News Articles From Days Gone ByHow interoperable are Sirius and XM?
(31 March 2008)
That's a question currently being considered as the Federal Communications Commission ponders the proposed satellite radio merger. Sirius and XM are said to be offering "a la carte" programming choices as part of the deal but this means that consumers, even those who already subscriber to satellite radio, would have to shell out another $200 for a new satrad. Worse, the new interoperable receivers may not even be available for several more years. Sirius and XM have said they plan to offer eight options at price ranges starting at $6.99 a month for 50 channels. more>>
R.
(31 March 2008)
E.M.is getting Sirius. In conjunction with the band's 14th studio album, "Accelerate," a new channel premieres today hosted by Michael Stipe, Peter Buck and Mike Mills. "Radio R.E.M." is expected to provide insights from the band on the inspiration for each song on Accelerate together with conversations on a variety of topics. "R.E.M.'s creative contributions to music are unparalleled and for three decades these rock pioneers have defined what it means to be alternative," said Sirius President, Entertainment and Sports Scott Greenstein. "Sirius is the only place R.E.M. fans will be able to listen to music from the band's entire catalog, every song from its new release, and hear exclusive interviews from the band's prolific members." more>>
The HD Digital Radio Alliance is sirius now.
(31 March 2008)
Beginning today, the organization is rolling out a new marketing blitzkrieg to make consumers aware of the new technology. Starting with the tagline, "HD Radio - It's Time to Upgrade!" the campaign will post online and radio ads on 700 stations in 100 markets. Said the alliance's Diane Warren, "Phase one of our marketing over the past two years focused on targeting consumers to 'discover' HD Radio. Clearly our tagline and theme of 'HD Radio - Discover It!' worked extremely well. The next step in our marketing will speak to the reasons to 'upgrade' to an HD Radio." Consumer awareness of HD Radio now stands at 77 percent. more>>
Canadians aren't very sirius about the merger.
(31 March 2008)
The problem, it seems, is content. According to an agreement reached with the Canadian government, XM Canada and Sirius Canada each have to provide a channel dedicated to Canadian content for every nine other channels. This has meant roughly twenty Canadian channels for each satcaster. Should the Federal Communications Commission follow the Justice Department in approving the merger, the Canadian fear is that the number of Canadian channels would drop by half. "It's going to be really interesting to see how this all shakes out," says Ian Morrison of Friends of Canadian Broadcasting. "Definitely it's going to be the Canadian tail getting wagged by the American dog." more>>
The problem, it seems, is content.
(29 March 2008)
According to an agreement reached with the Canadian government, XM Canada and Sirius Canada each have to provide a channel dedicated to Canadian content for every nine other channels. This has meant roughly twenty Canadian channels for each satcaster. Should the Federal Communications Commission follow the Justice Department in approving the merger, the Canadian fear is that the number of Canadian channels would drop by half. "It's going to be really interesting to see how this all shakes out," says Ian Morrison of Friends of Canadian Broadcasting. "Definitely it's going to be the Canadian tail getting wagged by the American dog." iBiquity continues to be sirius about HD Radio. The inventor of the technology is reaching out once again to venture capitalists to the tune of $15 million to fund the continuing battle against satellite radio, Internet radio and iPods. Investors include Grotech Partners , Bear Stearns savior J.P. Morgan , New Venture Partners and Pequot Private Equity . more>>
Some states aren't Sirius yet.
(28 March 2008)
A group of state attorneys general are urging the Federal Communications Commission to impose restrictions on the Sirius/XM merger should it decide to approve the deal. They say that they were "disappointed" by the Justice Department's approval on Monday. Said attorneys general from 11 states including Ohio, Missouri, Connecticut and Iowa in a statement, "The combination of these companies will result in a single corporation controlling access to all nationally available satellite radio." more>>
XM's ready to play ball.
(28 March 2008)
For fans who just can't wait until Monday the satcaster is launching a special channel this weekend featuring songs about baseball, audio from historic games and comedy sketches. Featured will be Abbott and Costello's famous "Who's on First?," Terry Cashman's "Talkin' Baseball" and Dave Frishberg's "Van Lingle Mungo." It's hosted by XM senior program director Lou Brutus and will run for 48 hours. more>>
Afrika Bambaataa is now XM-rated.
(28 March 2008)
The hip hop pioneer is joining the satcaster for Zulu Beatz on The Rhyme (channel 65) starting on 5 April at 10:00 PM(ET). He'll be hosting the show together with The Cutman LG and Mickey Bentson and will feature classic hip hop records reflecting the genre's evolution. more>>
It looks like DAD is getting sirius about HD Radio.
(28 March 2008)
ENCO Systems Digital Audio Delivery system is adding iTunes Tagging support. The implementation is being delivered in an upcoming release of the product. more>>
The satcasters are still developing.
(27 March 2008)
Standard & Poor's Ratings Services leaves both Sirius and XM on "developing" status until the Federal Communications Commission approves their merger. Both satcasters were placed on developing watch on 4 March (see RUsirius.com story dated 10 March) over concerns about standalone refinancing risks should their union not be allowed by the Government. more>>
The sale of Clear Channel is on the schneid.
(26 March 2008)
The agreement to take the broadcasting giant private with the help of Bain Capital (see RUsirius.com story dated 14 February 2008) is apparently collapsing due to a stagnant economy. There is speculation, however, that Bain is actually waiting to see how the proposed merger between SIrius and XM plays out before making a final decision. Bain has been in an agreement to acquire Clear Channel for $39.20 a share. The deal had been expected to close at the end of 2007. more>>
Ol' Blue is getting Sirius.
(26 March 2008)
..and XM-rated.Ol' Blue, USA is taking officials from law enforcement to the studios of WBAB on Long Island to participate in "Ask the Law," on 25 and 26 March. The program is being carried by Sirius' "Loading Dock" and XM's "Midnight Trucking Radio Network" in 7-hour segments. The purpose of "Ask the Law" is to enable truckers to ask authorities about safety and legal issues concerning commercial vehicles. more>>
The Papal Archives Channel is coming to Sirius.
(26 March 2008)
The satcaster has announced that it would launch the special channel to coincide with the visit to the United States of Pope Benedict XVI from 15 to 20 April. It is expected to carry archival recordings of Masses and speeches from historic Papal Visits including those of Pope John Paul II in 1979, 1987 and 1995. more>>
Clear Channel is as mad as hell.
(25 March 2008)
And they're not going to take it anymore. They want the Federal Communications Commission, now that the Justice Department has approved the Sirius/XM merger, to impose it decency laws on the satcasters as a condition or their union. "One of the primary potential dangers to free, over-the-air radio posed by this merger is siphoning popular, including 'edgy' content, with consequent loss of advertising revenue," wrote Clear Channel in a missive to the FCC. "That potential harm is mitigated if broadcast decency rules were to apply to the merged entity." more>>
ENCO Systems is a Pick Hit.
(24 March 2008)
The developer of Digital Audio Delivery for HD Radio (see RUsirius.com story dated 28 March) has been awarded a coveted Pick HIt award at this year's National Association of Broadcasters show in Las Vegas. The company was honored for RAMA, a Remotely Administered Metadata Appliance designed for radio stations and networks to provide ancillary data to HD Radio. Said ENCO prez Eugene Novacek, "We have had the good fortune to be awarded to Pick HIt awards in the past, most recently in 2004 and it is always a gratifying experience." more>>
What they said was going to happen is going to happen at last.
(24 March 2008)
..they think.The much awaited merger between Sirius and XM has finally been approved by the Justice Department. Said DoJ antitrust czar Thomas Barnett, "We just simply found the evidence did not support a challenge to the transaction under antitrust laws." He went on to note that there was insufficient evidence that the merger "would substantially lessen competition or harm consumers." The satcasters are still awaiting approval by the Federal Communications Commission. more>>
XM Canada is sirius.
(24 March 2008)
The XM affiliate has announced its achievement of 400,000 subscribers as of 19 March, a period of just over two years since its inception. Said Michael Moskowitz, XM Canada President and Chief Executive Officer, "An increasing proportion of our subscriber base is coming from our rapidly growing automotive channel, which is a key segment of long-term success in our industry." more>>
The merger inches forward.
(21 March 2008)
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin has asked his staff to start drafting documents on the deal but cautioned that a decision may not come this quarter. Said Martin, "I'm not sure we'll make it by the end of the first quarter any longer. I've got the staff drafting various options. I haven't figured out what I think we should do on it yet." more>>
Ricky Skaggs is Sirius.
(21 March 2008)
The 13-time Grammy winner is taking over the satcaster's Bluegrass channel (channel 65) for an entire week starting 23 March at 3 PM(ET). "Skaggs Place" is expected to feature Ricky's own music as well as some of his favorites. The launch is scheduled to coincide with the release of "Honoring the Fathers of Bluegrass 1946-1947," Skaggs' new album, on 25 March. more>>
First Italy, now Switzerland.
(21 March 2008)
The ever expanding world of WorldSpace is crawling into Switzerland with the approval by the Office Federal de la Communication (OFCOM) of the international satcaster's terrestrial repeaters. WorldSpace will be using the 1479.5 to 1492 MHz band for which it has priority rights throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa. WorldSpace is expected to start service in Italy next year and then begin rolling out service elsewhere on a country-by-country basis. more>>
"The Little Mermaid," or part of it, is Sirius.
(21 March 2008)
Norm Lewis , Titus Burgess and Eddie Korbich , currently starring as "King Triton," Sebastian" and "Scuttle" in the Disney play are being featured on the satcaster's "Broadway's Guest" on Broadway's Best (channel 77) for two weeks starting on 24 March. The trio plans to tell stories and play their favorite show tunes from 12:00-1:00 PM(ET).. more>>
Life just got a little easier in the HD world.
(21 March 2008)
APT is launching the Horizon HD, a new audio codec designed specifically for HD Radio applications. Says APT's Vice President, North American Operations, Kevin Campbell, "Since the launch of HD Radio, US Broadcasters have been asking for a solution to simplify their HD STLs and make them more cost-efficient. We are delighted to be able to offer the WorldCast Horizon HD in time for this year's NAB." In short, the Horizon HD makes it easier for broadcasters to combine an HD signal with standard audio en-route to a remote transmitter site. It is being announced at this year's National Association of Broadcasters Show in Las Vegas. more>>
Mercedes-Benz is sirius about HD Radio.
(20 March 2008)
The automaker is offering HD receivers as options for the first time in the fall on three new diesel SUVs. The vehicles are the R320, ML320 and GL320. All also feature an optional Sirius satrad. more>>
Sirius' Indie Talk is getting a new voice.
(20 March 2008)
It's that of former prosecutor and Court TV reporter and anchor Vinnie Politan. He'll be hosting a daily morning call-in show on the uncensored, non-partisan channel starting on 24 March. It spaces Monday - Friday from 6:00 - 9:00 AM(ET). more>>
Infiniti is still sirius about XM.
(20 March 2008)
The automaker is offering the satcaster's satrads and NavTraffic service on the 2009 Infiniti FX. Says XM senior vice president for automotive partnerships Joe Verbrugge, "Beginning with the 2009 model year, Infiniti is delivering on its commitment to offering the best in entertainment and technology in every vehicle." NavTraffic is also offered as a standard feature on the Infiniti M, EX, G, G Coupe, M and QX models. Infiniti has had a relationship with XM for several years (see RUsirius.com archive news story dated 29 June 2007). more>>
The Ford Motor Company is Sirius.
(20 March 2008)
Starting this summer, the new 2009 Lincoln MKS will be feature Sirius Travel Link. Says Lincoln MKS marketing manager Pei Wen Hsu, "Technology features like Sirius Travel Link are more than just high-tech toys; they are relevant tools that will help Lincoln customers stay connected." Ford has been dealing with Sirius for almost six years (see RUsirius.com archive news story dated 14 October 2002). more>>
Hyundai is XM-rated.
(20 March 2008)
XM equipment is going to be a factory-installed feature on the 2010 Genesis Coupe, the automaker's new rear-wheel drive sport coupe. Said Joe Verbrugge, XM senior vice president for automotive partnerships, "XM's more than 170 channels of endless entertainment will be the perfect complement to the driver's experience in this flagship sports coupe." The announcement is being made at this year's New York Auto Show . more>>
XM NavTraffic is rolling with Nissan.
(20 March 2008)
The system is being offered as a standard factory-installed feature on the new 2009 Maxima when equipped with Nissan's Hard Drive Navigation system. Says XM's Joe Verbrugge, "Maxmia owners will be able to benefit from the power of real-time traffic data mapped to their exact location and destination, allowing them to navigate traffic on their terms." XM has had a marketing relationship with Nissan since 2005, when the satcaster inked a deal to make XM a factory-installed option starting with the 2008 model year (see RUsirius.com archive news story dated 4 November 2005). more>>
Sirius about Sirius?
(19 March 2008)
The satcaster's Chief Financial Officer apparently isn't. David J. Frear dumped over 100,000 shares of Sirius stock according to a recent Security and Exchange Commission filing. At the time, the shares had been selling for $2.73 apiece. more>>
Get ready for XM's next songwriting competition.
(19 March 2008)
Continuing a tradition that started in 2006 (see RUsirius.com archive news story dated 23 March 2006), the satcaster is planning to play the winning songs of the 2008 USA Songwriting Competition. The songs will also be played on the nationally syndicated "Acoustic Cafe." Last year's Grand Prize Winner, Ari Gold, made his way onto the spacewaves of both satcasters. His song, "Where the Music Takes You," was prominently featured on Sirius' OutQ's Top 20. more>>
WorldSpace can now get more sirius about India.
(19 March 2008)
The composite foreign investment limit in direct-to-home (DTH) broadcasting, a category that includes satellite radio, has been raised from 49 percent to 74 percent. DTH operators, especially Dish TV and TataSky, had been in talks with the government for many years over the issue.
Georgetown Partners is still sirius.
(18 March 2008)
In a filing with the Federal Communications Commission yesterday, the law firm says that it's ready to become the alternative satcaster it proposed in its last filing (see RUsirius.com story dated 3 March). Georgetown is still urging the FCC to require that both Sirius and XM relinquish a block of channels dedicated to a new satellite radio entity as part of a merger settlement. Saying that it stands as the only interested third party to what it calls an "anticompetitive monopoly that otherwise would result," Georgetown claims it wants to rent existing satellite radio channels rather than acquire a possibly outdated technology. more>>
Animal Radio is now XM-rated.
(18 March 2008)
The popular syndicated programming becomes part of the XM lineup on 29 March. "We've been working for a long time to fine-tune Animal Radio for satellite radio," says Animal Radio Network Associate Producer Judy Francis. The first satcast episode features Bart Simpson voiceover Nancy Cartwright. It spaces on "Talk America) (XM channel 158) on Saturdays from 12:00 to 2:00 PM(ET). more>>
The National Hockey League and XM are coming to television.
(18 March 2008)
NHL Live is becoming the first XM Radio show to be simulcast daily by a television network. It originates from the NHL XM studio inside the NHL Powered By Reebok retail location in New York and can be heard (and seen) every Monday through Friday on the NHL Network, NHL Home Ice (XM channel 204) and NHL.com. more>>
The Stones are Sirius again.
(18 March 2008)
The satcaster has announced that it is bringing back a channel dedicated to the famous rockers (see RUsirius.com archive news story dated 23 August 2005) in conjunction with the release of Martin Scorese's film "Shine A Light." The film chronicles Rolling Stones concerts during their 2006 "A Bigger Bang Tour." Says Sirius President of Entertainment and Sports Scott Greenstein, "The Rolling Stones are the quintessential rock n' roll band and Sirius is the only place where fans will be able to completely immerse themselves in the band's music." Rolling Stones Radio is featured on Sirius channel 12 starting today. It runs through 15 April. more>>
The Mid-America Trucking Show is getting Sirius.
(18 March 2008)
The satcaster is featuring live spacecasts of Road Dog's Freewhellin' with Meredith Ochs and Chris T., The Lockridge Report and Blue Collar Radio at the event. The Mid-America Trucking Show takes place in Louisville, Kentucky from 27 to 19 March. more>>
Play ball!
(17 March 2008)
That's the word at XM, the official satcaster of Major League Baseball. XM is carrying every regular season game starting on 25 March with the World Series champion Boston Red Sox facing the Oakland A's in Japan. "There is no sport better suited to radio than baseball," said XM executive vice president for programming Eric Logan. "This year's season opener is especially exciting because the game is being played in Tokyo. With the time difference, a lot of fans will be able to hear the game on XM while they drive to work." The opener from Japan is being carried on three channels in three languages. more>>
WorldSpace is sirius about LivehelpGenie .
(17 March 2008)
The international satcaster is using the online chat software to provide immediate online customer support to their customers everywhere from Mumbai to Bangalore. LivehelpGenie is also being used to increase customer loyalty, increase conversion rates and improve customer satisfaction. more>>
S&P is serious but not Sirius.
(16 March 2008)
Standard and Poor's sees the satellite radio business vulnerable to weaker vehicle sales this year. Says S&P analyst T. Amobi, "With auto OEM channel likely to deliver over 80% of our projected 4.1M of '08 net adds for satellite radio, we see XM Satellite and Sirius vulnerable to auto weakness, even as after-market retail look remains relatively anemic." more>>
Is iBiquity sirius?
(14 March 2008)
The HD Radio developer has taken the next step in what could be a concession in the satellite radio merger approval process. They are proposing that the following rule be added to the satellite radio licenses: "Each licensee will certify no later than June 1 of each calendar year, in accordance with the dates specified below, that any newly introduced satellite receiver models that operate with the licensee’s satellite DARS system and includes the ability to receive terrestrial analog AM/FM signals, will also include the ability to receive digital AM/FM signals in accordance with the technical specifications for terrestrial digital radio specified in MM Docket No. 99-325. This requirement will be effective three years from the date of this rule for new model Original Equipment Manufactured (”OEM”) automobile receivers and one year from the effective date of this rule for new model non OEM receivers." This rule, while it would provide a concrete negotiating point, may also be be the sticking point that makes the merger between Sirius and XM fall apart. Why? Revenue sharing between the satcasters and iBiquity. more>>
Sirius is sirius about the big scandal.
(14 March 2008)
The satcaster is starting "Client 9 Radio," a channel dedicated to exploring the breaking news, facts, fallout, psychology and implications of the biggest scandal to hit American politics since the stained dress. The satcaster is using the channel as a forum for national conversation on the subject. Former Court TV Radio host Vinnie Politan will be the anchor for a series of programs featuring Judith Regan with private eye Vito Colucci, Jr., Andrew Wilkow with New York GOP Assembly Leader James Tedisco, Larry Flick with Ed Koch, Ron Silver with Alan Dershowitz and Alex Bennett with Moonlight Bunny Ranch owner Dennis Hof. Client 9 Radio spaces from 5:00 PM(ET) today until midnight, 17 March. more>>
The Big Dance is Sirius!
(14 March 2008)
The satcaster is planning to carry every game of the 2008 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship. Games will space on channels 121, 122, 126 and 127 as Sirius host Steve Torre anchors the coverage and provides up-to-the-minute scores and highlights during game breaks. Sirius is also carrying Westwood One's coverage of the tournament on channel 123. To make the coverage even better, coaching legend Jerry Tarkanian's show, "The Shark Tank," is being spaced live from San Antonio during Final Four weekend and on Championship Monday, 7 April. Says Tark, "I can't remember a tournament with so many teams capable of winning the whole thing. With the amount of talent in college basketball this year we're going to be treated to a lot of exciting matchups. Fans can hear all those games on Sirius and we'll talk about all the best performances on The Shark Tank." The Shark Tank can be heard on channel 123 from 12 to 3 PM(ET). more>>
The merger may be a little more sirius.
(13 March 2008)
That's the word from Sirius boss "Mellow Mel" Karmazin, who predicted a resolution of the issue by the end of March. Mel made his comments while speaking at this year's Bear Stearns Media Conference. He cautioned, however, that the time line could change, adding that if there were a serious problem, regulators wouldn't have taken "this long to figure it out." more>>
George Strait is XM-rated.
(13 March 2008)
The country superstar is being honored by the satcaster by the launch of "Strait Country," a satellite channel dedicated to playing nothing but his music starting on 1 April. "George's tremendous achievements and body of work transcends musical genre and will make this channel a must-listen for al music fans across the country," said XM executive vice president for programing Eric Logan. "Strait Country" can be heard on XM channel 17. more>>
The UK may soon get Sirius .
(13 March 2008)
.. or something like it.Telecoms regulator Ofcom has confirmed details of a plan to auction radio spectrum suitable for satellite radio, with a provisional application deadline of 10 April. The spectrum is in the 1452-1492 MHz, or L-Band. Sirius and XM operate their downlinks in the 2320-2345 MHz band. more>>
The American LeMans Series is coming to XM.
(13 March 2008)
The satcaster has announced that starting on 15 March, fans can tune in to XM channel 166 to hear the first race of this series for the season, the 56th Annual Mobil 1 "Twelve Hours of Sebring" from Sebring, Florida. Says American LeMans Series CEO Scott Atherton, "We are certainly pleased to welcome XM Satellite Radio as an American LeMans Series media partner. WIth our fans' active lifestyles, XM is a great new opportunity for them to follow the Series live from event to event.;" XM is also planning to work with the Series on a broad marketing program. more>>
Lee Abrams is no longer sirius about XM.
(12 March 2008)
The radio legend is leaving the satcaster for the new position of chief innovation officer at Tribune, owner of the Chicago Tribune, WGN-Channel 8 and WGN-AM 720. "News and information is kind of where music was in the '50s," said Abrams. "It's always been there, always been a part of our lives, but there's an opportunity to be the next Beatles and Dylan, just taking it to the next level." Abrams starts his new job on 1 April. more>>
XM is sirius about the Masters.
(12 March 2008)
The satcaster is providing complete coverage of the Masters Tournament from Augusta, Georgia from 7 to 13 April. XM's coverage of Masters Week tees off with Peter Kessler's daily morning show "Making the Turn" on 7 April on channel 146. more>>
Attention HD Radioheads!
(11 March 2008)
Your world may be getting a little smaller. Thanks to a new configurable processor by Tensilica , the size and power consumption of HD Radio receivers can be reduced significantly, making possible a wide variety of battery powered portables. The new processors are already in use by HD Radio purveyor iBiquity. "After working closely with IBiquity, it was exciting to see a demonstration of their latest technology, which employs our processors," said Tensilica's vice president of marketing Steve Roddy. more>>
XM Canada is sirius about South by Southwest.
(11 March 2008)
The XM affiliate plans to be on hand for this year's South by Southwest indie music festival in Austin, Texas from 12-16 March, spacing the event on The Verge (channel 52). Says Verge host Jeff Leake, "During South by Southwest, we will be hosting some immensely talented bands and artists whose music does not get the air play it deserves on mainstream radio. As always, our goal is to ensure that Canadian indie music receives the recognition by sharing it with XM listeners." Leake will be at the "Six Shooter House of Sins" hosting artists like Blue Rodeo , The Stills , Jason Collett and The Sadies . more>>
It's time for some sirius hoops.
(11 March 2008)
XM is spacing live play-by-play action for all the post-season tournaments of the ACC, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-10 and SEC, a first for the satcaster. The Big East and Pac-10 tournaments are being carried from 12 to 15 March. The ACC, BIg Ten, Big 12 and SEC tournaments are from 13 to 16 March. Says Kevin Straley, XM senior vice president for news, sports and talk, "Wherever you live, XM is the place to hear the college basketball tournaments for all six power conferences. You get more than 60 games in five days." more>>
The merger is tentative at best.
(10 March 2008)
That's the way Standard & Poor's Ratings Services sees it as they revised the creditwatch implications of satcaster XM to developing from positive. The action reflects a concern that if the merger with rival Sirius isn't approved, XM could face refinancing challenges in 2009. A similar action had been recently taken by Standard & Poor's against Sirius (see RUsirius.com story dated 5 March ). more>>
XM is not longer sirius about AOL.
(8 March 2008)
The satcaster has cut ties with the internet provider and is offering online radio exclusively via its own website. Through 30 May XM is making XM Radio Online available for an introductory rate of $2.99. Afterwards they bump the price up to $7.99 a month. more>>
iTunes tagging is coming to Greater Media .
(8 March 2008)
The company has announced a deal with Jump2Go (see RUsirius.com story dated 12 September 2007) to include the tagging capability for HD Radio on all of its stations. Radio World reports that Jump founder Allen Hartle has said that the technology for earmarking iTunes songs for later listening would be used on 25 Greater Media programming streams. more>>
AOL is replacing XM with CBS.
(8 March 2008)
Wasting no time in finding another source of audio programming after the loss of support from the satcaster, AOL has turned to CBS as a source of information and entertainment for its customers. CBS affiliates providing content for the new venture include WFAN and WINS in New York, KLSK and KROQ in Los Angeles and WXRT in Chicago. CBS is also coming out with a new player just for AOL. Goodbye XM. Don't let the door hit you... more>>
WorldSpace is ready to get sirius.
(7 March 2008)
The international satcaster has announced that it's posting its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2007 on Thursday, 20 March. On that date a conference call is being conducted with WorldSpace boss Noah Samara and Chief Financial Officer Sridhar Ganean at 4:30 PM(ET) to talk about revenue, subscribers, profits and losses. The call can be accessed at (866) 713-8307, +1-617-597-5307 (international) or via the WorldSpace website. Investors and other interested parties are advised to get ready for some fast talk and fancy footwork. more>>
The satcaster lobbying story is a little clearer.
(7 March 2008)
Sirius bore most of the burden of the $1.2 million spent on lobbying (see RUsirius.com story dated 16 February in 2007). In 2007 the satcaster paid the Paul Laxalt Group $200,000 and Wiley Rein $820,000 to lobby on policies affecting digital radio licenses and its proposed buyout of rival XM. more>>
XM is sirius about Indy Car racing.
(7 March 2008)
The satcaster is opening its fourth year as the official satellite radio network of the Indy Racing League with the GAINSCO Auto Insurance Indy 300 on Saturday, 29 March. The spacecast for the event is on XM channel 145. The entire 18-race series, including the 92nd Indianapolis 500, is being spaced nationwide on XM, an associate sponsor of the Andretti Green Racing team. The team features Danica Patrick, Marco Andretti, Tony Kanaan and team co-owner Michael Andretti and is planning to launch a second season of "The Andretti Green Racing Hour" (see RUsirius.com archive news story dated 22 May 2007). The show makes its first weekly appearance on 25 March at 7:00 PM(ET) on XM Sports Nation (channel 144). Says XM senior vice president of news, talk and sports programming Kevin Straley, "XM is committed to bringing fans the full experience of open-wheel racing, from the prep in the pits to the wheel-to-wheel action on the track." more>>
Can the possibility of a third satcaster be sirius?
(7 March 2008)
Continuing with a theme introduced by Georgetown Partners (see RUsirius.com story dated 3 March), Congressman Gene Green, D-Texas, says he wants to open the possibility of a third party entering the satellite radio mix as part of a merger between Sirius and XM. According to a recent interview of Green by 24/7 Wall St. "Green also thinks that one of the most interesting proposals being debated to move the merger along would be for the two companies to give up half of their spectrum once a business competition (sic) is complete." The proposal fails to point out the difficulties resulting from the basic incompatibilities between the two systems or the lack, currently, of a combined Sirius/XM receiver. more>>
Continuing with a theme introduced by Georgetown Partners (see RUsirius.com story dated 3 March), Congressman Gene Green, D-Texas, says he wants to open the possibility of a third party entering the satellite radio mix as part of a merger between Sirius and XM.
(7 March 2008)
According to a recent interview of Green by 24/7 Wall St. "Green also thinks that one of the most interesting proposals being debated to move the merger along would be for the two companies to give up half of their spectrum once a business competition (sic) is complete." The proposal fails to point out the difficulties resulting from the basic incompatibilities between the two systems or the lack, currently, of a combined Sirius/XM receiver. "Are we there yet?" That's a question few parents want to hear and one that Sirius is helping to address with its new SCV1 Backseat TV tuner. The new system delivers three kids' TV channels plus sports, news, music and Sirius audio programming to the back seat of any vehicle. The SCV1's multi-zone capability keeps the kids happy in the back seat while mom and dad yuck it up in the front seat with Howard Stern. The system retails for $299.99. more>>
Move over XM!
(6 March 2008)
There's a new kid in town and it's National Public Radio. The organization is moving its 600-employee headquarters to a planned 400,000-square-foot office at 1111 N. Capitol St. NE in the same north of Massachusetts Avenue neighborhood that is the home of satcaster XM. D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty said of the event, "Their decision not only to stay in the District, but to build a new headquarters in one of our most important emerging neighborhoods says a lot about how far we've come in transforming our city." The area is also the home of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. more>>
Christy "Code Red" Nickel is a Sirius knockout.
(6 March 2008)
Prior to fighting Olivia Fonseca on 15 March in New York the female light middleweight is making the rounds on various of the satcaster's programs. Her most recent appearance was yesterday on "The Wiesguy Show," hosted by John "Cha Cha" Ciarcia. She successfully squared off against Vincent Pastore, Joe Causi, Joe Rigano and Uncle Floyd, verbally defending her turf on what is otherwise a male-dominated show. more>>
The merger may no longer be Sirius.
(5 March 2008)
Apparently concerned that the merger between Sirius and rival XM will not be approved, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services has revised the Creditwatch implications of Sirius from "positive" to "developing." The change reflects a concern that Sirius could face refinancing challenges in 2009 should it have to function as a standalone company in competition with XM. more>>
Is XM ready for Marco?
(5 March 2008)
Young Marco Andretti will be driving the XM Acura ARX-01b in the American Le Mans Series as it opens in Florida on 15 March. Marco, the grandson of Mario Andretti, was the 2006 IndyCar Series rookie of the year and the youngest driver ever to win a major open-wheel race. more>>
Bear Stearns is Sirius.
(5 March 2008)
The investment firm has scheduled Sirius boss "Mellow Mel" Karmazin as the keynote speaker at the Bear Stearns 21st Annual Media Conference in Palm Beach, Florida on Wednesday, 21 March 2008. Mel speaks at approximately 9:20 AM(ET). Sirius investors and those just out for a cheap thrill can access the talk via a live audio webcast on the Sirius website. more>>
Kevin Martin may not be Sirius.
(5 March 2008)
The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission said yesterday that the proposed merger between the satcaster and rival XM faces a "high hurdle." The problem, says Martin, is that the deal may be narrowly viewed as just satellite radio, ignoring competition such as iPods, Internet radio and HD Radio. Martin still apparently embraces supporters of the merger but is reluctant to discuss the current state of the now 54-week old approval process. more>>
The United Church of Christ is Sirius.
(4 March 2008)
They're launching a pre-Easter gay-affirming radio campaign on the satcaster's OutQ. The UCC's director of communications, the Rev. J. Bennett Guess describes the spot as "laugh-out-loud funny." He goes on to say, "Satellite radio is a new test for us. It will be the first time we've ever tried this advertising venue, so it will be interesting to see what the results will be. Satellite radio allows the UCC to reach target audiences on a national scale and to do so in an affordable way." more>>
Artie Lange can't be Sirius.
(4 March 2008)
During a recent episode of the satcaster's "Howard Stern Show," the comedian launched an obscenity-laced tirade against fellow cast member "High Pitch" Mike. Repeatedly resorting to anti-gay epithets, Lange apparently pushed the dispute a little too far, resulting in negative e-mail and canceled Sirius subscriptions. Stern attempted to defuse the situation, saying "I got very uncomfortable during that argument," but the damage may already have been done. more>>
Polk is Sirius.
(3 March 2008)
Directed Electronics has announced that Polk Audio's SR-H1000 Sirius component tuner for home audio has begun shipping. The new unit is capable of receiving two different Sirius streams concurrently. It also features an "instant replay" feature that stores up to 44 minutes for later playback. It's expected to sell for $349.99. more>>
The Boss is still Sirius.
(3 March 2008)
The satcaster has announced its intention to continue spacing "E Street Radio" (see RUsirius.com story dated 28 September 2007) through the end of May. To celebrate the occasion, Bruce Springsteen has recorded an exclusive interview with rock critic and historian Dave Marsh. The interview focuses on the next leg of the Magic tour, songs from the album and politics. more>>
Next month's Papal visit is Sirius.
(3 March 2008)
The satcaster is providing nationwide access when His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI visits the United States from 15-20 April. The Catholic Channel (channel 159) is the flagship for the event, providing hourly updates with the latest news and information on the first visit to the U.S by a Pope since 1999. more>>