News Articles From Days Gone ByThe push for satellite radio north of the border appears to be gathering steam.
(29 October 2004)
Canadian Satellite Radio (CSR), Rawlco Radio and Golden West Radio announced an agreement that allows the two Western Canadian broadcasters to acquire an ownership interest in CSR. Said CSR boss John Bitove, "We are extremely pleased to have both Rawlco and Golden West on board as strategic partners."
When satellite radio comes to Canada, GM will be ready.
(28 October 2004)
Canadian Satellite Radio (CSR) and General Motors of Canada announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to enter into a 13-year distribution agreement. If, as expected CSR is granted a license by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) , GM will factory-install CSR receivers in more than 50 vehicle models beginning in 2006. GM of Canada president Michael Grimaldi said, "Based on the strong market response to XM Satellite Radio in the United States, GMCL looks forward to the Canadian partnership with CSR." CSR boss John Bitove returned the compliment saying, "It is a privilege for CSR to partner with such an outstanding Canadian company." CSR is a partner of XM.
Call it a SatMan.
(27 October 2004)
It's the first personal, portable satellite radio and it's by Delphi and XM. The MyFi includes a time-shifting "Memory Mode" and an integrated rechargeable battery and it's ready to go just about anywhere. Delphi's Frank Ordonez said of the innovative new product, "The Delphi MyFi is the next generation of satellite radio. This month marks the 50th anniversary of the portable transistor radio, which revolutionized the audio world. Today, Delphi and XM continue their tradition of satellite radio breakthroughs with MyFi, another industry first."
Mercedes roadster drivers can expect to be able to get Sirius soon.
(27 October 2004)
The automaker announced the availability of the satellite broadcaster's equipment in the SLK 350, their new convertible sports car. Benz' Klaus Ulkann said, "Mercedes-Benz is very excited to offer Sirius Satellite Radio on the new SLK 350 Roadster, providing our customers with a premium audio experience in an innovative vehicle." The dealer-installed option is priced at $679 plus installation, which includes a one-year-paid Sirius subscription.
We'd call it a breakthrough if the joke weren't so obvious but the folks at Sirius have introduced an innovative new product that should make receiving satellite radio just a little easier.
(27 October 2004)
It's the Sirius Interior Glass Mounted Antenna (SIGMA). Developed by the satellite broadcaster and RecepTec, it provides a distinct aesthetic advantage over exterior mounted satellite radio antennas currently in use. The development of SIGMA has been made possible by the unique highly inclined elliptical orbits of the Sirius satellites. Said Sirius veep Doug Wilsterman, "This is the next step in the evolution of satellite radio antennas."
XM is opening its books for the quarter on Thursday, 4 November at 10:00 AM (ET).
(27 October 2004)
A conference call is scheduled for the occasion. Interested parties can access the festivities at (800) 374-0551 or at (706) 543-3460. The quarterly results will also be posted to the XM website.
The nation's number two satellite broadcaster is showing why investors might want to get Sirius.
(27 October 2004)
In their quarterly report, posted today, they announced their accomplishments for the period, which were (1) the signing of Howard Stern, (2) the launch of NFL radio, (3) the increase of subscribers by 38%, (4) the increase of revenue of 44% over the second quarter, (5) Ford's announcement Sirius factory installations, (6) the maintenance of a strong cash position and (7) that they're on track to reach a million subscribers by the end of the year.
Volvo is getting Sirius next year.
(27 October 2004)
The satellite broadcaster's receivers are expected to be available in early January for the S80, S60, V70, and XC70. These vehicles will have factory-equipped radios that display artist, song title and category. Pricing is being announced at a later day.
It's tough to imagine him listening to satellite radio on his bicycle but perennial Tour de France champ Lance Armstrong is becoming the latest celebrity athlete to host his own show on Sirius.
(27 October 2004)
Said Lance, "Sirius has already gathered an amazing group of sports heroes for the Faction channel, and I'm honored to be included among them. Each week, I'll share some of my experiences, speak with listeners, bring on special guests, and most importantly play some of my favorite music."
The JPMorgan Small Cap Conference is getting Sirius today.
(26 October 2004)
The satellite broadcaster, represented by business development veep Andy Gregor, is scheduled to present at the Boston-based event at 10: 30 ET. A live audio webcast is being made available at the Investor Relations section of the Sirius website.
Beemer pilots and Office Depot shoppers can expect to get Sirius soon.
(26 October 2004)
BMW announced that the Sirius would be available as a factory-installed option on the 2006 3 Series. Sirius' Doug Wilsterman said, "BMW 3 Series buyers can look forward to the exciting opportunity of outfitting their vehicles with premium satellite programming from Sirius." The price for the option is estimated at $595. Those not wishing to fork over the price of a BMW may want to check out the Xact XTRI "Stream Jockey" now available at Office Depot. The office supply superstore has just announced that it would be offering the Sirius product at its stores nationwide. Said Sirius boss Joe Clayton, "We're delighted to welcome Office Depot to the expand list of national retailers selling Sirius radios."
Canadian Satellite Radio, an XM partner, joined forces with Corus Entertainment to bolster its programming content and regional radio expertise.
(22 October 2004)
The deal includes the right of Corus to acquire an ownership interest in CSR. Corus will also provide select French language programming. CSR boss John Bitove said of the arrangement, "We are thrilled to have Corus on board as a partner. They are the market leader in Canada for radio tuning and have demonstrated their expertise in a variety of formats."
The deal between XM and Major League Baseball is worth $650 million.
(21 October 2004)
Under the 11-year agreement, the satellite broadcaster is expected to carry both regular and post-season games, including the World Series, beginning next year. Said XM boss Hugh Panero, "This is the crown jewel, the deal that we've been waiting for." MLB comish Bud Selig commented, "This agreement is a significant step forward in providing baseball greater access to more games in more locations.
The nation's number two satellite broadcaster wants to show that it's no "Dog" when it comes to money.
(21 October 2004)
They're due to open the Sirius financial books on 27 October with the release of third quarter 2004 results. A conference call is scheduled for 10:00 ET on that day. It can be monitored on Sirius Channel 131.
XM-rated Major League Baseball is coming.
(20 October 2004)
XM is seeking to counter Sirius' pacts with the NFL and Howard Stern by signing an 11-year programming agreement with the Boys of Summer that could be worth more than The King of All Media's $500 million "Dog" deal. That's the story from The Sports Business Daily , which said that baseball games for every major league team would be on XM beginning next year. A news conference featuring commissioner Bud Selig and XM boss Hugh Panero is anticipated.
In what appears to be a slow version of musical chairs for executives, Sirius is once again changing its chief executive.
(19 October 2004)
This time the lucky winner is media veteran Mel Karmazin, the former president of Viacom and former boss of new Sirius shock jock Howard Stern. "I was really blown away by the fact that they had done something with Howard," said Karmazin. "I got really turned on by the people, the organization and what they have accomplished over the last three years." Karmazin is Sirius' third CEO in four years. He succeeds current top dog Joe Clayton, who replaced David Margolese in 2000.
XM Roady owners should get ready for PlayDock, the new portable speaker system from Cambridge SoundWorks .
(19 October 2004)
Using rechargeable batteries, PlayDockXM can be used cord-free in a variety of locations. It retails for $199.99. Cambridge SoundWorks Rob Mainiero heralded the new system saying, "We believe that, in terms of audio fidelity, the Roady and PlayDockXM combination realizes the promise of digital satellite radio better than any other combination out there today."
Being the number two satellite broadcaster, Sirius has to work a little harder.
(19 October 2004)
They've done just that, adding 69,000 subscribers in September to bring the total number of Sirius listeners to over 700,000. It is expected that over a million listeners will have gotten Sirius by the end of the year.
Ford, not content simply to be Sirius, is getting even more Sirius.
(18 October 2004)
The company announced that it is expanding the availability of the satellite broadcaster's receivers as dealer-installed options. It is also targeting up to 20 vehicle lines for factory installations over the next two years. Ford veep for Product Creation said, "With longer commutes and heavier traffic volume, people are spending more time than ever in their vehicles. Soon, more Ford, Lincoln and Mercury customers will have the opportunity to further enhance their time in the vehicle with Sirius." Beginning this fall, Ford will make Sirius available on the Escape, Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis and the Mercury Mariner.
Perhaps to find a way of paying Howard Stern, or maybe just trying to raise some Sirius cash, "The Dog" announced that it closed an offering of $230 million in aggregate principal amount of its 3.
(15 October 2004)
25% Convertible Notes due 2011.The number two satellite broadcaster also closed an offering of 25 million shares of common stock. The net proceeds to the company should total around $321 million. Meanwhile, XM announced a quarterly dividend on its 8.25% Series B Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock, payable in shares of Class A Common Stock at a rate of $1.0313 per share of Series B owned.
Eminem is getting Sirius.
(15 October 2004)
Shade 45, the new uncensored hip-hop radio channel he and the satellite broadcaster created along with Shady and Interscope Records, debuts on Thursday, 28 October. The new channel (Sirius channel 45) will kick off its programming schedule with a live broadcast of the Shady National Convention from New York's Roseland Ballroom. Said Sirius President of Entertainment and Sports Scott Greenstein, "Shade 45 will be a radio channel that for the first time directly connects the artists with their fans. It will be originality of the highest order, with no filters and no commercial restrictions." The lineup of on-air hosts includes Eminem's DJ, Green Lantern.
"Woodstock" stage announcer and tribe leader Wavy Gravy is getting a daily show on Sirius.
(15 October 2004)
"The Wavy Files," radio essays that will be presented throughout the day on Jam_On. The star formerly known as Hugh Ronmey commented, "From under the counterculture to the lip of the universe, I get to stand on the tip of my heart and speak my mind off every which Wavy but down on Sirius Satellite Radio's Jam_On channel." Sirius Director of Rock Programming Gary Schoenwetter said, "From Woodstock to San Francisco, and everywhere in between, Wavy Gravy continues to serve generations with his sweetly altered perception of reality."
Howard Stern may be getting Sirius but the Internet is becoming XM-rated with the introduction of the satellite broadcaster's programming to Windows Media Player 10 and Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005.
(13 October 2004)
"We are thrilled to be working with Microsoft to offer XM Radio Online to millions of Windows XP users nationwide," said XM boss Hugh Panero.
According to Twice consumers are more interested in HD radio than in either XM or Sirius.
(13 October 2004)
A CEA survey found that a total of 48 percent of adults surveyed in July indicated they are "very interested" (13 percent) or "somewhat interested" (35 percent) in buying an HD radio, capable of receiving digital AM and FM broadcasts. In contrast, only 20 percent said they are "very likely" (4 percent) or "likely" (16 percent) to buy satellite radio.
XM, showing why they're Number 1 in satellite radio, announced that they finished the third quarter with more than 2,500,000 subscribers.
(9 October 2004)
The satellite broadcaster added more than 415,000 new subscribers during the period and is on pace to exceed 3,100,000 happy listeners by year's end. XM boss Hugh Panero marked the occasion by commenting, "We continue to be pleased with the cost-efficient growth of our subscriber base and the continuing strong demand for XM's products and programming."