News Articles From Days Gone By
Catch me now I'm falling!
(26 November 2008)
Radio is falling, perhaps faster than anyone could have predicted. Even with a larger audience than ever, terrestrial radio stations just can't seem to generate very much revenue. And HD Radio isn't helping. Says Marci Ryvicker, an analyst at Wachovia, "HD Radio is pretty much going to be nonexistent, because they can't figure out how to get the auto guys to include that as an option, and the auto guys that do include HD don't let the consumer know about it." So far only Volvo has agreed to include HD Radio as a standard feature in its new cars. The larger broadcasting organizations are all reporting declining revenue during the third quarter of 2008. The revenue drop at CBS is 12 percent, compared with 10.9 percent for Citadel, 7 percent for Clear Channel, 6.2 percent for Cox, 1.5 percent for Emmis and 2 percent for Radio One. The audience is definitely up. Radio is now said to reach 235 listeners a week compared with 232 million a year ago. But those listening are listening less: fewer than 19 hours a week compared with 20.4 hours in 2005. more>>
Ford rejects HD/Satrad combo
(25 November 2008)
In a somewhat unexpected move, the Ford Motor Company has come out against the proposal by the Federal Communications Commission to force SiriusXM to include HD receivers in all new satellite radios. Ford, one of the first automakers to announce a deal with HD Radio, said in a statement, "This proposal has several ancillary consequences that would be extremely burdensome to consumers, the auto industry and OEM manufacturers, and it should be rejected by the commission." more>>
StarLight gets ready to shine
(25 November 2008)
Mac hacks will be happy to know that StarLight is just about ready to launch. The application supplants the Sirius web player to give users more functionality, such as the ability to pause selections. In addition, StarLight has a smaller desktop footprint and doesn't always require the user to log in using a password. It also works with FireFox browsers. more>>
A Sirius bug
(25 November 2008)
A software bug has been allowing Sirius satrads with expired subscriptions to be reactivated free of charge. The mistake was discovered by TippingPoint when it was reported to the company's Zero Day Initiative "which pays hackers for technical details on security bugs," said Terri Forslof, TippingPoint's manager of security response. The problem, in the deactivation process used to cancel subscriptions, was reported to SiriusXM on 10 July and has apparently been corrected. Said Forslof, "It's just kind of sloppy, and in the end it really hurts their bottom line." Just what the folks at SiriusXM want to hear as their business teeters on the brink. more>>
The iPhone gets Sirius
(25 November 2008)
Thanks to the StarPlayer iPhone users are now able to get Sirius. The application can be downloaded for a fee to allow iPhones to receive the Sirius internet feed. Tyler Savery of SeekingAlpha reviews the new development and offers a few suggestions as to its potential and its drawbacks. more>>
New standards for HD Radio for listeners with disabilities
(25 November 2008)
The International Association of Audio Information Services has issued a new standard for HD Radio for listeners with visual and physical disabilities. The new standards are expected to open the medium to those who otherwise would not have access to some content. The are expected to be implemented for HD Radios and other electronic devices. more>>
Is satellite radio dead?
(24 November 2008)
Respected columnist Mike Elgan of Datamation says satellite radio has at most two years left. The main reason, of course, is the economy. SiriusXM will have to refinance $1 billion in debt and this just won't be that easy under the current conditions. In addition, however, are other factors like MP-3 compatible cars and in-dash mobile broadband. Says Elgan, "I hate to say it, but somebody has to: Satellite radio will come crashing down to Earth within the next two years." Not exactly an enemy of the medium, Elgan himself owns two Sirius or XM subscriptions. more>>
One word...telematics
(24 November 2008)
Attendees at last week's Intelligent Transport Systems World Congress heard iBiquity's Joe D'Angelo talk up real-time traffic services and location-based information as significant capabilities of HD Radio. The discussion of "infotainment" and telematics content was part of a session moderated by Rudlof Meitzner of the Car2Car Communication Consortium, created to establish a European industry standard for smart vehicle commuications based on wireless LAN components. more>>
The SiriusXMHD Combo Radio! Are you sirius?
(21 November 2008)
The decision by the Federal Communications Commission to require the inclusion of HD Radio receivers in all satrads has been met with a big thumbs down from consumers. According to Radio World, the docket used by the FCC to receive public comments about the decision is being filled with notes like, "I respectfully submit that it is well beyond the bounds and abilities of the FCC to design and develop electronic equipment for the 21st century. Imposing a mandatory design requirement that all radios must be capable of receiving multiple, fully non-compatible signals is unacceptable." As of mid-October approximately 30 comments had been filed. more>>
And the winner is...HD Radio!
(21 November 2008)
HD Radio has won the iLounge poll entitled "Which of the Following Next-Gen Add-On Features Most Interests You?" HD Radio received 28% of the vote in the poll that included "iPod remote + mic," "joypad/controller," "plug-in keyboard," and a larger screen. The least popular entry with only 5% of the vote...a joypad/controller add-on. more>>
HD Radio needs help
(20 November 2008)
In its filing with the Federal Communications Commission, terrestrial radio giant Clear Channel has lamented that there have not been even modest modifications in local ownership rules. Clear Channel is reminding the FCC that free radio is critical to the public interest, especially in times of emergency, and that the adoption of HD Radio is an important part of its ability to compete with other media sources. A requirement that all satellite radio receivers include HD Radio tuners should therefore be enforced by the commission. In its filing, Clear Channel writes, "Moreover, the Commission's harmful decisions to retain without even very modest modification its local radio ownership rules despite evidence of abundant competition and to bless the formation of a monopoly SDARS have severely tilted the market against free local radio, undermining the longstanding policy goals of promoting competitive, locally-focused and diverse audio programming." more>>
Volvo is sirius about HD Radio
(20 November 2008)
Volvo is now the first automaker to offer HD Radio as standard equipment in all but one of its 2009 models. Says Volvo of North America Prez Doug Speck, "Our drivers expect the highest quality in every aspect of their vehicles. Adding HD Radio capability to our models truly makes our audio systems state of the art, giving Volvo drivers an even more enjoyable driving experience." more>>
Need more antenna?
(19 November 2008)
Electronics manufacturer Creston has introduced a new satellite radio antenna that makes it simple to operate multiple satellite radio receivers in a single business or residence. The new antenna features a narrower beam to achieve a higher signal-to-noise ratio, allowing up to 16 feeds to Creston XM or Sirius receivers using standard RG-6 cable. more>>
Help may be on the way for HD Radio reception
(19 November 2008)
Tired of getting bad HD Radio reception in your car? Help may be on the way in the form of a new amplifier chip from Microtune GmbH. Designated the MT1120, the chip is designed for single or multiple-antenna systems. It is targeted for in-glass, roof or bumper antennas and compensates for the reduced performance of integrated antenna systems. With any luck, radios featuring the new chip should be capable of receiving digital HD Radio signals with little or no dropout, even if they don't raise the subcarrier power levels. more>>
Rob Rowe is Sirius this holiday season
(17 November 2008)
Folk singer and non-profit care provider Rob Rowe has been selected by Sirius to be featured in a one-hour Christmas special on 16 Decembrer at 9:00 AM(ET). The program, on Sirius channel 160, includes an intervierw with host Teresa Tomeo and songs from Rowe's two Christmas releases, "Christmas Bells" and "Christmas is Here." Rowe, from Kalamazoo, Michigan, is known for his outreach work with nursing homes and senior living facilities. He is a recipient of the Mother Teresa Award and has been inducted into the International Museum of Peace in Uzbekistan. more>>
How sirius is SaveSirius?
(17 November 2008)
A group of indnignant SiriusXM shareholders has banded together to form an organization called SaveSirius. The purpose of the organization is, of course, to pump up the company's anemic stock price, currently 26 cents a share. Among other things, the organization seeks to postpone the vote seeking shareholder approval to dilute further the common stock price by increasing the number of shares, to postpone the proposed reverse split, and to suspend all stock compensation plans and other bonuses. Says SaveSirius' Michael Hartleib, "Given the NASDAQ's reprieve of delisting securities below a dollar, there is sufficient time for the Board to convene an emergency meeting to consider other options, such as but not limited to, self-funding by shareholders." more>>
Satellite radio lives, sort of, in India.
(17 November 2008)
The Indian Government has announced its intention to keep composite limits for foreign direct investments (FDI)at the current 74 percent level for satellite radio. Says Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sushma Singh, "We are of the opinion that the composite limits for FDI...can be kept at 74 percent." The restriction on foreign ownership of satellite radio would have applied to WorldSpace, had it been able to find enough local investors dumb enough to purchase 26 percent of its shares. more>>
The best radio on HD Radio
(16 November 2008)
Radio World has assembled its list of the top HD Radio broadcasters and they are, in order, Radio One, Greater Media, Bonnevile and CBS. The study, conducted using BIAfn's Media Access Pro data, indicates that Bonneville has 93% on-air penetration. CBS has 87% penetration. Of the top 25 companies with little or no HD Radio penetration Salem is at 1% and Inner City is at 0%. The study also shows that there are 945 multicasting HD Radio stations, compared with 743 a year ago. 340 of these are owned by Clear Channel. more>>
The merger officially starts now
(13 November 2008)
After months of discussions, planning, the massaging of egos, the wringing of hands and the gnashing of teeth the nabobs of Sirius and the former XM have finally put out the new merged channels. Subscribers of either Sirius or XM can now hear shows and channels by or dedicated to Bob Dylan, Bruce Spreengsteen, Jimmy Buffett, Elvis Presley, The Grateful Dead, Eminem, Frank Sinatra, Jamie Foxx, The New York Metropolitan Opera, NPR, Blue Collar Comedy, Tom Petty, B.B. King, Willie Nelson, The Grand Ole' Opry, Barbara Walters and others. The same number of music and non-music channels are available as before with some channels having been merged. No increased subscription fees are anticipated. Let's celebrate! more>>
The SiriusXM financial saga continues
(13 November 2008)
News continues to come out about the SiriusXM third quarter financial reports and the numbers don't look good. The company says its loss widened to $4.88 billion in the period, $1.93 a share compared with a loss of $120.1 million or 8 cents a share a year ago. The results include just two months of joint Sirius/XM operations together with a $4.8 billion impairment charge related to a drop in the company's share price following the tentative merger deal in February. Excluding the impairment charge and assuming that the merger of Sirius and XM occurred at the beginning of the year the loss narrows to $217 million or 9 cents a share. more>>
The hearing-impaired are sirius about captioned HD Radio
(13 November 2008)
During last week's elections some of the nation's deaf and hard of hearing citizens cast votes on the future of captioned radio broadcasts. And the results were positive. More than three-quarters of them would be interested in purchasing captioned radio displays after watching live demonstrations at seven locations around the United States. "Being able to read the captions enabled me to stay current on the election results. I usually tune out the radio when it's on because it is difficult to understand the dialogue with my hearing loss," said Betsy McCarthy, who participated in the demo at WGBH in Boston. more>>
CMA is Sirius(XM)
(12 November 2008)
Tonight's Country Music Awards are being carried by SiriusXM on XM channel 11. The satcaster is spacing the event, hosted by Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley, live starting at 8:00 PM(ET) from Nashville. Featured performers include Kenny Chesney, Brooks & Dunn, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, George Strait, Taylor Swift, Sugarland and Keith Urban. Highway 16 (XM channel 16) is also carrying the Chevy CMA Awards Kickoff Concert starting at 5:00 PM(ET). more>>
SiriusXM takes the plunge
(12 November 2008)
SiriusXM has posted a $4.8 billion writedown related to the merger, saying that the auto industry's decline has resulted in weak subscriber growth. The company is usung the tactic as an excuse to explain its meager share price of 27 cents. Says SiriusXM boss "Mellow Mel" Karmazin, "We think the environment sucks. It is not like we're doing something wrong. It is that, unfortunately, we do not have a whole lot of control over what cars are getting sold." more>>
SiriusXM not quite so sirius
(12 November 2008)
The numbers are in and they look reasonable under the circmustances. SiriusXM has reported pro forma results that are up 16% over the same quarter a year ago, a 64% improvement in pro forma adjusted loss from operations and 18.9 million subscrbers. Says SiriusXM boss "Mellow Mel" Karmazin, "SiriusXM third quarter results demonstrate strong revenue growth, solid cost control and most importanbtly a clear path to positive cash flow." Now about that share price... more>>
XM Canada is pretty sirius
(9 November 2008)
Forget the recession. XM Canada is doing just fine. XM Canada parent Canadian Satellite Radio (CSR) has reported an annual net loss for fiscal 2008 of $74.3 million and revenues of $39.5 million. "We ended the fiscal year with two consecutive quarters of positive cash flow," said CSR boss Michael Moskowitz. For the first time, "we reported pre-marketing adjusted operating profit of over $2 million." more>>
The real merger starts Wednesday
(9 November 2008)
Forget the news, the hype, the legal action. The real merger begins on Wednesday, 12 November. That's the day that Sirius and the former XM begin merging channels. SiriusXM has been silent about exactly how the merged channels will sound but it's a fair bet that many music stations will be merged. Apparently all XM satrads will be able to upgrade to new subscriptions featuring a "Best of Sirius" package. Owners of older Sirius satrads are SOL. Only the Starmate 5 is considered to be compatible with a similar "Best of XM" offering. more>>
BE hosts a webinar on HD Radio
(9 November 2008)
HD Radio giant Broadcast Electronics is hosting a webinar on the technology on Wednesday, 19 November. Hosted by BE's Deb Huttenburg, the 90-minute event is expected to include Paul Brenner of Emmis Communications, Joel Oxley of Bonneville's WTOP in Washington, Scott Stull of iBiquity and Diane Warren of the HD Digital Radio Alliance. Interested parties and those just looking for a cheap thrill should be advised that the webinar is free but that it is necessary to register in advance. more>>
SiriusXM lowers its subscriber forecast
(6 November 2008)
The satcaster has lowered its subscriber forecasts for this year and 2009 based on a weak economy and a dramatic falloff in auto sales. SiriusXM expects to end 2008 with 19.1 million subscribers, lower than earlier projections of 19.5 million. It expects to end 2009 with 20.6 million unhappy listeners. more>>
Directed Electronics is out
(6 November 2008)
Directed Electronics has decided it is no longer Sirius and wants out of its distribution agreement with the satcaster. The company has entered into an arrangement with SiriusXM outlining key terms for winding down its business with the satcaser altogether by 31 January 2009. Jim Minarik, President of Directed parent DEI says, "We became the primary retail distribution partner for what was then Sirius Satellite Radio in 2004, and are proud of the results we have achieved by growing Sirius satellite radio retail share from approximately 20% to over 60% during the past four years. However, based on the large working capital commitment required for this business, as well as a strategic decision on our part to focus on our core security and entertainment businesses, we will not be extending our current agreement with SiriusXM when it expires on January 31, 2009." more>>