News Articles From Days Gone ByLet's go live!
(30 November 2005)
That's what the folks at Sirius Canada are saying as the satcaster readies its facilities for operation on 1 December 2005. Said Mark Redmond, President and CEO, Sirius Canada, "Now Canadians will finally be able to experience Sirius Canada's premium offering with the best digital quality sound and the most extensive coverage offered by any satellite radio provider." To celebrate the occasion the activation is being waived for the first 50,000 subscribers, a significant offer given that, according to Redmond, "demand for Sirius Canada products is going to be huge." Redmond's sanguine words were inspired by more than 7,000 requests for information made to the Sirius website.
XM is continuing to charge head first into the Canadian marketplace.
(30 November 2005)
The satcaster's Canadian affiliate, XM Canada, has announced that its radios would now be on sale at major retailers across the country. The sale of the first XM Canada radio has apparently been made at Radioworld , an independent retailer in Toronto. XM Canada radios are expected to be available at A&B Sound, Best Buy, Canadian Tire, Future Shop, London Drugs, The Source by Circuit City and Wal-Mart, among others.
He must feel a little like the guy who first walks into a new Tim Horton's on opening day.He is Michel Leblanc of Ile-des-Sours, QC, declared to be the first subscriber to XM Canada. To commemorate the occasion XM Canada President Stephen Tapp and XM Canada Director of French channels Andre DiCesare presented Mr. Leblanc a Delphi MyFi portable satellite radio, a Delphi RoadyXT satellite radio, and XM home sound system from Polk Audio and a free lifetime subscription for being XM Canada's founding subscriber. He also wins a role as guest host of an XM Canada channel broadcasting from XM's Montreal studios. Now if he could just get a donut and that cup of coffee...
XM Canada has announced that Jacques Dussault will be joining its Franc Parler (channel 172), the first French-language all talk/sports radio programming in North America.
(28 November 2005)
Dussault has been a coach at both the university and professional levels, as well as a television analyst and is expected to be a major asset for XM's Canadian affiliate. "We are most fortunate and privileged to have a high-calibre sports personality such as Jacques Dussault join our team," said Michel Tremblay, programming director for XM Canada's Franc Parler.
As Americans get ready for Thanksgiving, Canadians can get ready for --- XM!
(23 November 2005)
The satcaster is kicking off service north of the border with an exclusive offer to members of its Founders Club to purchase satrads and sign up for service on line. Said XM Canada prez Stephen Tapp, "XM Canada is on the air and signing up subscribers." More than 4,500 happy Canadians signed up as members of XM Canada's Founders Club last month.
Maybe he did it for the money or because he was pissed-off that teammate Alex Rodriguez was named MVP.
(22 November 2005)
In either case, New York Yankees' All-Star shortstop Derek Jeter has joined the XM promotions team for MLB programming. The deal includes a partnership with Jeter's Turn 2 Foundation , the non-profit organization he founded to promote healthy, drug-free lifestyles and academic achievement for young people. In addition to his status as pitch man, Jeter is expected to make regular guest appearances on MLB Home Plate (channel 175). Said Jeter, "To help extend the lead of a winning team like XM is a terrific opportunity, especially since I am a huge XM Satellite Radio fan."
XM and Napster have announced a beta version of their XM-Napster integrated music service.
(22 November 2005)
"XM-Napster takes XM to a new level in terms of exposing people to music and enabling them to buy the music," said XM boss Hugh Panero. The service can be accessed at napster.xmradio.com .
XM Canada is adding to its stable of hockey broadcasters.
(22 November 2005)
They have announced that Phil Esposito, Denis Potvin and Mike Bossy will be featured on hockey talk shows on XM Canada's Home Ice channel (channel 204). Home Ice is expected to provide hockey talk and live, play-by-play coverage of more than 1,000 Nation Hockey League games per season starting in 2007.
JupiterResearch is forecasting that the U.
(22 November 2005)
S.digital satellite radio market will grow from an installed base of 12 million units in 2005 to 55 million units in 2010. The figure represents a compound annual growth rate of 35%. According to Michael Gartenberg, Vice President and Research Director at JupiterResearch, "Transportable devices will lead the installed base mix with sales being driven by wide device selection and lower price points." Gartenberg went on to say that "overall only 6% of online consumers have satellite radio," leading the JupiterResearch report to find that both XM and Sirius need to move beyond the automobile and integrate satellite radio into other devices.
XM and Network Live are presenting the John Mayer Trio live in concert on Wednesday, 23 November.
(21 November 2005)
The event is being broadcast from New York's Bowery Ballroom at 9:00 PM (ET) to celebrate the release "Try! John Mayer Trio, Live In Concert." Said Network Live CEO Kevin Wall, "We are thrilled to present the John Mayer Trio, a band whose musicianship is incredibly well-suited to the live, intimate performance environment."
WorldSpace has announced the premiere of the "Radio Art of Living," aimed at extending the teachings of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar .
(21 November 2005)
The program is intended to showcase teachings which bring together ancient wisdom and modern science. It is being made available to subscribers in India and in WorldSpace's AsiaStar coverage area.
Mercedes-Benz is now more Sirius than ever.
(18 November 2005)
The automaker has announced that they have extended their exclusive relationship with the satcaster until 1 September 2012. Initially Mercedes plans to offer Sirius as a standard feature on all 2007 model year SL-Class and CL-Class vehicles, and all AMG and 600 model vehicles. Said Sirius boss "Mellow Mel" Karmazin, "This is an exciting development in the Sirius Mercedes-Benz relationship that will benefit future customers of one of the finest luxury brands in the world."
XM Canada is moving forward with the announcement of a senior management team.
(18 November 2005)
Said XM Canada President and Chief Operating Officer Stephen Tapp, "XM Canada has assembled a talented and diverse team to bring XM Satellite Radio to Canadians." The team includes Michael Washinushi as Chief Financial Officer. He'll report directly to the boss, XM Canada CEO John Bitove. Stewart Lyons, the Executive Vice President, has worked with XM Canada since its inception. He previously worked with Scotia Capital as an interest rate derivatives trader. Colin Bettam is the new Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales. He had formerly been vice president of marketing for Coors Canada.
Said XM Canada President and Chief Operating Officer Stephen Tapp, "XM Canada has assembled a talented and diverse team to bring XM Satellite Radio to Canadians."
(18 November 2005)
The team includes Michael Washinushi as Chief Financial Officer. He'll report directly to the boss, XM Canada CEO John Bitove. Stewart Lyons, the Executive Vice President, has worked with XM Canada since its inception. He previously worked with Scotia Capital as an interest rate derivatives trader. Colin Bettam is the new Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales. He had formerly been vice president of marketing for Coors Canada. Not wishing to be outpaced by rival Sirius, XM is launching an aggressive media campaign to offset the "Stern Effect." The campaign includes a full frontal assault by the likes of David Bowie, Ellen DeGeneres and Snoop Dogg.
XM once again is being celebrated for its products.
(17 November 2005)
Five of the satcaster's products have been recognized as honorees for the Innovations 2006 Awards. The five devices receiving accolades are the I-Sonic from Polk Audio , the AVR-4306 A/V Receiver from Denon , the AVR 740 from Harman Kardon , the neXus XM Ready MP3 Player from Samsung and the XM Smart Digital Adapter from Audiovox.
Those who want XM without having to buy a receiver can take heart.
(17 November 2005)
DIRECTV is making 72 XM channels available as part of its service at no additional cost. A complete list of XM channels for each tier of DIRECTV service is available online .
Although not mandating it, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is strongly encouraging satellite radio participation in the Emergency Alert System (EAS).
(17 November 2005)
In its revision of the EAS rules the FCC noted that, since satellite carriers are designed to receive and send programming nationally, delivering target emergency alerts locally is "challenging" at the least. Sirius and XM each has a dedicated emergency station broadcasting nationally plus locally-oriented traffic and weather channels. As noted by a Sirius spokesman, however, there's no answer for "a local alert in Peoria, Illinois."
Ebay is getting Sirius.
(17 November 2005)
EZ2 Companies.com has announced expanded Ebay Radio and Suhtterbug Magazine sponsorship to be heard on the satcaster's network, which is now simulcasting both. "This is very good news for our continued sponsorship of Ebay Radio," said EZ2Companies.com CEO Otto Bethlen. "Anytime we can increase the exposure of our network of websites means new subscribers and increased revenues."
In what could be good news for Sirius Howard Stern On Demand is not slated to begin until March.
(17 November 2005)
This means that those wishing to see the "King of All Media" and the whole sick crew on the new, uncensored, Sirius gig will have to cool their jets for two months -- or subscribe to Sirius and use their imaginations.
The number two satcaster has finally decided exactly how Sirius it is about Martha Stewart.
(16 November 2005)
They have announced the initial programming details for Martha Stewart Living Radio, which debuts on 21 November on Sirius channel 112. The 24/7 channel will feature a lineup of chefs, designers, columnists, craftspeople and specialists who contribute to Stewart's award-winning portfolio of magazines, television shows and merchandise. Shows will include subjects like cooking, decorating, fitness, beauty, health, and "how-to" projects. "Martha Stewart Living Radio brings all the assets of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia to a readily accessible format for all the women on the go everyday," said Sirius President of Entertainment and Sports Scott Greenstein.
The Credit Suisse First Boston Leveraged Finance Media and Telecom Conference is getting Sirius.
(16 November 2005)
The satcaster's Chief Financial Officer, David Frear, is expected to present to the meeting on Thursday, 17 November, at 2:45 (PM) (ET). A live audio webcast of the presentation is being made available on the Sirius website.
WorldSpace is moving into South Africa, increasing its visibility via a distribution arrangement with E1Sat.
(16 November 2005)
WorldSpace boss Noah Samara said, "Africa continues to be an important geography for WorldSpace. E1Sat's reputation and its reach into the region make it an ideal partner to help us achieve greater market penetration in tandem with superior customer service."
The Grammys are now XM-rated.
(15 November 2005)
The awards organization and the satcaster have announced a broad marketing and programming partnership starting with the 8 February 2006 Grammy presentations. XM is now the official satellite radio network for the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and will be providing broadcast coverage of the annual telecast as well as special programming throughout the year.
Sirius has appointed Stan Kozlowski and Mike Roberts Senior Vice President of Strategic Sales and Vice President of Retail Distribution respectively.
(15 November 2005)
According to Jim Meyer, President of Sales and Operations, "Stan has overseen the company's historic retail distribution growth since we launched our service in 2002. We are now looking to focus his expertise to open new channels of distribution." Roberts, now reporting to Senior Vice President and General Manager, Consumer Electronics, Bob Law, had been North American Sales Manager for Delphi Corporation.
Canadian Satellite Radio (CSR) has pledged to keep its subscription price below that of Sirius Canada.
(15 November 2005)
Both CSR and its rival say they'll be commercially available before Christmas. To help meet its goal, CSR is in the process of installing a ground-based repeater network in 16 cities. Sirius Canada is expected to debut at a monthly price of $14.99, CSR at $12.99.
Hay House , the international leader in self-help and motivational publishing, is getting Sirius.
(15 November 2005)
They're partnering with the satcaster's Lime Network (channel 114), which features healthy living programming. Hay House Radio can be heard live, Monday through Friday, from 4-7 PM (ET) and has plans to expand their hours.
XM is kicking off its holiday advertising blitzkrieg with "Listen Large," a campaign featuring two TV spots with Ellen DeGeneres, Snoop Dogg, Derek Jeter, David Bowie and Martina McBride.
(14 November 2005)
"XM Satellite Radio leads the industry with seventy percent of satellite radio customers, who are won over by XM's unprecedented programming choices and star power," said XM boss Hugh Panero. Panero went on to say that the "Listen Large campaign appeals to millions of consumers who demand the high-quality listening experience that has made XM number one." The promo emphasizes the number of choices that the satcaster offers across over 150 channels.
The accolades continue for XM.
(11 November 2005)
The satcaster is the winner of the 2005 Brandweek Consumer Loyalty Award in the satellite radio category. Brandweek joined with the research firm Brand Keys to conduct a survey indicating that "XM best met or exceeded customer expectations." The portable XM2go radios also received top honors from Popular Science, Wired, and USA Today. Popular Science awarded the Delphi MyFi XM2go its "Best of What's New 2005" award. Wired called the Tao XM2go their "Editor's Pick" atop the list of satellite radio receivers. USA Today Now chose the Pioneer AirWare XM2go radio as one of the top ten coolest tech products for the holidays.
Canadian Satellite Radio (CSR) is going public.
(11 November 2005)
Toronto businessman and CSR CEO John Bitove is selling up to 10 percent of the XM partner through a proposed public offering allowing investors to get in on the ground floor. The company has announced that it has filed a preliminary prospectus with the proceeds to be used to "complete its initial infrastructure rollout and to fund operating expenses," among other expenses.
WorldSpace and Webel are collaborating on satellite radio technology development.
(11 November 2005)
The international satcaster announced that its wholly-owned Indian subsidiary has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Webel to explore technology transfer for the assembly, installation and commissioning of a broadcast infrastructure. The companies are exploring development and deployment in India as well as in other markets. Said WorldSpace boss Noah Samara, "We are committed to extending the WorldSpace experience across India and throughout the world. We view our new arrangement with Webel as an investment that will position the company to continue growing our global subscriber base and potentially accelerate our business rollout."
Stream is getting Sirius.
(11 November 2005)
The leading global outsourcer of technical support and customer service has announced that more than 1000 new short-term positions for one of its Dallas contact centers are in support of the satcaster as it gears up for the holiday season. A surge in demand in the waning weeks of 2005 is possible as Sirius gets ready for the premiere of "King of All Media" Howard Stern in January.
An XM-rated version of "The Apprentice" is airing on Thursday, 17 November.
(10 November 2005)
In it, the satcaster's music programming team will judge the candidates and recommend the winners to Donald Trump. "XM is the biggest satellite radio company with the most music choices in all of radio," Trump said. "To impress people of this caliber, the candidates will need to push their creative abilities to the limit." Two teams of candidates will be asked to find and develop a new music artist. The XM team, consisting of Eric Logan, Lee Abrams and Lisa Lisa, will then evaluate each team's work and place the winning artist's work into the XM music rotation. A "behind-the-scenes" look at the episode will be broadcast on XM Live (channel 200) from Friday, 18 November, to Sunday, 20 November.
WorldSpace has reported a third-quarter net loss of $15.
(10 November 2005)
4 million, or 48 cents per diluted share.Their revenue for the quarter was $2.4 million. During the same period last year the company reported a net loss of $57.3 million, of $9.90 per diluted share, on revenue of $1.6 million.
XM and Sirius are both expanding their contributions to Billboard's tracking charts.
(9 November 2005)
XM is now contributing airplay data to the Billboard Information Group and Nielsen Broadcast Data Systems for use in calculating the charts for Adult Top 40, Modern Rock, Active Rock and R&B Hip-Hop. Five Sirius music channels, specifically The Spectrum, Octane, Alt Nation, Hot Jamz and Heart & Soul, will have an impact on the same Billboard charts. XM's expanded participation takes effect on 14 November, Sirius' a week later. Said XM's Eric Logan, "Reporting our airplay data to Billboard for inclusion in national mainstream charts further demonstrates the impact of XM Satellite Radio as a major platform for music."
Keith Urban and Madonna are getting XM-rated, via Network Live.
(9 November 2005)
The joint venture of America Online, XM and AEG announced that the organization would produce exclusive live performances by both artists. Keith Urban is performing at Irving Plaza on 14 November at 10:00 PM (ET), Madonna at KoKo's on 15 November at 10:00 PM (GMT). Kevin Wall, CEO of Network Live said of the Madonna concert, "This event demonstrates that Network Live is shifting the model for the music business in a real and significant manner."
Howard Stern may not be Sirius yet but that's not keeping him from promoting his new venue on his old one.
(8 November 2005)
The "King of All Media" has been shamelessly talking up his upcoming show on Sirius while broadcasting on the Infinity network. The result? The bosses at Infinity have told Stern to cool it, giving him a one-day suspension.
The "King of All Media" has been shamelessly talking up his upcoming show on Sirius while broadcasting on the Infinity network.
(8 November 2005)
The result? The bosses at Infinity have told Stern to cool it, giving him a one-day suspension. Sir Paul McCartney is getting XM-rated on "Artist Confidential." The music icon recorded the groundbreaking interview and performance program with XM's George Taylor Morris in the satcaster's Washington D.C. studio for release on Monday, 21 November, at 7 PM (ET) on XM Live (channel 200), The 60s (channel 6), The 70s (channel 7), Deep Tracks (Channel 40), Top Tracks (channel 46) and The Blend (channel 25).
Sirius is launching a special retail promotion just in time for the holidays.
(8 November 2005)
The "Huge Gift Little Box $50 Mail-in Rebate" promotion runs through 31 December. It features the flexibility of purchasing a variety of Sirius products and can be redeemed either by the gift giver or the recipient. It does not require a long-term service commitment. Said Sirius Senior Vice President and General Manager, Consumer Electronics Division, Bob Law, "The holiday season is the busiest time for us at retail, and we intend to aggressively market and sell our competitively priced products across the board."
To promote the "King of All Media" on Sirius, the satcaster is sinking to his level by showing a 60-second spot in 2,000 theaters featuring R-rated films through the end of December.
(7 November 2005)
The ad depicts a night sky with stars aligning themselves to form a constellation in the shape of Orion's member. The tasteless gag ends with a strategically placed shooting star and the words "Howard Stern. Only on Sirius Satellite Radio." It was created by ad agency Euro RSCG and couldn't be more sophomoric without invoking the services of Red Peters .
Move over Red Sox Nation.
(4 November 2005)
XM Nation is coming in the form of the First Annual XM Nation Music Awards. The awards are nominated by XM programmers and staff and are intended to honor musicians selected for their talent and appeal. Said XM programming veep Eric Logan, "The XM Nation Music Awards reinvent the music award to reflect the expertise of XM's programming staff, the diversity of XM's music programming and the broad range of tastes and sensibilities of our subscribers."
Sirius is coming out strong in Canada.
(4 November 2005)
Its Sirius Canada affiliate is unveiling 100 channels of premium service - 60 music and 40 news, sports and entertainment. "We are launching Sirius Canada with 100 channels of music, entertainment, sports and information -- the true A-List," said Sirius Canada CEO Mark Redmond. He went on to say that Sirius "has it all" with coverage that includes coverage of the NFL, NHL and NBA.
XM has inked a deal with Nissan for the 2008 model year.
(4 November 2005)
Nissan North America has selected XM as its factory-installed satellite radio provider for Infiniti and Nissan vehicles beginning in three years.
During the last quarter XM extended its lead over Sirius by gaining a 59 percent market share compared with 56 percent in the second quarter of 2005.
(3 November 2005)
The market share figures are based on XM's addition of 305,284 subscribers during the period. Said XM boss Hugh Panero, "XM subscribers represent two out of every three satellite radio customers."
WorldSpace continues to make the world safe for satellite radio.
(3 November 2005)
Most recently the company extended its services to Ahmedabad , India's seventh largest city. The event represents WorldSpace's expansion to eight Indian cities, a market distribution to more than 50 million people throughout the country.
Sirius is keeping its gin up.
(3 November 2005)
The satcaster is beginning to run commercials for Tanqueray on Cracked Up Comedy, Maxim Radio, OutQ Radio, Sports Byline and other channels. The spots feature a hip-hop song titled "Get Your Ice On" with actor Rodney Mason as character Tony Sinclar, a wry British bon vivant. Sirius and XM carry no commercials on their music channels.
C'est si bon!
(2 November 2005)
Sirius is entering into an agreement with two French language Canadian music stations for the Sirius Canada satellite radio line-up. The channels are being produced by Astral Media Radio in what is being extolled as a win-win partnership. According to Sirius partner Standard Broadcasting CEO Gary Slaight, "This announcement provides Sirius Canada with a strategic benefit in the Quebec market. We are greatly expanding the reach of these two popular French language formats and taking their success and appeal to a much broader audience"
XM and Audiovox have introduced a new smart digital adaptor to deliver the XM digital stream to any new or used vehicle with a Radio Data Service system.
(2 November 2005)
The Smart Digital Adaptor is marketed under Audiovox's Terk brand name and connects the in-dash radio to a hideaway XM Direct tuner box. The driver can access all XM functions using a full-feature remote control.
The number two satcaster has put up some Sirius numbers for the third quarter of 2005.
(1 November 2005)
Sirius has announced strong third quarter financial and operating results, driven by subscriber growth in its retail and automotive sectors. As of 30 September there were 2,173,920 Sirius listeners, a number that reflects the net addition of 359,294 subscribers. The figure represents a 97% increase over the year-ago figure of 181,948. Announcing that the company expects over 3 million happily Sirius subscribers by the end of the year Sirius boss "Mellow Mel" Karmazin said, "As we move into the important fourth quarter, we believe that our mix of innovative and competitively-priced products at retail, combined with more Sirius factory installations by our automotive partners, will yield strong year-end results."
XM has announced that Garmin International would be introducing the new line of StreetPilot products.
(1 November 2005)
They are the first to offer portable navigation with real-time XM NavTraffic powered by NAVTEQ Traffic with XM weather and satellite radio. Said XM Veep of Advanced Applications and Services Roderick MacKenzie, "Garmin is the leader in portable navigation and XM is the leader in satellite-delivered entertainment and data services. The unmatched partnership between Garmin and XM has made the new StreetPilot models the most advanced portable navigation products ever."
WorldSpace is delivering a "Voice from Home" to U.
(1 November 2005)
S. and Coalition forces.The company has launched a multi-faceted marketing effort to provide satellite radio to over 380,000 troops stationed abroad with a central element as the corporate sponsorship of "Comics on Duty World Tour." WorldSpace is hoping that the campaign will contribute to boosting troop morale as well as increase its brand awareness among military personnel.