News Articles From Days Gone ByXM and Infiniti have announced that for a limited time the automaker is offering three years of complimentary satellite radio with XM NavTraffic.
(29 June 2007)
The offer applies to the redesigned 2008 Infiniti QX56. Beginning with the 2008 model year, XM is the exclusive satrad provider to Infiniti (see RUsirius.com story dated 9 April 2007) and every model will make XM available as a standard, factory-equpped feature. more>>
Internet radioheads may be left with no option but to get Sirius .
(29 June 2007)
.. or XM.Recent efforts to have Congress reverse a decision by the Copyright Review Board (see RUsirius.com story dated 7 March 2007) have apparently fallen on deaf ears. Said New York Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, "I really don't think Congress would be the best type of vehicle to resolve this type of issue." The general attitude among the legislators is that Web radio operators and licensing organizations should negotiate and come up with their own compromise decision. Without a compromise, Webcasters are due to begin paying higher fees starting on 15 July. more>>
The 2007 Interep Radio Symposium extolled the virtues of HD Radio as well as the strides that local radio outlets have made in adding on-line, mobile and other digital technologies.
(29 June 2007)
Said Interep CEO David Kennedy, "I have long believed that radio is undervalued relative to its ability to generate results. Electronic measurement and all of the metrics that support radio's strengths, particularly its ability to influence consumer behavior, will help radio get the recognition that i deserves and ultimately improve our growth rate." more>>
Sirius and XM have announced yet anther endorsement for their proposed merger.
(29 June 2007)
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has offered its support for the arrangement in a recently released statement. "We are extremely pleased to enjoy the support of such a well-respected and influential organization in the African American community," said Gary Parsons, Chairman of XM Satellite Radio and Mel Karmazin, CEO of SIRIUS Satellite Radio, in a joint statement. more>>
The Federal Communications Commission has issued a consultation document requesting opinions as to whether or not Sirius and XM should merge.
(28 June 2007)
The move can be seen as the first step toward the eventual approval of a merger. The document, however, is worded is such a way as to give no indication as to the thinking of the officials. more>>
Puckheads rejoice!
(28 June 2007)
XM is now the exclusive radio home of the National Hockey League. Said XM Executive Vice President, Programming Eric Logan, "We are proud and excited about our exclusive partnership with the NHL. Being able to provide our fans with full access to games, analysis, and overall coverage truly establishes XM as the satellite radio destination for hockey fans." Play-by-play and analysis is being provided by Phil Esposito, Bill Clement, Denis Potvin and Gary Green. more>>
HD Radio enthusiasts who spend a lot of time n their cars may want to consider the JVC KD HDR1.
(28 June 2007)
It's one of the few new in-car stereos that comes with a built-in HD receiver. It also features a well-designed control interface and a good combination of buttons and controls. more>>
Clear Channel is sirius about HD.
(27 June 2007)
The terrestrial radio giant has announced that all of its 350 HD2 stations are now iTunes Tagging compatible, so everyone with an iPod can easily acquire any tagged music with the push of a button. Said Clear Channel prez John Hogan, "With radio now well established in the digital age, innovation is a priority at Clear Channel Radio, which is why we developed technology to make iTunes Tagging possible." Clear Channel had announced in April that all of its primary HD stations were iTunes ready. more>>
Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) is getting Sirius about celebrating the 3rd anniversary of Elvis Radio (see RUsirius.com news archive story dated 29 June 2004).
(27 June 2007)
He and the satcaster hare getting together for a special hour of his favorite Elvis records next month. The program spaces on 1 July at 2 PM(ET) from Graceland and hosted by George Klein. more>>
A movement is underway to use WorldSpace's AfirStar satellite to provide faith-based news and information to thousands of Catholic parishes in Africa.
(27 June 2007)
The initiative has been launched by Faith Satellite Radio (FSR) and the World Catholic Association for Communication. "The primary objective is to supply African parishes with easy access to quality radio programs and multimedia content from across the world," the organizations said in a statement. more>>
FamilyNet Radio is Sirius about the satellite radio merger.
(26 June 2007)
The voice of Christian Talk on Sirius has announced its strong support for the deal in a letter to the Federal Communications Commission. Said FamilyNet chief operating officer R. Martin Coleman, "We support any efforts, including the Sirius-XM merger, which will help satellite radio survive and continue to benefit the public for many years to come." more>>
Momentum appears to be building for the proposed Sirius/XM merger.
(25 June 2007)
Americans for Tax Reform and the 60 Plus Association have filed a joint comment with the Federal Communications Commission in support of the deal. "This merger would create an appealing product for many consumers interested in multiple audio options," said Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist." The companies have broken new ground in offering consumers the ability to block channels and receive a credit for what they have blocked, without being forced by regulation to do so, there creating an alternative that will appeal to people of all age groups and sensibilities." more>>
iBiquity's P.
(25 June 2007)
V. Priestley is extolling the virtues of HD Radio in Singapore. At BroadcastAsia Priestley commented, "Radio industry executives are fond of pointing out how the medium has bounced back from past challenges. But fighting off television in the 1950s, 8-tracks in the ’70s and CD’s in the 90’s, fades in comparison to what radio faces today. At one time radio had the monopoly on “wireless.” It was the only technology to reach people in cars, on the streets, even on the beach. Today, all media is becoming wireless and portable, The medium is also fighting a competitive battle on all fronts, losing ad market share to the internet, satellite radio and all sorts of other new media." more >>
Internet radio listeners may have no choice but to get Sirius this Tuesday, 26 June.
(23 June 2007)
That's the day picked by dozens of webcasters to shut down in protest over the proposed imposition of higher fees by the Copyright Royalty Board (see RUsirius.com story dated 21 May 2007). According to the proposal the fees would go up by 30% this year and next. In addition, each webcaster would be required to pay a minimum $500 "administrative fee" per channel. more>>
Satellite radio listeners in India have just received some bad news.
(22 June 2007)
The service may be getting a little more expensive thanks to a license fee and a requirement for WorldSpace to share up to 20 percent of its annual revenue with the government. Both proposals are part of an overall satellite radio policy overhaul being considered by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Since there currently is no official policy on the subject, WorldSpace pays no license or revenue sharing fees. more >>
Attention all rqcquetheads!
(21 June 2007)
Sirius is providing complete coverage of Wimbledon for the third straight year. The action starts Monday, 25 June and continues through the Women's and Men's Finals on Saturday, 7 July and Sunday, 8 July. more >>
XM is siriusly behind in retail sales for May 2007.
(21 June 2007)
For the month rival Sirius has maintained a 55% to 44% edge in the retail market, a trend that is representative of the past 21 consecutive months. Overall, however, the entire sector is down 23%. more >>
A trend that started in Canada is coming to the United States (see RUsirius.com story dated 10 April 2007).
(19 June 2007)
Volkswagen of America is getting Sirius. The automaker has announced that Sirius satrads will be offered as standard equipment in all Touareg2, New Beetle, New Beetle Convertible, GTI, and GLI models beginning with the 2008 model year. Said Volkswagen of America Executive Vice President Adrian Hallmark, "The Volkswagen of America, Inc. plan to offer Sirius as standard equipment in select models not only proves VW's commitment ot the customer, but also shows VW's commitment to technology that enhances driving pleasure and enjoyment in every sense." more >>
Chris Di Marco is now XM-rated.
(19 June 2007)
The PGA Tour pro is now the host of a weekly, 30-minute show for the satcaster called "oPINionated With Chris DiMarco." The program premieres today on the PGA Tour Network (channel 146). It also features co-host Greg Warmouth who will assist Chris in taking his listeners on an inside look at professional golf. more >>
Seventy two members of the House of Representatives are apparently not Sirius.
(19 June 2007)
They've sent a letter opposing the Sirius/XM merger to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and Federal Trade Commission Chairman Deborah Platt Majoras. The letter was authored by Gene Green (D-TX) and Jim Sensenbrener (R-WI). It was signed by 47 Democrats and 25 Republicans. more >>
XM enthusiasts in Canada should be pleased to know that the satcaster now has two new satrads, the XpressR and the XpressEZ.
(18 June 2007)
The XpressR is the industry's first satellite radio with split screen display. The XpressEZ is a new entry-level device. Both are manufactured by Audiovox. more>>
The WorldSpace board of directors has a new member.
(18 June 2007)
Dr. Frank-Jurgen Richter, a world authority in international affairs and global business and founder of Horasis , has recently been elected to the position. Says WorldSpace boss Noah Samara, "Dr. Richter has demonstrated throughout his career, the leadership, knowledge and strategic insights that he will bring to our board." more>>
Canadians with Bell Mobility cellphones can now get Sirius.
(16 June 2007)
The company has announced that Sirius programming is now available on phones like the LG Chocolate, LG Fusic, Samsung m610 and Samsung a900 for $8 a month. "Sirius delivers digital-quality music without commercial interruptions directly to our clients' phones, and with a growing selection of channels to satisfy virtually any musical taste," said Bell Mobility Vice President of Products Adel Bazerghi. more>>
The Big 12 is now officially XM-rated.
(15 June 2007)
The athletic conference has announced its affiliation with the satcaster in a multiyear agreement covering football and basketball games beginning next season. Big 12 associate commissioner Tim Allen said, "We have received a large number of fan inquiries over the last few years about placing our championships on XM, and we're thrilled we were finally able to make it happen." more>>
XM is getting sirius about classical music.
(15 June 2007)
..at least in Baltimore.The satcaster has announced that it will space eight broadcasts of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra during the 2007-2008 season on XM Classics (channel 110). It marks the orchestras first venture into satellite radio. more>>
The results of a new study on the benefits of the proposed satellite radio merger have been released.
(15 June 2007)
Coordinated by Thomas Hazlett, former Chief Economist of the Federal Communications Commission and currently a professor at George Mason University, the study indicates that the Sirius/XM merger will enhance audio competition. "The Economics of the Satellite Radio Merger" says the deal will expand programming options, improve content quality and benefit consumers. Commenting on the result, Hazlett said, "After a thorough analysis, it is my opinion that the merger of XM and Sirius will predictably enhance consumer welfare. The National Association of Broadcasters' (NAB) staunch opposition to the merger illustrates their similar expectation." The study was funded by Sirius and XM more>>
The University of Texas is now XM-rated.
(15 June 2007)
The satcaster is slated to space every regular-season Texas football game and most men's and women's basketball and baseball games. Said XM's Eric Logan, "The Texas athletic program is steeped in pride and tradition, and XM Radio is proud to be helping further that tradition by bringing Texas games to millions of people across America." Texas programming can be heard on channel 241 starting 1 September. more>>
Siriusly trying to get a big merger deal approved?
(14 June 2007)
Try hiring someone on the inside. New White House counselor Ed Gillespie is a partner in Quinn Gillespie & Associates, a lobbying firm whose clients include Sirius and XM. The satcasters hired Quinn Gillespie in April to lobby the government on the merger deal. Gillespie replaces outgoing counselor Dan Bartlett. more>>
The National Association of Broadcasters has a new Radio Board Chairman.
(14 June 2007)
He is W. Russell Withers, owner of Withers Broadcasting. He was unanimously elected to his new post along with Steven Newberry, Radio Board vice chairman, Charles M. Warfield, second vice chairman. more>>
Sirius and XM have placed an advertisement in various publications highlighting the organizations supporting the big merger.
(13 June 2007)
Among the groups supporting the deal between Sirius and XM are listed the League of Rural Voters, The National Consumers League, The National Black Chamber of Commerce, The Hispanic Federation and Women Involved in Farm Economics. Each organization has already filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission as part of the FCC's merger investigation (see RUsirius.com story dated 9 June 2007). more>>
International satcaster WorldSpace is making it big in India where it received an award for Best Program from the India Radio Forum.
(13 June 2007)
The award honored Suvama Samputa, a three-month series on Radio Sparsha spaced on consecutive Sunday mornings beginning in February. The show coincided with the commemoration of the Golden Jubilee celebrations for the state of Karnataka. The award was presented at this years India Radio Forum awards ceremony. more>>
A recent survey by Jacobs Media indicates that thirteen percent of rock listeners can't live without radio (see RUsirius.com story dated 21 March 2007).
(13 June 2007)
"While some new technologies have grown in importance over the years, their lack of ubiquity among sample members limits their indispensability ratings. Less than 4% of all respondents indicate that video games, iPod-type devices, DVRs and satellite radio are the most critically important devices or media in their lives. Notably, satellite radio subscribers in the survey are more apt to say that FM radio is the most important medium or technology.," said the survey report. more>>
Opie & Anthony are back (se RUsirius.com story dated 16 May 2007).
(12 June 2007)
The duo return after a one-month suspension triggered by remarks made by gag guest "Homeless Charlie," about Queen Elizabeth, Laura Bush and Condoleezza Rice. Gregg "Opie" Hughes and Anthony Cumia return at 6:00 AM(ET) on Friday, 15 June.
Sangean is updating its HD Radio tuner, the HDT-1 (see RUsirius.com story dated 20 September 2006).
(12 June 2007)
The company used customer feedback to develop the HDT-1X with improvements such as a Sony/Phillips Digital interface Format optical output, Split-Audio Mode and an Analog Mode. It is expected to be on the market later this month at a suggested retail price of $249.99. more>>
XM Canada has reached a sirius milestone.
(11 June 2007)
The Canadian XM affiliate now has 270,000 subscribers. Said XM Canada boss John Bitove, "We continue to focus our efforts on building our subscriber base through diverse channels. XM Canada has built an extensive network of automotive partners that are continually increasing their XM radio installations and we are extending into the retail sector with new and innovative products." more>>
XM is providing live coverage of this year's U.
(11 June 2007)
S.Open from Oakmont Country Club . The 107th championship of the U.S. Golf Association begins on Thursday, 14 June and XM plans to provide play-by-play coverage and expert commentary starting each day at 12 noon (ET). "The U.S. Open is one of the crown jewels of golf, and XM Radio will provide more live coverage of the event than any other media outlet in the country," said Kevin Straley, XM's senior vice president of news, sports and talk programming. more>>
Sirius beer drinkers should know that Beer Radio (see RUsirius.com news archive story dated 18 August 2004), spaced every Saturday at 4 PM(ET) on Channel 147 is now available on the web .
(9 June 2007)
The website contains an archive of podcasts dealing with subjects like Ascent 54, a new Anheuser-Busch product available only in Colorado. Like Brew 102, love in a canoe... more>>
The Federal Communications Commission could decide within 6 months on the merger between XM and Sirius.
(9 June 2007)
The FCC issued a notice yesterday seeking comment on the deal said to be valued at $4.7 billion. The Department of Justice still needs to review the case. more>>
Mini is more than just Sirius (see RUsirius.com story dated 27 March 2007).
(8 June 2007)
The automaker is now offering a factory-installed HD Radio with FM multicasting capability on its 2007 Mini Cooper and Cooper S. "We are pleased to offer our customers the high-quality sound of HD Radio broadcasting in the new Mini Cooper and Cooper S hardtops," said Rich Steinberg, head of Mini USA product strategy. more>>
The National Association of Broadcasters is getting Sirius.
(8 June 2007)
They're also getting desperate. NAB prez David Rehr has sent a letter to "Mellow Mel" Karmazin asking that the merger plan between Sirius and XM be canceled. "We believe that the proposed merger is simply a request for a government bailout of operational and financial missteps that have depressed stock prices and in turn investors," Rehr wrote. "Any gains resulting from a merger of Sirius and XM will largely accrue to Wall Street and the companies' executives and not African-American, Latino or other programmers or consumers. Accordingly, we respectfully urge Sirius and XM to withdraw their application in the best interests of consumers and competition." more>>
Stephen Tapp is no longer XM-rated.
(7 June 2007)
The president and chief operating officer of XM Canada has resigned effective 15 June. Chief Executive Officer John Bitove is expected to continue in that position. more>>
Sirius is getting serious about Black Music Month.
(7 June 2007)
Heart & Soul (channel 51), Soul Town (channel 53) and Backspin (channel 43) are celebrating the occasion with hosts Jamie Foxx, LL Cool J, Kelly Rowland, Isaac Hayes, Lionel Richie, Ashford & Simpson, Charlie Wilson, Heather Headley and Anthony Hamilon. more>>
Sirius is borrowing again.
(6 June 2007)
The satcaster has announced the acquisition of a $250 million senior secured term loan commitment from Morgan Stanley. The note matures in five and one-half years and will be used for general corporate purposes such as paying Howard Stern's salary. "This transaction takes advantage of favorable market conditions and significantly strengthens our balance sheet," said Sirius CFO David Frear. more>>
Louisiana State University is now XM-rated.
(6 June 2007)
The satcaster has announced that it will carry LSU sports starting this fall. "The LSU athletic program is consistently one of the very best in the nation, and LSU has loyal fans all across America," said XM's executive veep for programming Eric Logan. The LSU broadcast season on XM begins with the season opener against Mississippi State on 30 August. more>>
In what may eventually become a nationwide trend WTOP in Washington D.
(6 June 2007)
C.is broadcasting iChannel on its HD Radio channel 103.5-2. The subchannel is dedicated to unsigned artists. Bands can submit their music to iChannel for evaluation. Those that make the cut can set up a profile and track the number of times their songs have been played and downloaded. more>>
XM is commemorating the Normandy invasion by playing recorded radio accounts of the day in 1944 when Allied troops stormed the beaches of France, beginning the effort to oust Nazi forces from western Europe.
(5 June 2007)
The programming, obtained from the National Archives, begins today and continues until 2:45 PM(ET) Thursday, 7 June, on the channel devoted to the music of the 1940s. The recorded newscasts are expected to occupy roughly 30% of the programming time during the period, which coincides with 65th anniversary of the Battle of Midway . And you thought D-day was just a character in Animal House . more>>
Peter Steele is getting Sirius.
(5 June 2007)
The Type O Negative mainman appears on "Hard Files" on the satcaster's Hard Attack this Thursday, 7 June, at 7:00 PM(ET). The group's video for the song "Profit of Doom" has been posted at YouTube just in time for the spacecast. It comes from their latest album, "Dead Again." more>>
RadioSherpa (see RUsirius.com story dated 14 November 2006) is coming to the West Coast.
(5 June 2007)
The developer of innovative HD Radio applications has announced the launch of its HD Radio Guide for San Francisco. Now, just in time for the 40th anniversary of the Summer of Love , Bay Area HD Radioheads will be more readily able to find interesting HD music and content. "We are glad to finally be on the West Coast, and in particular, in San Francisco," said RadioSherpa co-founder Stephanie Norton.. "In addition to being a large radio market, San Francisco is home to many early technology adopters." more>>
International satcaster WorldSpace is completing a deal that promises to raise a little more cash for the enterprise.
(4 June 2007)
The company has announced the successful closing of $155 million in convertible notes, redeeming $50 million of the existing notes for cash and issuing new notes and warrants in exchange for the remaining existing convertible notes. "We now have the runway to execute our streamlined 2007 plan," said WorldSpace boss Noah Samara. "The company is determined to make the most of our opportunities, particularly in Europe, where we continue to focus on readying the Italian business, and India, and hope to return to the markets with significant business achievements." more>>
The promised Sony HD receivers (see RUsirius.com story dated 29 May 2007) are here.
(4 June 2007)
The XDR-S3HD Table Radio and the XT-100HD Mobile HD Tuner establish the electronics giant's commitment to HD technology. "Sony is one of the first leading consumer electronics companies to offer quality HD Radio-enabled devices," said Sony senior vice president Steve Haber. "We're adding it to a long list of technologies that support digital music trends." more>>
The International Fan Club Organization is now XM-rated.
(3 June 2007)
The FICO Fun Fest Show is being carried by the satcaster live on XM Highway (channel 16) on Monday, 4 June at 7:30 PM(ET). The show, hosted by Joe Diffie , is being re-spaced several times throughout June and July. more>>
Gary Epstein, chief marketing officer for the American Medical Association is becoming XM-rated.
(2 June 2007)
He's slated to become the chief executive officer of ReachMD, a 24-hour news and talk program carried by the satcaster for health-care professionals. Epstein had helped lead a $50 million campaign to reinvigorate the AMA's image and revive sagging membership. The folks at XM hope he'll be as effectiver in his new position. more>>
The League of Rural Voters is urging the Federal Communications Commission to approve he merger between XM and Sirius.
(2 June 2007)
The group notes that the combined entityu would offer listeners in rural comuniies more programming options at lower prices than those curently available from the two companies separately. more>>
The University of Arizona and Texas Instruments are continuing to work on a new chip for HD Radio (see RUsirius.com story dated 29 January 2007).
(2 June 2007)
The aim of the research currently being conducted is to combine the silicon data-processing chips that receive both analog and digital signals, said Paul Prazak, director of analog front-end products for Texas Instruments in Tucson. That is expected to lower manufacturing costs and,in turn, make HD Radio less expensive to consumers. "We're trying to take it to the next level in terms of performance, size, power and cost," said Prazak. more>>
Internet broadcasters are getting a little help from National Public Radio in fighting the Copyright Royalty Board (see RUsirius.com story dated 3 May 2007).
(1 June 2007)
NPR has filed a notice with the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington saying it would challenge the board's decision raising the fees paid by webcasters. NPR says it is also filing a request for an emergency stay blocking the adoption of the new rates. NPR spokeswoman Andi Sporkin said in a statement said the decision by the Copyright Royalty Board was "ill-conceived" and capable of causing "irreparable harm" to NPR member stations. more>>
Sirius' Playboy Radio is launching a new weekly show featuring Hugh Hefner's girlfriend Bridget Marquardt.
(1 June 2007)
"The Bridget & Wednesday Friday Show" spaces every Friday morning at 1 PM(ET) and features Bridget's insider tales of life at the Playboy Mansion. Said Hef, "I couldn't be more proud of Bridget. After putting in the hard work to earn multiple broadcasting degrees, she continues to follow her dreams. I'm sure the new radio show will be a ton of fun." more>>
Remember the old top-40 radio stations during the 1960s?
(1 June 2007)
In New York it was WABC, in Chicago WCFL. In Dallas it was KLIF and XM is bringing back the sound on Friday, 8 June in "Sonic Sound Salutes." Spacecast at 4 PM(ET) the show features XM's Terry "Motormouth" Young paying tribute to the jingles, DJs and chatter from the 1960s in the greater Dallas-Ft. Worth area. Classic music from the era is, of course, also included. more>>
Broadcast Electronics (BE) has introduced AM HD Radio in Mexico.
(1 June 2007)
The new format has been demonstrated just weeks after officials approved HD Radio in the country within 200 miles of the U.S./Mexico border (see RUsirius.com story dated 20 May 2007). Participants have been generally impressed. "Most expressed surprise at the FM-like stereo audio quality and said they had not heard AM HD Radio outside carefully-controlled demonstrations at the NAB convention," said BE Latin America sales manager John Schneider. more>>