News Articles From Days Gone By

NiceMac still Sirius
(31 March 2009)
After being rejected by Apple (see RUsirius.com story dated 27 February), NiceMac is apparently back with a new SiriusXM iPhone application. The satcaster is likely to be cooperating with NiceMac now that there has been an announcement that an iPhone and iPod stream would be in the company's future plans (see RUsirius.com story dated 13 March). Want evidence? Check out the screenshot of the proposed NiceMac StarPlayr 3.0. It features "Howard 101," a proprietary SiriusXM channel.    more>>


Mercedes-Benz still sirius about HD
(30 March 2009)
HD Radio purveyor iBiquity has announced that Mercedes-Benz is extending the availability of HD Radio to a total of 11 of its models. The automaker is adding six 2010 vehicle models to the five that already offer the technology. The list now includes the CL-, CLS-, E-Coupe, S-, SL- and SLK-Class models. Says iBiquity's Jeff Jury, COO, "The adoption of HD Radio technology in vehicles is on the rise and the expanded commitment from Mercedes-Benz demonstrates their recognition of consumer demand for this next-generation entertainment technology." HD Radio is going to be available as part of premium feature packages.    more>>

Catch me now, I'm falling!
(27 March 2009)
Radio revenue is expected to drop by 11% in the top 50 markets in 2009 according to BIA Advisory Services. As previously reported (see RUsirius.com story dated 10 March), radio advertising revenue dropped 4 percent last year and is expected to fall again by 7% in 2010. Online radio, however, is expected to grow by an average of $132 million per year through 2013. Apparently WiFi is becoming the solution of choice by consumers who are unwilling to pay for satellite radio but frustrated by the limited selection of programming on terrestrial radio.    more>>

It's baaaack...on Sirius!
(27 March 2009)
The National Lacrosse League is back on SiriusXM starting this weekend. This week's game features the Toronto Rock and the Edmonton Rush. Coverage begins at 9:00 PM(ET) on Sirius channel 126 with Edmonton Rush radio announcer Jason Gregor, whose play-by-play can also be heard on the NLL Network.    more>>

Are there any more Howard Sterns out there?
(26 March 2009)
Apparently the void left by the departure of Howard Stern for Sirius has never been filled. WXRK, Stern's former flagship station in New York, saw its ad revenue drop to $20 million from the $50 million it had earned while employing the "King of All Media." The station has gone through several format changes since Stern's departure in 2006 and has finally settled into the top-40 "92.3 Now." KLSX in Los Angeles is undergoing a similar change after dumping Stern wannabe Adam Carolla (see RUsirius.com story dated 24 March.)    more>>

It's time to cruise.
(26 March 2009)
Move over SiriusXM! CruiseCast is out of control and coming your way. The new service from AT&T that promises to provide 42 channels of satellite television and radio to the rear seat of any vehicle will soon be here. RaySat has announced that it has formed strategic alliances with six other providers to help make CruiseCast a reality. Says RaySat boss Yoel Gat, "Extending AT&T's brand for the home and mobile handset markets into cars demanded that we pick 'best of breed' providers to assure we could deliver high quality and reliable entertainment service for passenger vehicles." The new system uses technology that overcomes line-of-signt obstacles such as overpasses, buildings, trees or tunnels.    more>>

Coming soon to an iPhone near you!
(26 March 2009)
Washington D.C.'s WAMU is bringing Bluegrass Country to iPhones everywhere. The new stream represents the first and only all-bluegrass music application in the iTunes Store. "WAMU's Bluegrass Country continues to break ground in bringing bluegrass to a wider audience, which now includes iPhone users," said station General Manager Caryn Mathes. "Providing the first all-bluegrass music application to iPhone users expands the listening options for fans of this wonderful music and builds on our four-decade commitment to the genre by bringing it to bluegrass listeners all over the world through the iTunes Store."    more>>

The G14 HD Radio Campaign
(25 March 2009)
The 14th generation of HD Radio commercials starts this week. The new marketing blitzkrieg is aimed at the poor fools who mistakenly think they already own an HD Radio, directing them to learn about the digital technology from the HD Digital Radio Alliance's snappy new website. "Research tells us that consumers think they are listening to HD Radio because the promos on the station say 'broadcasting in HD Radio,'" says an Alliance spokesperson. The new ads "will continue educating consumers that they need a new receiver to enjoy the HD experience." The ads end with the tag, "If you don't have an HD, you're not hearing HD. It's time to upgrade."    more>>

A Major Milestone for HD Radio
(25 March 2009)
The HD Digital Radio Alliance has announced that there are now 1000 HD2 and HD3 subchannels on the air and that retailers are reporting the availability of 100 HD Radio models, or stock keeping units (SKU), in their outlets. "The 1000 multicast and 100 SKU milestones are significant on many levels," said the HD Digital Radio Alliance's Peter Ferrara. "Broadcasters are continuing to see the value in offering additional content, stakeholders are seeing that radio and electronic manufacturers have fully embraced the radio digital revolution, and consumers now have more format choices on the dial and receiver models than ever before."    more>>

Adam Carolla, Live! (almost)
(24 March 2009)
After being pulled off KLSX due to a format change, former "Man Show" host Adam Carolla is a big success in the world of podcasts. Says Carolla, "They didn't cancel KLSX and my show because we weren't popular. I didn't feel an ounce of 'I'll show you! I'll go and do a podcast, and you guys will rue the day!' I understood they paid us a lot of money, and if they just play Justin Timberlake and Rihanna, they'll save themselves a few bucks. That's the climate we're living in these days." Carolla's podcast has frequently been ranked first by iTunes, ahead of NPR's "This American Life," HBO's "Real Time with Bill Maher," "The Ricky Gervais Podcast" and President Barack Obama's weekly address.     more>>

Juno gets Sirius!
(24 March 2009)
Sirius Canada has announced that it is covering this year's Juno Awards, including performances from JunoFest. The main event this year is the Indie Night of Music with Hannah Georgas, Jon-Rae Fletcher, Elliot Brood and Saint Alvia. It's being spaced from Vancouver's Biltmore Center on CBC Radio 3 this Friday, 27 March at 10:00 PM(PT). The satcaster is also hosting the Rock Star Photo Lounge where fans can pose for pictures with various Canadian musical artists. The action is all on Sirius Channel 86.    more>>

Noah shows he's sirius.
(23 March 2009)
WorldSpace founder Noah Samara is so impressed he wants to buy the company! The international satcaster has finally won court approval to sell itself to Samara's Yenura Pte. Ltd. for $28 million. The price includes all of WorldSpace's assets and its U.S. subsidiaries, WorldSpace Systems Corporation and AfriSpace Inc. WorldSpace currently broadcasts in Africa and Asia and had been hoping to expand into Europe later this year.    more>>

Sirius gets American Le Mans.
(23 March 2009)
That unanticipated race you may have heard on your satrad this weekend wasn't a replay, an old movie or a joke. It was the first weekend of American Le Mans. SiriusXM has announced that it would be carrying all American Le Mans Series races this year. "This season, Sirius XM will deliver American Le Mans Series races to more than 19 million subscribers around the country, allowing more listeners than ever before to experience this unique and entertaining form of auto racing," said SiriusXM President and Chief Content Officer Scott Greenstein. "The American Le Mans Series is a key part of our extensive motorsports coverage and another reason why Sirius XM is a 'must have' for racing fans." American Le Mans Series races can be heard on Sirius 126 and XM 242.    more>>

Animal Radio comes to Guam.
(20 March 2009)
Can't get SiriusXM in Guam? Don't worry. At least it's possible to receive Animal Radio, one of the satcaster's featured lineup items. Animal Radio has been added to the programming of KVOG/A in Agana, Guam starting tomorrow at 10:00 AM(CTZ). "This is Animal Radio's first non-continental affiliate," says Animal Radio's Bob Roth. "Guam's demos, while mostly indigenous, prove that our love of our furry-family extends worldwide-and now, so does Animal Radio."    more>>

Can Jimmy Fallon be Sirius?
(20 March 2009)
The new star of NBC's Late Night is being featured on Raw Dog Comedy (Sirius 104, XM 150). Jimmy Fallon joins his former Saturday Night Live pal Jim Breuer for Fridays with Breuer today at 4:00 and 9:00 PM(ET). The two reminisce about their SNL days that featured Breuer as "Goat Boy" and Fallon as the host of "Weekend Update." They also talk music as they play along on air guitar and air drums.    more>>

HD Radio at the NAB Show
(19 March 2009)
HD Radio is becoming such a big item that an entire session at this year's National Association of Broadcasters Show is being dedicated to the subject. The session is expected to cover topics such as the use of repeaters in Europe to improve signal quality and the HD Radio tests currently being conducted in Brazil. Says Dom Bordonaro, Cox Radio chief engineer and the session's moderator, "The Sunday sessions are all about HD Radio and include several papers that discuss the next hot topics: the 10 dB power increase and single-frequency networks. Both of these subjects address the desire to extend HD Radio coverage for both the main channel and the secondary channels." The NAB Show takes place in Las Vegas beginning on 18 April.    more>>

Siriusly South by Southwest
(19 March 2009)
As has been the case in recent years, Sirius is dedicating two channels to the coverage of this year's South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival in Austin, Texas. The festival is especially important to Canadian listeners, since it features many exclusive concerts with Canadian artists. Says Sirius Canada Director of Canadian Content and Industry Relations, "The South by Southwest festival has become an important destination for Canadian artists to develop their careers. Sirius is excited to bring Canadian music fans closer to the action at SXSW with live concert broadcasts and interviews in both official languages." SXSW is being spaced in English on Sirius channel 86 and in French on channel 87.    more>>

Satellite radio policy still up in the air in India.
(19 March 2009)
In a process that must seem to be taking forever, the Indian government is still uncertain about the future of satellite radio on the subcontinent. The current delay is due to the upcoming elections. Said Ministry of Information and Broadcasting secretary Uday K Varma, "Other decisions too will be taken into considration soon when a new government comes to power in two months' time." The government needs to decide whether or not to permit more digital radio channels. At present, the only licensed operator is WorldSpace.     more>>

Does diversity delay matter?
(18 March 2009)
It may sound like a politically correct term, but diversity delay is a real problem for HD Radio broadcasters. Fortunately, DaySequerra has a solution in the form of the M4DDM Diversity Delay Monitor that is being introduced at the National Association of Broadcasters Show in Las Vegas. It is the first product to use the company's proprietary TimeLock algorithm to maintain alignment between a station's main analog program signal and its HD-1 digital audio stream. Says DaySequerra in a statement, "Using its selective off-air tuner, the M4DDM measures the (main program signal) analog and HD-1 digital audio diversity and generates a continuous stream of correction vectors to keep the analog and digital audio perfectly time- and level-aligned." In other words, stations using the new product shouldn't have to worry about those annoying time delays when listeners switch between HD and analog.     more>>

Listeners get sirius about Public Radio online.
(18 March 2009)
According to a recent survey by Jacobs Media, 35% of Public Radio listeners listen online. The number jumps to 49% for content consisting only of the adult album alternative, or AAA, format. The survey also finds that 41% of Public Radio listeners listen specifically because a station streams online. "Internet streaming is a significant activity & plays a role in generating more listening - especially among AAA fans," said Jacobs in a statement.     more>>

Sirius...a great idea ten years ago!
(17 March 2009)
Sirius founder Martine Rothblatt says the business she started in 1990, and the entire industry, has become dated. She's concerned about the "huge growth in terrestrial alternatives." Says Rothblatt, "As we move from third-generation to fourth-generation celllar, there's going to be ever more bandwidth available to distribute content totally via terrestrial cellular infrastructure. And that will leave fewer and fewer unique market attributes to satellite radio." Although this does not necessarily mean the end for satellite radio, SiriusXM will need to define themselves by their content rather than their technology...an opinion expressed on this website in 2001.    more>>

Is iheartradio really that "heart"able?
(17 March 2009)
Clear Channel's iheartradio for the iPhone appears to have hit a snag. Although it allows listeners to access 150 mainstream terrestrial radio stations, the application apparently crashes when users navigate to new screens quickly, before the previous one has finished loading. According to Clear Channel, Apple knows about the bug, which causes iheartradio to crash on both Edge and 3GiPhones.     more>>

It's Real Jazz!
(16 March 2009)
SiriusXM has launched a new jazz program called "Real Jazz." The show explores the roots of modern jazz, featuring artists such as Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Horace Silver, Kenny Burrell and others. The show could help make yours a great day in LA, or wherever you happen to be. Real Jazz can be heard on Sirius 72 and XM 70 on Sundays at 5:00 PM(ET).    more>>

Ron Silver dies.
(16 March 2009)
Popular actor and political pundit Ron Silver has passed away from esophegal cancer. Silver had been known most recently as the host of "The Ron Silver Show" on Sirius, a program focusing primarily on politics and public affairs. Silver had previously been known as a film and television actor, appearing in films such as " "Silkwood" and "Semi-Tough," and television programs "The West Wing," "Wise Guy," and "Chicago Hope." Ron Silver was 62.    more>>

It's official! iPhones are getting Sirius.
(13 March 2009)
What started yesterday as a remark from Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei (see yesterday's story on RUsirius.com) is now SiriusXM company policy. The satcaster is planning to stream its service to the iPhone and iPod this spring. The company is also startig to look into opportunities to bundle its service with television packages from DirecTV, a Liberty Media product. The new iPhone and iPod service is expected to cost $13 per month, the same fee currently charged to those with satellite radio receivers.    more>>

Montel gets Sirius on Air America!
(13 March 2009)
Television personality Montel Williams is coming to Air America. Under his agreement, "Montel Across America" will debut on 6 April and broadcast weekdays from 9:00 to Noon (ET). Said Air America head of programming Bill Hess, "Our new owner is committed to growing the business, and certainly we're looking for passionate communicators with strong opinions, and if they have a well-known name, that's not a bad thing either." Air America is currently available from SiriusXM on XM 167 and Sirius 146.    more>>

Can Maffei still be Sirius?
(12 March 2009)
Liberty Media's Greg Maffei thinks SiriusXM can prosper...even in a bad economy. The CEO of the company that saved the satcaster from bankruptcy (see RUsirius.com story dated 9 March) says that SiriusXM channels can be offered free on iPods and MP3 players. Says Maffei, "All radios could become satellite radios. The fact that you could have a certain amount of satellite radio which was free, available to all, not necessarily premium...in fact you could imagine devices like iPods or other MP3 players having satellite radio as an option. All of those create a host of opportunities." He was not clear as to whether or not the free channels would include advertising.    more>>

Can Mel still be Sirius?
(12 March 2009)
Despite a decline in subscriber additions and an anemic quarterly report (see RUsirius.com story dated yesterday), SiriusXM boss Mellow Mel Karmazin remains optimistic. Says Mel, "In the fourth quarter 2008, the company's first full quarter of combined operations, Sirius XM made remarkable financial progress. For the first time in company history, we reached positive pro forma adjusted income from operations of $32 million, as compared with a loss of $224 million one year ago. Fourth quarter 2008 revenue of $644 million grew 16% over the year ago quarter while total cash operating expenses declined by 22%, a clear demonstration of our focus on improving profitability. Despite challenges in the overall economy and in the auto sector, we look forward to continuing to deliver on the synergies of the merger." Something Mel failed to mention was that Sirius cut its expenses, in part, because subscriber acquisition costs fell by 27%. So did subscriber acquisitions.    more>>

TEAC goes HD!
(12 March 2009)
TEAC is offering a new iPod/iPhone docking system featuring HD Radio. The HD-1 is a tabletop system available for $130 and it's ready for the "iTunes Tagging" feature of HD Radio. The HD-1 automatically uploads a tagged song to the iPod. The next time the iPod is synchronized, that song appears as part of a "Tagged Playlist" that can be previewed, purchased and downloaded.     more>>

Get there faster with HD Radio.
(11 March 2009)
Terrestrial radio giant Clear Channel and BMW have just tested a new algorithm that should accelerate the traffic data service offered on HD Radio. The new algorithm enables Clear Channel to transmit a larger volume of data at higher speeds to deliver "current and predicted traffic patterns, speeds and flows almost instantaneously," the companies said. In a proof of concept test, BMW equipped one of its 5 Series vehicles with an HD Radio, custom hardware and software and drove it around the Philadelphia area. The new algorithm was shown to be capable of transmitting rush-hour traffic information for the entire metro area in just 14 seconds using only 52 messages. Happy Philly-area drivers should be comfortalble knowing that at least they're getting faster traffic information as they creep and beep along the Schuylkill Expressway.    more>>

Performance Rights Act moves forward.
(11 March 2009)
The Performance Rights Act (see RUsirius.com story dated 25 February) is gradually working its way through the legislative process. Should it become law, the act would require all terrestrial broadcasters to pay royalties to performers and music labels. Says Michigan Democrat John Conyers, "Sooner or later this bill is going to become law." Broadcasters are, naturally, opposed to the legislation. In testimony submitted to the Judiciary Committee, Steven Newberry of Commonwealth Broadcasting says that radio airplay provides "free exposure" to record labels and artists. In an odd turn of phrase, Mitch Bainwol of the Recording Industry Association of America said, "Imagine Morton's not paying for beef." The remark was made in reference to retailers not paying for goods they sell. Not content to be silent on the issue, Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins said the measure "redresses an outmoded, unfair practice." Internet and satellite radio operators are currently required by law to pay royalties to labels and performers.    more>>

Are listeners bailing out on SiriusXM?
(11 March 2009)
SiriusXM posted lackluster subscriber growth during the final quarter of 2008, adding just 83,000 new subscribers. During the same period in 2007 Sirius and XM, prior to the merger, added a combined 1.1 million new customers to their books. The satcaster now has 19 million subscribers, up from the 17.3 million Sirius and XM had at the end of 2007. The numbers are roughly consistent with the company's prediction of 19.1 million subscribers by year's end. The turnover, or churn, rate grew to 1.8% during the quarter compared with a combined Sirius and XM churn rate of 1.7% during the final quarter of 2007. The conversion rate, the rate at which individuals with a free trial subscription actually sign up for service, is down to 44.2% compared with 51.4% last year. SiriusXM reported a quarterly loss of $245.8 million or 8 cents per share.     more>>

SiPort recovers with HD Radio.
(10 March 2009)
Chip vendor SiPort is recovering from tragedy with a new low-power, single-chip HD Radio. Designed primarily to allow consumers to listen to HD Radio, the chip is being designed into a new generation of MP3 players scheduled for release in the second half of this year according to SiPort. The company is recovering from the fatal shooting of its CEO and two other executives by a former employee last November.    more>>

Why not call it SiriusXMetallica?
(10 March 2009)
Metallica fans rejoice! "Mandatory Metallica" is coming to SiriusXM starting this Saturday, 14 March. The 24/7 Metallica channel (Sirius 27 and XM 42) will run through Monday, 13 April, and coincides with the band's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on 4 April. Songs from the new release, Death Magnetic, are being featured along with interviews with guitarist and singer James Hetfield, drummer Lars Ulrich, guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo.    more>>

Opie and Anthony on XM...Only?
(10 March 2009)
Gregg Hughes and Anthony Cumia no longer have a New York home. The duo were kicked off their flagship sation, WXRK or K-Rock (92.3 FM), because of a format switch to Top-40. Their local fans now have to get a SiriusXM subscription if they want to keep listening. Said Hughes in a Twitter feed to followers, "It's officially over. Extremely bummed. This is not good for our show, period!" Prior to now, Opie and Anthony had been in the habit of starting their show locally and fininshing it on satellite after 9 AM. "They'll have a terrestrial radio future if they want one," said Tom Taylor, executive editor of Radio-Info.com. "However, there may not be an obvious home in New York City." It could be time for them just to start yucking it up with Howard, Artie, Robin and the rest of the gang.    more>>

Ads down, but not out on satellite.
(10 March 2009)
According to the Jack Myers Media Business Report, advertising revenue is expected to fall for three straight years for the first time ever. Media revenue generated from advertising declined last year by 4.2 percent and is expected to decline by 12 percent this year and 7 percent in 2010. Advertising categories still showing growth, however, include satellite radio.    more>>

Liberty closes the deal.
(9 March 2009)
John Malone's Liberty Media has finally closed the deal with SiriusXM now that the satcaster has fulfilled its share of the bargain...extending the terms of the loans it needs to re-pay by May. Liberty has now closed the second phase of the investment, providing the company with preferred stock that is convertible to 40 percent of Sirius' common stock.     more>>

It's now Oprah Radio!
(9 March 2009)
Oprah Winfrey has changed the name of her SiriusXM channel from "Oprah & Friends" to "Oprah Radio." With the name change comes an expansion to 24/7 programming including shows like "O Magazine," "Better in Bed" with Dr. Laura Berman and "The Oprah Book Club." Regular personalities such as Gayle King, Dr. Mehmet Oz and Bob Greene will continue in their current roles. The expanded channel continues as XM 156 and Sirius 195.    more>>

White House goes HD!
(6 March 2009)
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs recently received an unexpected gift...an HD Radio from the HD Digital Radio Alliance. The radio was sent in response to a series of questions in which Gibbs admitted that he didn't own a radio. "We're delighted to welcome the White House to this important digital upgrade," Alliance prez Diane Warren said. "Now, they can listen to the President's Weekly Radio Address in crystal clear HD digital sound and find exciting new HD2 stations only available on HD Radio." The radio in question is a Sony XDR-S10HDiP, which can probably also be used to receive stock market reports.    more>>

Can Major League Baseball be Sirius?
(5 March 2009)
Sirius baseball fans beware! Due to a stall in negotiations between Major League Baseball and SiriusXM, baseball play-by-play for each team won't be available to Sirius subscribers...even to those who purchased the "Best of XM" package. Fortunately for baseball fans, the MLB Home Plate channel is available on both XM and Sirius. It's a start, but not really enough for those who purchased Sirius and expected to get the full season of baseball play-by-play after the merger with XM.     more>>

Breaking Siriusly Bad?
(4 March 2009)
Those who enjoy AMC's Breaking Bad will be pleased to know that its Emmy-winning star, Bryan Cranston, will be the featured guest today with with Ron Bennington and Fez Whatley. The Ron and Fez Show spaces at 2:00 PM(ET) on The Virus (XM 202, Sirius 197).    more>>

XM's sirius in Canada, eh!
(4 March 2009)
XM is celebrating Canadian Music Week, 11-14 March, by having one of its own host the Independent Music Awards and by opening its recording studio for live-to-air acoustic sets featuring up-and-coming Canadian bands. "This is the fourth year XM Canada and CMW have teamed up for the Independent Music Awards," says Neill Dixon, Canadian Music Week President. "XM Canada's continued support during CMW has helped foster and showcase great Canadian musicians looking to break-through in the saturated music industry." The Independent Music Awards are being hosted by XM's Jeff Leake and spaced on The Verge (XM 87). Featured bands include Arkells, USS, Crystal Castles and Hey Rosetta! (pictured).    more>>

Is LPFM back?
(3 March 2009)
Starting in 2000 a wave of low-power FM radio stations such as WFLR began to appear in many local communities. Unfortunately, the trend faded partly as a result of complaints from traditional FM stations that the low-power stations were interfering with other signals. A lobbying blitzkrieg by the National Association of Broadcasters ensued, prompting Congress to enact the Radio Broadcast Protection Act. The legislation prevents low-power FM stations from using the "third adjacent" channel to any existing station. Enter the Local Community Radio Act of 2009. The new legislation, introduced by Mike Doyle (D-PA), rolls back the restrictions of the Radio Broadcast Protection Act and should permit the number of LPFM stations to grow. Says Doyle, "When we get this bill passed this year it will be possible for three thousand new community radio stations to appear in cities and towns and suburbs and rural areas all across the country." They may not be Sirius, but at least they don't cost eleven bucks a month.     more>>

Trouble for Internet Radio brewing in Canada
(2 March 2009)
Internet Radio is facing trouble in Canada as a controversy brews over whether or not Internet service providers and wireless carriers should be forced to pay fees to support Canadian artists. "They are benefiting from the privilege of being able to broadcast to Canadians, but unlike traditional broadcasters, they have no obligations commensurate to that benefit," says Sherry Kerr, vice-president and general counsel for Sirius Canada. Satellite and terrestrial broadcasters are required by law to feature Canadian content in their programming and to contribute to a fund to support Canadian artists. Internet radio providers are not currently subject to such a regulation. Hearings on the subject are now being conducted by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission.    more>>

Siriusly postponing
(2 March 2009)
Maybe they're too busy avoiding bankruptcy. Maybve they're expecting the Luck of the Irish. In any case, SiriusXM is postponing the release of its financial information for last year until no later than 17 March. By that day it will have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission its Form 10-K and a Form 12b-25 for each subsidiary, namely XM Satellite Radio Holdings and XM Satellite Radio. The company will be conducting a conference call at 8:00 AM(ET) on 17 March to discuss its financial and operating results. Investors and those just looking for a cheap thrill can access the conference call on Sirius channel 126 or XM channel 90, or via the Sirius website.     more>>

Wisconsin Public Radio goes HD
(2 March 2009)
HD Radio is getting a big boost on Wisconsin Public Radio. The operator is upgrading its entire network to the new digital format, a change that is making it possible to add new channels, content and formats. In addition to flagship station WHA(AM) in Madison and WLSU(FM) in La Crosse, both of which were upgraded in 2006, the organization has added HD to two AM stations and 11 FM stations in its 30-station group. Says Director of Engineering and Operations Steve Johnston, "I am very pleased with our ability to use our existing spectrum to deliver such an improvement to our listeners." And we all thought it was just the land of the Packers, cheese and beer.    more>>