Services-Interactive. AMCi is responsible for the new interactive ad campaign inviting consumers to "Text UPGRADE to 34343," as well as its new relationship with All Comedy Radio (see RUsirius.com stories dated 30 June). In announcing the promotion President and CEO of American Media Services Frank McCoy said, "Andy Whatley has demonstrated extraordinary leadership and organizational skills, while retaining a contagious enthusiasm for the customer-centric view of every challenge he faces." more>>
Forget Sirius, he's the king of terrestrial radio!
(3 July 2008)
Clear Channel is giving Rush Limbaugh a new multi-year contract said to be worth $400 million. The new deal is for eight years and consists of a $38 million a year salary plus a $100 million signing bonus. Clear Channel boss John Horgan called Limbaugh a "once in a lifetime" broadcaster. And you thought only pro athletes made this kind of money. more>>
XM is sirius about the SEC.
(2 July 2008)
The satcaster is now the exclusive provider of satellite radio coverage of Southeastern Conference sports. The Universities of Alabama, Florida and South Carolina are joining Auburn and Vanderbilt in abandoning Sirius for XM starting this year. more>>
Howard Stern should be lobbying against the merger.
(2 July 2008)
According to analysts, the combined Sirius-XM company would seek to reduce its commitment to both individuals and organizations once the prospect of departing for a rival satcaster is no longer possible. This means that Stern's $500 million package and the National Football League's $200 million deal with Sirius, along with Major League Baseball's $650 million contract with XM would likely be re-negotiated. The problem is that the competing satcsters tried to outbid each other to get big stars and sports organizations. The result was a lot of red ink in a weak market where the total audience is only about 20 million listeners. It's expected that Sirius-XM will attempt to cut about $400 million in costs out of the combined company next year. And that means Stern. Maybe he could try WorldSpace. more>>
Investors can get Sinus after the merger.
(1 July 2008)
That's the word from Sirius boss Mel Karmazin. Says Mel, "The upside potential from this merger is significant. In addition, the synergies, adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow are expected to continue to grow in subsequent years, and we look forward to providing more detail of this growth in coming months." more>>
XM did some sirius lobbying this year.
(1 July 2008)
To boost the chances for approval of the merger with Sirius, XM spent $214,530 lobbying during the first quarter of this year. In addition to the merger, XM lobbied on digital music copyright issues according to a report filed with the House clerk's office on 18 April. The satcaster lobbied the Federal Communications Commission, the Justice Department and the Library of Congress. more>>
ABBA gets Sirius.
(1 July 2008)
The satcaster is launching ABBA Radio featuring non-stop songs from the ABBA catalog together with exclusive interviews with Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus. The whole package celebrates the release of "Mamma Mia!" The Movie. Said Benny Andersson, "Thanks to ABBA Radio on Sirius, both new and longtime fans have a place to experience the original music of ABBA, together with the new songs produced for the soundtrack to Mamma Mia! The Movie, in a distinctively innovative way." ABBA Radio spaces for two weeks starting on Monday, 7 July on Sirius channel 3. more>>
The Senate is finally getting into the merger discussions.
(1 July 2008)
John Kerry (D-MA), Claire McCaskill (D-MO) and Ben Cardin (D-MD) have said they were concerned the merger would eliminate competition in satellite radio and that they want more stringent conditions. Mostly they want at least 20% of the combined satcasters' capacity leased to minority, noncommercial and informational programming to "ensure a viable competitor." The conditions are similar to those proposed by four state attorneys general earlier this year (see RUsirius.com story dated 26 April 2008). more>>