News Articles From Days Gone By
Sirius SOCAN
(30 November 2009)
Sirius Canada has been awarded a 2009 Patron of Music Award by the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers (SOCAN). "We're extremely pleased to have been selected to receive a Patron of Music Award," said Sherry Kerr, Vice President and General Counsel, SIRIUS Canada Inc. "Since satellite radio was first introduced in Canada in late 2005, SIRIUS Canada has played the leading role in developing a royalty framework for the use of SOCAN's repertoire on satellite radio that benefits both music rights holders and our customers. Being recognized by SOCAN for our efforts is very rewarding." more>>
A Reprieve for Inno
(30 November 2009)
Warner Music and Sony have dropped a copyright-infringement suit against the popular XM Inno (see RUsirius.com story dated 30 May 2008). The companies' request to dismiss the claims has been approved by U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan in New York. The suit had been filed because, it was claimed, the Inno's ability to store music downloaded from the XM stream made listeners less likely to purchase recorded music from providers. more>>
Ondas gets RTL
(23 November 2009)
Ondas' assault on the European satellite radio market continues. The company has now signed RTL Radio, one of Europe's most popular, to supply three channels. "RTL Radio is part of RTL Group - Europe's largest TV, radio and content production company," confirms Dave Krueger, CEO of Ondas Media. "The station is hugely popular in Germany and our partnership agreement will see one of RTL's existing programs - 'RTL Radio - die besten Hits aller Zeiten' - being transmitted through a free-to-air channel across the internationally recognized borders of 27 European countries." more>>
It's Five-o-Clock at the Mohegan Sun
(20 November 2009)
It's time to put on your white sport coat and a pink crustecian, have a margarita and head to the Mohegan Sun. Can't afford it? Don't worry. Jimmy Buffet's entire show at the famous Connecticut casino is being carried live tomorrow on Margaritaville (Sirius 31, XM 55). So you can just get drunk and ... more>>
Rolls in HD
(19 November 2009)
Rolls-Royce is ready to expand HD Radio to its entire 2010 model line according to iBiquity. We are proud to confirm the availability of HD Radio technology for yet another prestigious brand -- Rolls-Royce," iBiquity COO Jeff Jury said. "The Rolls-Royce brand is revered. This commitment to HD Radio technology as standard illustrates how digital radio's dynamic function enhances the in-car ambiance. The addition of Rolls-Royce to the HD Radio roster truly solidifies the technology's stature in the luxury automotive class." more>>
Subscriptions unaffected by economy.
(19 November 2009)
Although newspapers and magazines have lost subscribers, electronic communications subscriptions, including satellite radio, apparently have not. According to a recent study by NPD, entitled "Entertainment Trends in America," mobile data plans and other forms of new age subscription services have extended their consumer bases. According to NPD analyst Russ Crupnick, “Despite concerns that the recession would cause consumers to reduce spending on entertainment subscription services, most forms of subscription entertainment are doing just fine. Consumers are clearly looking to the value offered by entertainment subscriptions and like what they get for their money; plus, new technologies and products have helped bolster data plans and other newer kinds of subscription-based services.” more>>
The Sixty Channel Challenge
(19 November 2009)
Consistent with the new branding campaign (see RUsirius.com story dated 12 November), SiriusXM is embarking on a marketing venture aimed at renewing lapsed subscriptions. Dubbed the "60-Channel Challenge" the satcaster is reactivating all deactivated Sirius and XM satrads and is asking former subscribers to consider paying twenty dollars for five months of 60 select channels. The campaign runs until the end of this month. more>>
Penguins Radio in Russian
(19 November 2009)
Expanding their exclusive HD Radio channel (see RUsirius.com story dated 12 May 2009), the Pittsburgh Penguins are launching a 30-minute Russian-language radio show devoted to Russian NHL fans. Those who speak the language can listen locally on 105.9 HD2 in the greater Pittsburgh area. The program can also be heard on the Penguins website. It airs at 8:30 AM(ET) every Tuesday. more>>
Miles on Sirius
(18 November 2009)
SiriusXM is getting ready to launch Miles Davis Radio. The temporary channel is dedicated solely to the music of the innovative trumpeter, composer and arranger and is hosted by his son Erin Davis, his nephew Vince Wilburn Jr. and bassist Marcus Miller. Miles Davis Radio (Sirius 72, XM 70) will feature music from the jazz legend's catalog of over 100 albums and launches on Friday, 20 November at 3:00 PM(ET) and will run until Wednesday, 25 November. more>>
Get ready for Spotify.
(18 November 2009)
Popular Swedish music service Spotify is getting ready to launch in the United States. Already popular in the UK, Sweden, Spain, France, Norway and Finland, Spotify hopes to enable music streaming in the U.S. within a few months. In a statement to Geek.com a Spotify spokesperson denied that the company would not launch in the U.S. saying, "While a U.S. launch will likely be a little different than what is curently available in Europe, we have every intention to do mobile as well." Said Spotify founder and CEO Daniel Ek, "The US is a different beast. Most people are not still not aware of the service or how it works – so we have to do spend time educating the market. The US music labels want to get there and are very excited about Spotify but there are thousands of publishers we need to get signed up and fully informed about the service." more>>
Emeril Lagasse gets Sirius.
(18 November 2009)
Renowned chef Emeril Legasse will be hosting "Cooking with Emeril" on Martha Stewart Radio (Sirius 112, XM 157) starting on the week of 30 November. The show will space live Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:00 AM(ET). "We are thrilled to offer our listeners unprecedented access to these world-class talents as we expand Martha Stewart Living Radio to becoming a true destination lifestyle channel," said Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer, SIRIUS XM Radio. more>>
Sirius iPhones in Canada
(18 November 2009)
Sirius Canada is launching satellite radio for iPhones. The new application allows Sirius subscribers to access satellite radio through an iPhone App available at any Apple Store. “We’re excited to launch the first official satellite radio app in Canada and give SIRIUS subscribers a new way to enjoy SIRIUS’ unbeatable content on their iPhone and iPod Touch,” commented SIRIUS Canada president and CEO, Mark Redmond. “With the iPhone available from multiple carriers in Canada, this is a great opportunity for device users who are not yet subscribers to sample the incredible range of sports, news, talk, entertainment and commercial-free music programming available on SIRIUS.” Can SkyDocks (see RUsirius.com story dated 12 October 2009)be far behind? more>>
Ondas continues to get sirius in Europe.
(18 November 2009)
European satellite radio purveyor Ondas Media continues to build its content, this time by teaming up with Jazz FM, the UK's interactive home of jazz. "Jazz FM has half a million UK listeners," confirms Ondas CEO Dave Krueger. "Crucially, Jazz FM is mainly available on DAB radio, so we know that the listeners interested in this music genre are discriminating, demand superb quality, and have already purchased a DAB radio to ensure they can listen to their preferred content. Therefore, this affluent and discerning demographic is a hugely attractive proposition for pay radio." more>>
XM Canada reorganizes.
(18 November 2009)
Following the resignation of XM founder Gary Parsons (see RUsirius.com story dated 13 November) XM Canada has announced that Dara Altman would be replacing him on the company's Board of Directors. “Gary was a founder of XM Canada and a true pioneer in the satellite radio industry. His vision, expertise and insights were instrumental in establishing satellite radio and XM in Canada.” said John Bitove, Executive Chairman of the Board. Altman is currently Executive Vice President and Chief Administraive Officer of SiriusXM. more>>
Carrie gets Sirius.
(13 November 2009)
A big performance at the Grand Ole Opry is being streamed live on MySpace. The show premieres tomorrow (14 November) at 9:00 PM(ET) and features Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, Rodney Atkins and Jake Owen. Underwood is performing music from her just-released album "Play On." In addition to the MySpace stream, the event is being spaced on SiriusXM (Sirius 62,XM 11). more>>
Hertz gets Sirius.
(13 November 2009)
Hertz is offering a Sirius special for the holidays. Through the end of the year, Hertz customers can enjoy two free days of Sirius or XM on a minimum three-day rental. When making the reservation, renters should use promotion code 138692 and call Hertz at 1-800 CAR GOLD (227-4653). more>>
Willie gets sirius about Carl's Corner
(13 November 2009)
Willie Nelson and Family are scheduled to perform at Willie's Place at Carl's Corner Truck Stop on 16 December. Schedule updates for the event are due to be broadcast on Willie's Place (Sirius 64, XM 13). Featured along with Willie are Ray Price and Billy Bob Thornton and his band The Boxmasters. more>>
XM Canada sees revenue growth.
(13 November 2009)
Financial figures for the last quarter indicate revenue growth for the entire year. According to the latest financial report revenue increased by 33 percent during 2009. In addition, self-paying subscribers increased 23 percent and the operating loss declined by 54 percent. "Our disciplined focus on profitability has delivered very strong results in what was a challenging year for Canada, particularly in the automotive industry," said Michael Moskowitz, President and Chief Executive Officer of XM Canada. more>>
Parsons No Longer Sirius
(13 November 2009)
SiriusXM Chairman Gary Parsons has quit. In announcing his resignation the XM co-founder said,“it’s the right time to step aside…the challenging economic environment, we have begun to generate positive cash flow and have substantially improved our financial condition.” more>>
Hartenstein gets Sirius.
(13 November 2009)
After the stunning announcement of the resignation of Gary Parsons, SiriusXM appointed Los Angeles Times Publisher Eddy W. Hartenstein its new non-executive chairman. SiriusXM boss "Mellow Mel" Karmazin said that Hartenstein "will bring an important new perspective to the chairmanship," one that "our stockholders will benefit from." Hartenstein will remain publisher of The Times. more>>
A Sirius Branding Campaign
(12 November 2009)
SiriusXM is due to launch a new branding campaign to make potential customers think of the satcaster as they think of other companies such as Apple. The campaign, due to begin on 15 November, will be the most aggressive ad campaign in the company's history. The hope is that the new campaign will boost SiriusXM's penetration in the auto market as well as help reduce the overturn or churn. more>>
Ready for Launch
(12 November 2009)
SiriusXM is always keeping its constellation of satellites up to date. After enhancing its Sirius constellation with FM-5 (see RUsirius.com story dated 1 July 2009) the satcaster is proceeding with the launch of XM-5 next year. International Launch Services (ILS) is handling the event, the 5th Proton launch for SiriusXM by the Russian enterprise. “ILS/Proton has launched all of the SIRIUS satellites; that is a strong vote of confidence in the demonstrated abilities of ILS/Proton. We are honored to once again provide critical schedule assurance for the XM-5 mission with an ILS/Proton launch,” said ILS President, Frank McKenna. more>>
ESPN Deportes expands in Florida.
(12 November 2009)
In addition to being part of the SiriusXM lineup (Sirius 91), ESPN Deportes is expanding its presence in the state of Florida. The Spanish language sports outlet is going to be on WAMA 1550 AM in Tampa and WAMT 1190 AM in Orlando starting this week. “The Hispanics in the Orlando and Tampa markets are passionate about sports and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring them the best of sports radio, as well as be the first and only Spanish-language all sports station in these cities,” said Oscar Ramos, senior director and general manager, ESPN Deportes Radio. “These agreements reinforce our commitment to continued growth of the radio network among the top Hispanic markets across the country.” more>>
Sirius gets a raise.
(12 November 2009)
Standard and Poor's Ratings Services has raised its SiriusXM outlook from stable to positive. The ratings service has the satcaster at B-, the last step before highly speculative (see RUsirius.com story dated 14 August 2009). Its outlook change reflects cost savings from Sirius' acquisition last year of rival XM. more>>
Lou Reid gets Sirius.
(12 November 2009)
Lou Reid an Carolina's new album, "My Own Set of Rules" is set to broadcast on SiriusXM's Bluegrass Junction (Sirius 65, XM 14) on 18 November. The album currently tops the chart on this month's Bluegrass Music Profiles and is in the eleventh spot of Bluegrass Unlimited's Top 15. The band will be the guests of SiriusXM host Kyle Cantrell on Bluegrass Junction Track by Track on 18 November at 11:00 AM(EST). more>>
A Sirius Thanksgiving Turkey
(12 November 2009)
Martha Stewart Living Radio (Sirius 112 XM 157) has announced that more than 30 top chefs and other experts will participate in the Martha Stewart Living Radio "Thanksgiving Hotline." On 23, 24 and 25 November, listeners will be able to phone in with questions about how to handle the holidays, from the traditional to the unconventional. more>>
An HD iPhone
(12 November 2009)
HD Radio purveyor iBiquity and Gigaware have launched an iPhone application that allows iPhone users to listen to HD signals. The iPhone attachment is being made available at Radio Shack for $79.99. “Portable HD Radio is a great perk for iPhone and iPod touch users — and one that will certainly impact HD Radio broadcast entertainment to a massive user base that is constantly in motion,” iBiquity CEO Bob Struble said in a statement. more>>
Mercer's 100th
(9 November 2009)
Next Wednesday, 18 November, is the 100th anniversary of the birth of Johnny Mercer. The songwriter collaborated with famous composers on numerous songs over the years including clasics like "Blues in the Night" with Harold Arlen and "Moon River" with Henri Mancini. Few radio broadcasters are planning any celebrations but one of them is SiriusXM whose Jonathan Schwartz has long been a supporter of the kind of music Mercer wrote. Schwartz is the son of famous composer Arthur Schwartz, another Mercer collaborator. "I can speak about him personally as well," Schwartz notes. "He collaborated with my father , so he was often around my house. I remember him fondly." Schwartz can be heard on "Siriusly Sinatra" (Sirius 75, XM 73). more>>
NHL Power Play on TV
(9 November 2009)
NHL Power Play from Wayne Gretzky's Restaurant in Toronto, currently broadcast exclusively on XM Channel 204 (see RUsirius.com story dated 2 October 2009), is going to television. Starting on 16 November the program will be simulast on the NHL Network daily from 4 until 6 PM(ET). Says Gretzky of the move "Hockey fans are knowledgeable and passionate about the sport and the XM Canada and NHL simulcast gives fans the opportunity to watch and interact with the show live from Wayne Gretzky's Restaurant, the pre-game destination in downtown Toronto." more>>
The Power of HD Radio
(6 November 2009)
It's been a long time coming (see RUsirius.com story dated 13 October 2009) but it seems it's finally here. HD Radio purveyor iBiquity and National Public Radio have reached an agreement for managing a power upgrade for digital subcarriers. NPR and iBiquity are planning a joint recommendation for a fourfold power increase to the Federal Comnmunications Commission. "We are delighted that the radio industry is now poised to push this technology ahead together," iBiquity President/CEO Bob Struble said. "We've found practical and balanced solutions that will greatly improve reception while limiting interference to existing analog operations." more>>
Attention Sirius Beemer pilots
(6 November 2009)
The price of getting Sirius in a BMW just got cheaper. The high-end automaker has just lowered the price of the Sirius factory option from $595 to $350. The new offering includes the "Sirius Everything" package and a one-year paid subscription. To sweeten the deal the "Best of XM" option has been thrown in just because BMW loves you. Then again, if you have a big BMW you may not need to get Sirius. more>>
Getting Sirius with the NEA Jazz Masters
(6 November 2009)
The National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Awards ceremony is being carried by SiriusXM. The event honors Muhal Richard Abrams, Kenny Barron, Bill Holman, Bobby Hutcherson, Yusef Lateef, Annie Ross and Cedar Walton. It takes place at 7:30 PM on 12 January 2010 at the Rose Theater at Frederic P. Rose Hall at Lincoln Center in New York. "As the nephew of jazz lyricist Fran Landesman, it is especially meaningful to me that the National Endowment for the Arts can partner with Jazz at Lincoln Center to once again present our nation's top honor in jazz, “ said NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman. more>>
Sat Jock Stock Shock
(5 November 2009)
A new movie about SiriusXM and the manipulation of the stock market has been getting rave reviews lately. "Stock Shock" was produced by independent film makers in only 3 months. "We wanted to get the story out about corruption on Wall Street as soon as possible," says director Sandra Mohr. "Investors were losing their shirts and we believed the movie would help to educate and protect them." The movie is about the aggressive short selling of SiriusXM stock by hedge funds after the merger between Sirius and XM. more>>
Sirius Numbers
(5 November 2009)
SiriusXM put up some impressive numbers this quarter with a loss of only 4 cents a share, down from almost 2 dollars a share a year ago. The most recent quarter included a $138 million charge to pay off a credit line extended by Liberty Media and to take on a lower interest rate. The satcaster finished the quarter with 18.5 million subscribers, down 2 percent from last year but up 103,000 from the second quarter. Overall revenue rose to $618.4 million. SiriusXM expects adjusted income from operations to increase by 20 percent in 2010 and both revenue and subscriber count to grow. more>>
ReachMD presents live interactive education.
(5 November 2009)
ReachMD (XM 160) is broadcasting the first live interactive accredited medical education program on 16 November. The effort is being conducted jointly with the North American Center for Continuing Medical Education (NACCME). "This represents the first national broadcast of it`s kind for continuing medical education where participants can interact with the world renown faculty that NACCME has lined up for this program," said Gary Epstein, CEO of ReachMD.
"ReachMD is proud to continue to deliver innovation in the Medical Education media space and we expect this new live programming to generate as much enthusiasm as our iPhone application last year." more>>
Election Night for Artie
(4 November 2009)
In an Election Day full of surprises, Howard Stern's sidekick Artie Lange received at least one vote for mayor of Hoboken. Lange's election campaign was assisted by a fan who created a website devoted to Lange and demanded that he be endorsed by Councilman Ravi Bhalla. Lange was soundly defeated by Mayor Dawn Zimmer and is plannnig to stick with his day job. more>>
Sean Patrick Flanery gets Sirius.
(4 November 2009)
This Friday's edition of Fangoria Radio features actor Sean Patrick Flanery. Flanery is currently starring in "Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day." He'll be talking about his upcoming roles in "Mongolian Death Worms" and "Sunshine Superman" as well as several other projects. Fangoria Radio is featured on Sirius XM Stars (Sirius 108, XM 139) at 10:00 PM(ET). more>>
HD Traffic now reaches 125 million.
(3 November 2009)
ClearChannel has announced that its Total Traffic Network (CCTTN) now reaches more than 125 million users. In making the announcement the terrestrial broadcasting giant added that CCTNN would now be available via a direct-to-vehicle deal with Mazda. "The OEMs that offer our services are known for producing the industry`s highest
quality vehicles and we`re proud to provide their drivers with access to the most accurate, reliable traffic service on the market," said Lance Locher, Senior Vice President, Clear Channel Radio`s Total Traffic Network. "In just two years, we`ve doubled our contracts with automotive OEMs, expanded our coverage area, increased the number of RDS and HD markets, and grew our subscriber base to more than 125 million." more>>
At long last SkyDock
(3 November 2009)
The long awaited XM SkyDock for iPhones and iPods (see RUsirius.com story dated 24 August 2009) is now available at retailers. SkyDock permits iPhone and iPod touch owners to use their devices as satellite radios, enabling access to XM programming together with the entire "Best of Sirius" package. Says SiriusXM Aftermarket General Manager Bob Law, "We are excited to launch XM SkyDock at our subscribers' favorite retailers. The XM SkyDock can bring live satellite radio entertainment to millions of iPod touch and iPhone users in their vehicles." The SkyDock retails online at the Apple Store as well as in RadioShack and Best Buy for $119.99. more>>
Sirius Talkers make Talented Ten
(3 November 2009)
Three prominent black talkers on SiriusXM have made the "Talented Ten." The list, compiled by BlackTalkers, includes Joe Madison, Armstrong Williams, Warren Ballentine and Al Sharpton. All can be heard on XM 169. Also included in the list is Mark Thonpson (Matsimela Mapfumo), who is a regular on Sirius Left (Sirius 146) and America Left (XM 167). more>>