News Articles From Days Gone ByParents with unruly kids in the back seat asking "Are we there yet?"
(30 March 2007)
can finally get Sirius.Chrysler and the satcaster have announced the first ever in-vehicle TV network installed on 2008 model-year Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles. The initial programming on "Sirius Backseat" is Nickelodeon, The Disney Channel and The Cartoon Network. It is rumored that the second wave of in-vehicle TV will be called "Sirius Tailgate," consisting of Spike, ESPN and The Playboy Channel. more>>
XM has managed to dodge at least one of the lawsuits filed against it.
(30 March 2007)
U.S. District Judge Ellen Segal Huvelle in Washington threw out a class-action suit filed against the satcaster over a slump in its share prices last year. XM shares lost almost a third of their value last February when the company announced a bigger-than-expected quarterly loss. more>>
The Consumer Coalition for Competition in Satellite Radio ( C3SR ) is sending a commissioned study to the FCC claiming that a monopoly would result from a merger between Sirius and XM.
(30 March 2007)
The study was commissioned by J. Gregory Sidak, a former Deputy General Counsel for the FCC. Said Sidak, "No matter how you slice it, dice it or package it, the merger of XM and Sirius would establish a monopoly, which are typically characterized by a lack of economic competition for the good or service that they provide as well as a lack of viable substitute goods." more>>
Happy commuters in six new markets can now get up-to-the-minute traffic reports from XM.
(29 March 2007)
XM NavTraffic has added Fresno, CA, Jacksonville, FL, and Salt Lake City, UT in the United States and Montreal, QB, Toronto, ON and Vancouver, BC in Canada. Creepers and beepers in 50 markets across North America can now get both audio and visual information to learn exactly how screwed up their day is going to be. more>>
Bridge Ratings has found that nearly 75 percent of satheads expect higher monthly fees if Sirius and XM merge.
(29 March 2007)
THe merger also means that "King of All MEdia" Howard Stern can expect to pick up a potential 900,000 additional listeners. The firm has lowered its projection for new satellite radio subscribers from 700,000 to a little over 600,000. more>>
Hand Rover is more Sirius than ever.
(28 March 2007)
The SUVmaker has announced that the satcaster's systems will be available as standard equipment on the flagship 2007 model year Range Rover and Supercharged Range Rover Sport. Said Sirius boss Mellow Mel Karmazin, "Land Rover has been a great partner in the growth of Sirius, and we are very pleased that they have decided to include Sirius radio as standard equipment on select vehicles." Rover has been Sirius since 1995 (see RUsirius.com archive news story dated 13 July 2005). Some potential Land Rover customers are rumored to be wondering whether the Sirius signal can be received in Costa Rica. more>>
"King of All Media" Howard Stern has apparently outlasted his former boss.
(28 March 2007)
Former CBS Radio group president Joel Hollander is apparently stepping down and being replaced by Dan Mason, the former occupant of the office. Hollander presided over Stern's exit from CBS amid the latter's constant infomercials about satellite radio on his terrestrial radio show. CBS Radio, then under Hollander, chose to sue Stern and the satcaster after Stern's departure (see RUsirius.com archive news story dated 15 March 2006). more>>
As if XM didn't have enough legal problems from the National Music Publishers Association (see RUsirius.com story below), the satcaster is now being sued by Keystone Electronics.
(27 March 2007)
The Austin-based firm is also suing Sirius over a patent, awarded on 16 January, related to an apparatus for input and output arrangement of data in a mobile environment. Access from a wireless signal is restricted based on a "persistent unique hardware identification." more>>
Mini is getting Sirius.
(27 March 2007)
The automobile manufacturer has announced that the satcaster's units will be available as a factory installed option with a lifetime subscription on the all-new 2007 Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S starting this June. "We are excited to offer our customers factory installed Sirius radio with a lifetime subscription," said Rich Steinberg, head of Mini Product Strategy. "Now it makes the choice even easier for them to enjoy Sirius radio in their new Mini." more>>
iSuppli has announced their estimates on satellite radio.
(27 March 2007)
Shipments of XM receivers reached 3.821 million units in 2006 compared with 3.338 million units for rival Sirius. The equipment supplier predicts shipments of XM satrads to reach 6 756 million units by 2012. The comparable Sirius number is 6.437 million units.
Satheads get ready for Machine Head.
(27 March 2007)
The band is this week's Hard Files on Sirius 27 ("Hard Attack"). The show is tonight at 5:00 PM(ET) and repeats on Thursday, 29 March at 7:00 PM(ET), Saturday, 31 March at 3:00 PM(ET) and Sunday, 1 April at 6:00 PM(ET). Today's program features "The Blackening," the band's new recording.
Fight Network Radio is getting Sirius.
(26 March 2007)
An agreement has been reached between the satcaster and The Score to launch the popular weekly talk show, Live Audio Wrestling (The LAW), through the Score's Hardcore Radio (USR) channel. Said Mike Garrow, President of The Fight Network, "Having The LAW available on Sirius Satellite Radio has been a goal of ours for quite a while. This deal now enables fans across North America to enjoy this one of a kind sports entertainment talk show each and every week." more>>
The recent decision by the Federal Communications Commission to permit all FM stations to broadcast HD Radio (see RUsirius.com story below) is being praised by XM and Sirius as offering competition to satellite radio.
(26 March 2007)
They apparently see the decision as paving the way to an eventual Sirius/XM merger currently being debated by the FCC and the Justice Department. In a joint statement the satcasters said "The FCC decision underlines that HD radio on the AM/FM bands provide a real alternative to satellite, and that the current audio entertainment market is broad, robust and competitive." more>>
The National Music Publishers Association is siriusly suing XM.
(23 March 2007)
The organization accuses the satcaster of copyright infringement over products that combine a satrad with an MP3 player to allow users to record the digital music stream. The complaint is that permanent copies can be made without compensating songwriters and without permission. Attorney Debra Wong Yang's statement says that the service "constitutes pervasive and willful copyright infringement to the overwhelming detriment of copyright holders, legitimate online music services and, ultimately, consumers." more>>
Sirius music fans will be happy to know that the Fab Faux can be heard on Howard Stern's show on 28 March.
(23 March 2007)
The group, co-founded by David Letterman's longtime bassist Will Lee, is known for their note-by-note reproduction of Beatles tunes, including the complete White Album. The group includes Jimmy Vivino, guitarist and arranger for the Max Weinberg 7, house band for Conan O'Brien. Also in the band are drummer Rich Pagano (Patti Smith, Roseanne Cash), guitarist Frank Agnello (Marshall Crenshaw, Phoebe Snow), and Jack Petruzelli (Joan Osborne, Rufus Wainwright). more>>
The decision eagerly awaited by most terrestrial radio stations has finally come.
(23 March 2007)
The Federal Communications Commission has ruled that all FM stations will now be able to broadcast HD Radio signals on their allocated frequencies. "We are already seeing some places opening doors for younger talents," said Rich Redmond of Harris, principal HD Radio equipment manufacturer. "This will open the door for compelling local content they are not able to do commercially right now." RUsirius.com has been following developments in HD Radio since its inception. more>>
Sirius is apparently prepared to guarantee lower prices as a result of the proposed merger with XM.
(22 March 2007)
In an application filed with the Federal Communications Commission the satcaster said that the combined company would provide more flexibility in programing options including a lower price for fewer channels. more>>
Juan Pablo Montoya is getting Sirius.
(22 March 2007)
The NASCAR driver has signed on with the satcaster to promote its lineup of NASCAR programming and race coverage. "I listen to Sirius all the time so I am very aware of their diverse programming and am happy to be partnering with them to create more unique content," said Montoya. Montoya can be heard every Monday at 5 PM(ET) on The Juan Pablo Montoya Report on Sirius NASCAR Radio. more>>
HD Radio equipment manufacturer Harris is planning to make a big splash at this year's National Association of Broadcasters' convention in Las Vegas.
(22 March 2007)
Harris is featuring its VistaMax studio audio networking systems. The platform is capable of driving on-air content from multiple sources to multiple studios. Enhancements to the NetWave digital on-air console are also being presented as is the new 4X-A2D analog to digital converter. The new Harris products are expected to facilitate the conversion of more stations to the new HD format. more>>
The proposed merger between XM and Sirius is coming under attack as a "business colossus" that would raise prices for listeners.
(21 March 2007)
That's the description of the unified company used by the chairman of the Senate's antitrust subcommittee. Sen. Herb Kohl (D-Wis) went on to say, "You have every right to ask ... but it's another thing to grant you that permission to be virtually unrivaled, unchallenged in this whole area. What a business! I might quit this job to go into your business." No one bothered to point out that there are numerous others who wish Sen. Kohl and many of his colleagues would do just that. more>>
The Rock community may be less sirius than anticipated.
(21 March 2007)
The results of a new web survey of rock listeners indicate that satellite subscribership has not changed much during the past year. The survey, conducted by Rock radio consultants Jacobs Media, is from 25,000 respondents from 96 Rock-formatted radio stations across the U.S. "While satellite radio continues to be a hot topic of conversation, growth for both XM and Sirius appears to have greatly slowed," said Jacobs Media President Fred Jacobs. more>>
In case you haven't been listening, SIrius is broadcasting from the 2007 Winter Music Conference in Miami.
(21 March 2007)
Sirius personalities on site include Paul van Dyk and Paul Oakenfold. Today's action features Bob Sinclair from the Tommy Boy Records Party at the Victor Hotel. more>>
Yet another international satcaster has appeared on the scene.
(21 March 2007)
Mediterranean Info Radio (MIR) bills itself as the region's first "grassroots" broadcaster. Said Francesco Diasio from Italy's AmisNet radio news agency, "MIR will transmit all types of community radio including Catholic and anti-globalisation stations, giving a platform to those who have been denied a voice or have been overlooked." more>>
HD Radio is apparently falling on deaf ears in the Washington D.
(21 March 2007)
C area.There are 30 stations broadcasting in the new format in the region but many listeners apparently don't even know what HD Radio is. "Not enough people have heard the good word" when it comes to the new technology, said Richard Cassidy, director of information technology and new media at public radio outlet WAMU-FM (88.5) more>>
Congress is finally getting Sirius.
(20 March 2007)
A Senate Judiciary subcommittee is planning to hear testimony today on the merger between Sirius and XM. The Antitrust Competition Policy and Consumer RIghts Subcommittee is considering the big deal. Sirius boss Mellow Mel Karmazin has already been making appearances on Capitol Hill to support the merger. In the other corner, the National Association of Broadcasters, which has noted hat the Federal Communications Commission already has a rule prohibiting the merger. more>>
Body Nazis may not be able to get Sirius but now, at least, they can get XM.
(20 March 2007)
BV Entertainment, a leading manufacturer of exercise entertainment solutions for health clubs, is planning to offer the satcaster's programming as an option on its new AXS system. Says BV's Kevin Fee, Director of Business Development, "We feel that XM Satellite Radio as an option with our new AXS900FM wireless system is a really viable entertainment choice for fitness centers. Club members can access XM with the touch of a button." The new system is being launched on 29 March at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. more>>
HD Radio is being supported in Honda and Acura vehicles by a device that contains an integrated iPod source with text display.
(20 March 2007)
DICE Electronics has announced the new device that fully integrates with the vehicle's factory entertainment system. Intuitive modes or track control buttons can be used to select a station from presets, to tune the HD Radio or to control the iPod. more>>
In addition to the numerous legal hurdles to the merger of Sirius and XM there are additional difficulties of a more technical nature.
(19 March 2007)
The Washington Post has dedicated some commentary to the issue of how the two satcasters merge their programming and eliminate duplication of effort. During various press conferences on the merger, Mellow Mel Karmazin has said that Sirius channels would all be available on XM and vice versa. The problem with this scenario, however, is that both satcasters are near the limit of the number of channels their systems can support. In addition, some channels that are on one satcaster's system are simply not available on the other because of contractual issues. For example, C-SPAN is available on XM but not on Sirius because an appropriate arrangement could not be reached. The manner in which these issues are addressed can be expected to play a significant role in the future of the planned merged company. more>>
Parents who may be getting a little tired of giving their kids Ritalin apparently are considering satellite radio.
(18 March 2007)
School districts in Michigan are in the process of putting satrads in school busses. The idea is a product of BusRadio, a Texas-based company. Parents like the idea and it's likely to bring in a little revenue for the school districts. more>>
Robert Briskman, one of the first men ever to get Sirius, has been awarded the 2007 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Aerospace Communications Award.
(15 March 2007)
Briskman was the co-founder of Sirius Satellite Radio and is being honored for his pioneering efforts in developing the Satellite Digital Audio Radio Services (SDARS). Briskman went on to serve as Sirius' Chief Technical Officer and Executive Vice President where he was responsible for the development, implementation and operation of the satcaster's broadcast distribution system. more>>
According to a recent study a little under 3.
(15 March 2007)
5 % of the U.S.radio audience listens to satellite radio. According to the study about 5.6% of survey respondents said they had listened to satellite radio at some time. The figures are said to be indicative of significant growth for the satellite radio market as a whole. more>>
Hoops junkies should plan to get Sirius.
(14 March 2007)
For the third straight year the satcaster is providing uninterrupted play-by-play for every match-up in the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship Tournament. Games air on Sirius channels 119, 122, 125 and 126. The brackets and their associated channel assignments are posted on the Sirius website. more>>
Slackaholics who just can't imagine doing any less can consider the new "personal radio" device introduced this week at the South by Southwest multimedia festival in Austin.
(14 March 2007)
The device, called a Slacker, combines a satrad, a standard portable music player and a Wi-Fi enabled transceiver with 10,000 custom music channels that can be tailored according to the tastes of the user. "The current model being used today is kind of getting a bit long in the tooth---it's a little bit dated," said company prez Jim Cady, former CEO of MP3 player manufacturer Rio. The company's name? Slacker, of course. We wouldn't want them to have to spend any time thinking up a corporate name, would we? more>>
Avis and Budget are now XM-rated in Canada.
(14 March 2007)
The auto rental outfits have announced that they will provide XM Canada satrads in rental vehicles across the Dominion. "We are extremely excited to be offering XM Canada programing in Canada," said Avis Budget Group, Canada veep William Boxberger. "We expect our customers renting from both Avis and Budget to really enjoy the unique content of XM Canada, including the most broadcasts of NHL games and Major League Baseball." more>>
Don't be too enthusiastic about 237,500 subscribers XM Canada has reported (see RUsirius.com story below).
(14 March 2007)
The company has apparently done a little creative accounting. XM Canada now counts as customers the satrads installed in new cars as they roll off the production line, even if those vehicles have not yet been sold to actual paying subscribers. Nevertheless, XM Canada chief operating officer Steve Tapp says, "We have experienced exceptional growth in our subscriber levels this quarter. We're going to get into it, quite frankly, in really significant detail basically a month from now." more>>
HD Radio is making a big splash at this week's South by Southwest multimedia festival in Austin.
(14 March 2007)
THe HD Digital Radio Alliance is hosting a "Discover It! SXSW Day" showcase with product giveaways of up to 5 receivers an hour. Live artist performance and three listening stations are also featured. more>>
It's not very surprising but NPR is still Sirius.
(13 March 2007)
The satcaster and National Public Radio renewed their exclusive long-term agreement to continuing programming on two 24/7 channels. NPR Now (channel 134) and NPR Talk (channel 135) provide news, talk, information, cultural and entertainment programming including Talk of the Nation, Fresh Air, Marketplace, Car Talk and A Prairie Home Companion. more>>
WorldSpace is planning to put up some sirius numbers on 27 March.
(13 March 2007)
The international satcaster has announced that it expects to release its fourth quarter 2006 results with a conference call and webcast on that day at 4:30 PM(ET). The teleconference with WorldSpace boss Noah Samara can be accessed at (800) 901-5226 or at the WorldSpace website. more>>
She may not be Dr.
(12 March 2007)
Dolittle but at least she's Sirius. Famed animal communicator Sonya Fitzpatrick is slated to host an exclusive weekly animal advice and call-in talk show for the satcaster. "Animal Intuition" is launching in early spring on channel 102 and should concentrate on teaching people to see things from their pet's point of view. Woof! more>>
XM Canada has announced that it is increasing its channel offering to 120 channels.
(12 March 2007)
In addition to almost 70 music channels, XM Canada will be featuring an extensive talk lineup with Bloomberg Radio, Fox News and Family Talk. The satcaster is also planning to provide coverage of U.S. college football and basketball and is adding two new Canadian channels, XM Scoreboard and Calendrier Sportif. more>>
Gentlemen (and lady ) start your engines!
(11 March 2007)
XM kicks off the IndyCar Series on 24 March with the XM Satellite Radio Indy 300 from the Homestead-Miami Speedway in Florida. The event is the first of four prior to the Indianapolis 500 on Memorial Day. The Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is a Florida street race on 1 April. It's followed by the Indy Japan 300 on 21 April and a race from Kansas City on 29 April. more>>
Canadians are becoming increasingly sirius about XM.
(9 March 2007)
The XM affiliate has announced the achievement of 237,500 subscribers as of the end of its second quarter ended 28 February 2007. "We have experienced exceptional growth in our subscriber levels this quarter," said XM Canada president and Chief Operating Officer Stephen Tapp. "With our aggressive automotive and muli-platorm partnerships and successful marketing campaign our subscriber base continues to grow."
Now for the fine print.
(9 March 2007)
..Sirius boss Mellow Mel Karmazin clarified his pledge to freeze prices to win approval of the proposed $4.29 billion purchase of XM.Testifying before the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee Mel said XM and Sirius subscribers who stick with their existing service won't pay more than the current $12.95 a month. Additional content will, of course, cost extra. Mel added, "Those who want to take advantage of new services, like the best of both program lineups, will be able to do so for less than this would cost today, all with their current radio." No comment was made regarding special subscription offers such as Sirius' lifetime deal. more>>
Fernando Monetti has been hired by iBiquity as manager, Broadcast Business Development for Latin America.
(9 March 2007)
In this capacity, he will help manage and develop demand for HD Radio in Brazil and the rest of Central and South America. Said Scott Stull, vice president of Business Development, iBiquity, "We are very pleased that Fernando has joined our team." Monetti has more than 20 years of experience in broadcasting in Latin America. more>>
In what appears to be part of a sweeping review of the Bush administration's enforcement of antitrust laws, Congress is planning to hold a hearing on the proposed merger of Sirius and XM.
(8 March 2007)
The hearing is being conducted by the House Judiciary Committee, chaired by Rep. John Conyers (D-Michigan). In a related development, Congress is also investigating the recent decision by the Copyright Review Board to raise the fees paid by Internet radio providers. more>>
Who ever thought St.
(8 March 2007)
Patrick's Day would be XM-rated? That's, at least, the way it appears this year as XM plans to feature "XM Green: Radio Ireland," a three-day tribute to the Emerald Isle coinciding with the big event on 17 March. The festivities begin on 16 March and last through Sunday, 18 March. Popular Irish and Irish-influenced artists such as The Chieftains, James Galway, The Clancy Brothers and the Dubliners are featured. more>>
Happy Web Radioheads may want either to start worrying or to get satellite radio.
(7 March 2007)
A pending decision by the Copyright Review Board may terminate many Internet radio broadcasts by drastically increasing the royalty fees they pay. The current agreement calls for an annual fee plus a percentage of the profits. The new structure calls for a flat fee for each song streamed on a per-user basis. This means that for this year, every song sent to each listener would cost $0.0011 regardless of whether or not the broadcaster makes any money. Caveat emptor. more>>
XM is getting Sirius, or at least following its rival's lead, in providing Internet radio.
(7 March 2007)
Starting 1 September 2008 the satcaster will begin to charge a monthly fee of $9.99 for XM Radio Online (XMRO). It is currently $7.99 per month. more>>
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is now officially XM-rated.
(6 March 2007)
The athletic organization has announced a five-year spacecast and marketing agreement whereby XM becomes its official satellite radio partner. The agreement begins on 8 March with the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament in Atlanta. XM carries the action live from the Georgia Dome on channel 201. more>>
HD Radio has finally made it to Wal-Mart.
(5 March 2007)
In an effort to take on satellite radio both in market share and mind share the HD Radio Alliance is launching an advertising campaign emphasizing the availability of their product at the giant retailer. HD Radio receivers are expected to be available for $190 at 1,989 of 3,331 Wal-Mart locations where HD broadcasts are available. more>>
The first Arbitron ratings are finally out for satellite radio and the results may not be as encouraging as anticipated by SIrius and XM.
(5 March 2007)
The ratings show that satellite radio customers spend more time listening to the radio than non-subscribers. They also show, however, that these same customers spend more time listening to terrestrial radio than to satellite radio. more>>
The satellite radio moguls are offering a guarantee that's meant to be taken siriusly.
(2 March 2007)
Sirius has undertaken an advertising blitzkrieg in national and local publications promising that no satrads will become obsolete as a result of the proposed Sirius/XM merger. The move comes amidst concerns by the more than 12 million Sirius and XM subscribers that their subscriptions will become null and void without the purchase of new equipment. more>>