News Articles From Days Gone ByBecause of their role as a retailer of XM equipment, Circuit City now finds itself in the cross hairs of he National Association of Black Organizations (NABO).
(22 November 2002)
Two demonstrations against the electronics superstore were conducted in Henrico County, Virginia. The first occurred at Circuit City's headquarters, the second at a nearby retail store after demonstrators were ordered off the headquarters site by police. Said NABO crisis management consultant Sam Riddle "NABO will not tolerate corporate irresponsibility that harms our community. Circuit City sells XM Satellite Radio products. XM Sat Radio placed porn profits over the family oriented value positive Word Network. That is wrong. That reality forces NABO to take direct action against Circuit City and other retailers that market XM Satellite Radio."
Following through with plans to cut costs by introducing less expensive programming, XM announced that it would be carrying CNN on channel 122 beginning on 2 December.
(21 November 2002)
"We're thrilled to have CNN, the international news giant and one of the flagship services on cable television, on our channel lineup," commented XM boss Hugh Panero. XM has also added Squizz, a hard alternative rocker, as channel 48 and XM Live on channel 168. XM LIve features live performance and interviews with artists.
"We're thrilled to have CNN, the international news giant and one of the flagship services on cable television, on our channel lineup," commented XM boss Hugh Panero.
(20 November 2002)
XM has also added Squizz, a hard alternative rocker, as channel 48 and XM Live on channel 168. XM LIve features live performance and interviews with artists. A sign of the (bad) times in the satellite radio business -- XM dismisses Dave Logan in a move they described as "strictly economic." Logan, former program director of WNEW (New York), had been with XM since its inception. In a similar but more sanguine move, Sirius named Joel Sazlkowitz vice president of programming. He has previous affiliations with the Big Apple's WTMJ and WQHT.
As if a bad economy and a slumping business outlook weren't enough, XM stockholders are now being further discouraged by the National Association of Black Organizations (NABO).
(19 November 2002)
"The wheeling and dealing of management may well leave stockholders holding an empty Christmas stocking," said the Reverend Horace Sheffield III, CEO of NABO. Advising XM shareholders to challenge corporate leadership, Reverend Sheffield commented "XM could have had a cross-section of America including leading African American ministers leading the charge that would encourage GM to assist XM Satellite Radio. But XM opted for Playboy porn over the value positive Word Network."
Travelers tired of flight delays, long lines, and crowded airliners can finally look forward to getting Sirius at airports from coast to coast.
(16 November 2002)
Hertz announced that the satellite radio provider's services will be available in a variety of rental cars beginning this December. Initially, approximately 20000 Sirius units will be provided as optional equipment for renters of Ford Taurus, Windstar, Expedition, Explorer, Crown Victoria, and Mercury Grand Marquis. Vehicles with Sirius radios will be available for $5 extra per day to customers renting in Florida and California. Said Sirius boss Joe Clayton "The addition of Hertz as a Sirius partner provides drivers with an exciting entertainment option to every trip. We are thrilled that Hertz has selected Sirius as its satellite radio provider. We are also looking forward to expanding our availability to additional Hertz markets and providing Hertz customers with the best in-vehicle programming available." Hertz VP Brian Kennedy commented "Hertz has a history of leading the car rental industry with innovations that make the rental experience more convenient and enjoyable for the customer."
Both satellite radio providers reported big losses for the most recent financial quarter.
(15 November 2002)
Without new investments, XM says it will run out of funding during the first quarter of next year. In an attempt to raise at least $200 million, XM is attempting to renegotiate loans from General Motors. Anticipating future growth, XM boss Hugh Panero commented "We're bolstered by what is truly the second launch of XM in new vehicles from General Motors and other automakers." In the area of current growth, XM added 64,836 subscribers during this year's third quarter. They currently have 201,544 customers. By contrast, Sirius lists 16,136 subscribers as of 31 October. Should their plan for a bailout fail to secure bondholder approval, they're prepared to file for bankruptcy. Financial analysts remain hopeful for the future of satellite radio, however, even if XM and Sirius fail. Says Steve Hather of Sanders Morris Harris "The satellites are up there. Someone would keep them in business. If XM and Sirius go out of business, someone will buy those assets and continue to operate."
Crutchfield Corporation, the nation's consumer electronics leader, says that its latest survey shows that 98 percent of satellite radio listeners would recommend it to friends and family.
(15 November 2002)
Says Bill Crutchfield, the firm's founder, "Satellite radio is a wonderful new technology for consumers. I listen to it in my office. I listen to it in my car. And I recommend it enthusiastically to my friends." Crutchfield sells Sony, Pioneer, Alpine, and Delphi XM units. On the Sirius side, they deal in Kenwood, Panasonic, Clarion, and Jensen.
Says Bill Crutchfield, the firm's founder, "Satellite radio is a wonderful new technology for consumers.
(14 November 2002)
I listen to it in my office. I listen to it in my car. And I recommend it enthusiastically to my friends." Crutchfield sells Sony, Pioneer, Alpine, and Delphi XM units. On the Sirius side, they deal in Kenwood, Panasonic, Clarion, and Jensen. Fighting a slow economy and continued lack of interest in satellite radio, XM was finally forced to bite the bullet and lay off 17 percent of its workforce. USA Today reports that XM's downsizing reflects its financial losses, which are being discussed with Wall Street analysts today. The loss of 80 of its 480 employees is expected to be felt by its listening audience in the form of less-expensive programming as the company struggles to make itself profitable.
Scientific American named XM to its list of 50 organizations recognized for their contribution to science and technology during the past year.Said Sci Am editor in chief John Rennie, "Scientific American's editors wanted to recognize some of the most outstanding visionaries who are advancing technology and guaranteeing a brighter future for all of us." XM boss Hugh Panero responded "XM is proud and honored to be named among the Scientific American 50 and recognized by Scientific AMerican magazine with its unique stature in the world of science and technology."
Continuing with its objection to XM's apparent lack of positive programming for the African-American community the National Association of Black Organizations (NABO) conducted its 14th demonstration at the satellite radio provider's headquarters in Washington D.
(9 November 2002)
C. Plans are also in the works for protests at Circuit City stores nationwide. "NABO will not tolerate corporate irresponsibility that harms our community. Circuit City sells XM Satellite Radio products. XM Sat Radio placed porn profits over the family oriented value positive Word Network. That is wrong. That reality forces NABO to take direct action against Circuit City and other retailers that market XM Satellite Radio, " commented NABO crisis management consultant Sam Riddle.
Just to help listeners take the holidays Siriusly, the satellite radio provider is featuring "Sirius Sounds of the Season" on The Galaxy (channel 100) beginning on 24 November.
(8 November 2002)
The programming features everything from rock and roll to jazz and contains Sirius wishes for a happy holiday season from entertainers like George Clinton, Brian McKnight, Lisa Loeb, and Diana Krall.
Best Buy, Sirius' team member at this year's New York City Marathon announced that Kathryn Jones would be promoted to vice president of mobile electronics.
(6 November 2002)
In this role, Ms. Jones is responsible for corporate strategy related to, among other items, mobile video, installations services, and satellite radio. Best Buy president Mike Keskey said "Kathryn has shown tremendous leadership in people development and management strategies."
It's not quite "Nashville in Space" but it sure seems that way.
(5 November 2002)
WSM-AM, the world-famous country music station debuts on Sirius this week. Sirius channel #164 is now featuring live music and special features produced by WSM Entertainment. The Grand Ole Opry, the world's longest running live radio show, premieres on Sirius this Friday and Saturday evening.
Due to improvements in the cost of custom digital signal processing (DSP) chipsets, digital radio is now poised to challenge satellite radio for the ears of America's listening public.
(5 November 2002)
By putting DSP chips in the receivers, terrestrial radio providers are applying the technology previously known as In-Band, On-Channel (IBOC) to provide interference-free transmissions to anyone willing to shell out a few bucks for the new equipment. iBiquity expects to have radios in the hands of consumers by early next year. Stations broadcasting digital signals should soon be online in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, and Miami.
By putting DSP chips in the receivers, terrestrial radio providers are applying the technology previously known as In-Band, On-Channel (IBOC) to provide interference-free transmissions to anyone willing to shell out a few bucks for the new equipment.
(1 November 2002)
iBiquity expects to have radios in the hands of consumers by early next year. Stations broadcasting digital signals should soon be online in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, and Miami. The New York City Marathon gets Sirius this year as the satellite radio service and Best Buy Stores team up to provide music and entertainment at this year's event on 3 November. Sirius DJs are planning to be on hand to encourage the runners, spectators, and other revelers with tunes and talk. "By partnering with Sirius, we're able to add even more excitement to this great New York City tradition," said Debbie Estes, Best Buy's Director of Promotions and Events.