News Articles From Days Gone By

XM Canada gets sirius about money.
(31 October 2008)
Canadian Satellite Radio, parent of XM Canada, has announced that it is holding a conference call on Thursday, 6 November, at 2:30 PM(ET) to discuss its fourth quarter and fiscal 2008 financial results. Present at the conference are expected to be President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Moskowitz and Chief Financial Officer Michael Washinushi. XM Canada investors and those just in it for a few good laughs can access the teleconfernce by dialing (866) 250-4892 or via the XM Canada website.    more>>


E! comes to radio.
(31 October 2008)
Throw away your satrad. If you're just interested in entertainment news it's coming to terrestrial radio. ABC Radio Networks and Comcast have signed a product development and distribution agreement for content from E! Enterainment, The Style Network and G4. Says Carl Anderson, Senior Vice President of Programming and Distribution for ABC Radio Networks, "This agreement is another vital step in our commitment to delivering compelling content for the 18-49 demographic to our affiliates and will provide stations with an array of broadcast and online entertainment features and tools."    more>>

Led Zep is Sirius!
(30 October 2008)
SiriusXM has decided to dedicate a channel exclusively to Led Zeppelin. "Led Zeppelin is one of the most important rock bands in history," said Sirius President and Chief Content Officer Scott Greenstein. "We are thrilled to broadcast Led Zeppelin Radio for our subscribers and provide Led Zeppelin fans the only place to go for a comprehensive experience of their music and interviews with one of rock's most iconic bands." Fans can start climbing the stairway to heaven this Saturday, 1 November, on Sirius channel 12 and XM channel 39. Led Zeppelin Radio continues through 31 December.    more>>

Boaters can get Sirius with Raymarine.
(30 October 2008)
Marine electroinics leader Raymarine has announced an updated version of its popular A-Series navigation system. In addition to numerous other features like high resolution navigation displays the unit includes a Sirius satrad for weather and entertainment. Says Raymarine Prez Dave Bimschleger, "The new A-Series is a perfect fit for owners of center consoles and open cockpits who want to use the latest and greatest in marine electronics."    more>>

Happy Holidays from HD Radio!
(29 October 2008)
The HD Digital Radio Alliance is ready to launch a marketing blitzkrieg just in time for the holidays. The assault begins with 30-second radio ads that highlight the free channels available via an HD receiver. They go on to point out that HD Radio receivers have a great clear sound and, by the way, they make great gifts. Ending either with "Happy holidays from HD Radio" or "Merry Christmas from HD Radio," the spots are due to hit the airwaves starting on 5 November.    more>>

They love this game!
(28 October 2008)
SiriusXM has announced that coverage of National Basketball Association games will be available for this season on both Sirius and XM. Says SiriusXM's Steve Cohen, "The merger of Sirius XM gives us the opportunity to deliver NBA games to more listeners than ever before. XM and Sirius subscribers from coast to coast will have access to live NBA action every night, from the tip-off of the regular season through every second of the playoffs." The announcement does not mention anything about the potential difficulties that owners of older satrads might face (see RUsirius.com story dated 21 October).    more>>

The latest buzzword...Superchannels
(28 October 2008)
As part of the agreement to allow Sirius and the former XM to merge, the Federal Communications Commission has required that the merged satcaster make four percent of its channels available to minority-owned firms (see RUsirius.com story dated 15 January 2008). SiriusXM has no authority to lease these channels (six from Sirius and six from XM). That authority rests with the FCC which has until tne end of November to make a decision. One possible solution is "superchannels," channels that are simultaneously broadcast both by Sirius and XM. Questions of legality have recently arisen, especially since the commission is basing its decision strictly on race. According to the decision to allow the merger to occur, the channels must be leased to a "qualified entity," one that is "majority-owned by persons who are African American, not of Hispanic origin; Asian or Pacific Islanders; American Indians or Alaskan Natives; or Hispanics." Look for the decision deadline of 29 November to be extended.    more>>

Dee can't be Sirius!
(28 October 2008)
Does Twisted Sister frontman and Sirius personality Dee Snider really think satellite radio is doomed? That's his opinion and he's apparently sticking to it in an interview with Chaunce Hayden of Steppen' Out magazine. In his response to Hayden's comment about the SiriusXM stock price, Snider tells the magazine, "I'm going to get fired right now. I'm goint to tell you something that is going to get me fired today and end my satellite career." What is it? That Sinder thinks radio will be available in the near future via cellphones, making satellite radio obsolete. (It's also possible that he's just a little disturbed about not getting invited to Howard Stern's wedding.)    more>>

Delisted!
(28 October 2008)
It's official. Failed international satcaster WorldSpace has received notice from the Nasdaq staff that its stock has been delisted. The decision is based on WorldSpace's filing for bankruptcy under Chapter 11. The value of WorldSpace stock has also dropped below the minimum of $50 million for 10 consecutive trading days, in violation of Marketplace Rule 4450(b)(1)(B).    more>>

ReachMD is Siriusly pursuing new programming
(27 October 2008)
XM's ReachMD has announced a new program called "Medical Industry Feature of the Week." The first edition of the program, sponsored by Astellas Pharma, deals with new treatments for hyponatremia, a deficiency of sodium in the blood. Says Gary Epstein, CEO of ReachMD, "We're excited to work with Astellas to broadcast this very special program. Our programming continues to diversify which helps all types of physicians gain the latest information about disorders and new approaches of treatment relevant to them." ReachMD, designed specifically for medical professionals, is on XM channel 157.    more>>

FCC seeks commnets on HD Radio
(24 October 2008)
The Federal Communications Commission is seeking public comments on whether or not HD Radio broadcasters should be allowed to increase the power in their digital subcarriers by 10 dB. Current levels are capped at 1% of a station's authorized analog power. Based on a study by iBiquity, a filing by 18 broadcasters (see RUsirius.com story dated 23 October) is requesting that the power be boosted to 10% of a station's analog tramsmission.    more>>

WorldSpace gets a little help in bankruptcy
(24 October 2008)
International satcaster WorldSpace has received approval of the United States Bankruptcy Court in Delaware for the first part of an interim Debtor-in-Possesion (DIP) financing of up to $2 million. The funding enables the company to meet payroll obligations while it commences a process to sell its assets. WorldSpace has appointed Robert Schmitz of Quest Turnaround Advisors as its Chief Restructuring Oficer reporting to Noah Samara. He'll be assisting the company through an orderly sale or recapitalization.    more>>

Is HD Radio getting more power?
(23 October 2008)
According to Greater Media the need to grant HD Radio stations the right to increase the power of the HD subchannels is the most important issue in the business. Participants at a session of the recent NAB Radio Show in Austin, Texas agreed to have a session about the subject. Currently there are 18 commercial groups petitioning the Federal Communications Commission to allow the power of HD subchannels to be increased by 10 dB. NPR Lab tests have concluded that such an increase would have a significant impact on traditional FM analog signals.    more>>

That sinking feeling.
(23 October 2008)
SiriusXM is siriusly sinking in an ocean of debt...up to $1 billion by some estimates. The satcaster says it will survive but some investors are skeptical. With a recession on the horizon and a stock price of 31 cents a share the company is clearly in trouble. Says SiriusXM boss "Mellow Mel" Karmazin, "Am I going to lend the ompany the money? I hope not. I hope we don't get to that." So far the company is confident that it will be able to meet debt payments that are due in February. Says SiriusXM cheif financial officer David Frear, "We are very confident of taking care of the [$270] million in February, and we are confident the banks will extend the maturity (of an additional $350 million) in May." There is no confirmation to the rumor that SiriusXM will go to the U.S. Treasury for assistance.    more>>

Call it HD RAudiO
(23 October 2008)
Audi has announced plans to offer HD Radio as a standard feature in many vehicles beginning with 2011 models. "As one fo the world's most progressive car companies, Audi strives to deliver on the pillars of its brand promise - performance and technology. Incorporating HD Radio technology in upcoming models reflects that commitment," says Johan de Nysschen, Audi of America's executive vice president.    more>>

A Sirius barrier is finally breached.
(22 October 2008)
Satellite radio will finally be in over 50% of all new automobiles starting with the 2009 model year. That is up from 30% for the 2008 model year and only 15 percent for 2007. The numbers are part of a general trend toward putting more music and phone connectivity into vehicles. In line with this trend, 58% of 2009 model year cars will also haver either a media player or an iPod interface.    more>>

O'Reilly may no longer be Sirius but stays with Fox.
(22 October 2008)
America's top blovaiting expert Bill O'Reilly has announced that he may be dropping his nationally syndicated radio show that is also carried by SiriusXM. After signing a four-year contract extension with Fox News Channel, O'Reilly said that he's considering doing only television. "I can't work 60 hours a day," said O'Reilly. "I'm going to have to make some kind of adjustments."    more>>

Maria Shriver is Sirius.
(21 October 2008)
SiriusXM has announced that it is the national radio partner of The Women's Conference hosted by California First Lady Maria Shriver and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. This year's participants include Condoleezza Rice, Bono, Warren Buffet, Jennifer Lopez and Carolina Kennedy. The event spaces on Sirius channel 113.    more>>

Does SiriusXM really love this game?
(21 October 2008)
Thanks to the merger some older generation Sirius satrads aren't capable of receiving National Basketball Association games. That's because the NBA moved its operations over to XM before the merger, not too bad considering that fans could simply get the games on Sirius afterwards. Unfortunately, older devices like the Audiovox SIRPNP2 can't receive "The Best of XM" package that the satcaster makes available for $4 a month. Says a SiriusXM spokesman of the problem, "Almost all of our radios today are capable of receiving the 'The Best of the Both' (sic) packages. But some radios, including some early-generation Sirius radios, aren't capable of getting 'The Best of XM.' As you know, with all consumer electronics, features and capacity have improved over time with each generation." Not a bad argument, but it's really not that helpful to NBA fans who purchased Sirius satrads specifically for their favorite sport.    more>>

Faith Satellite Radio in Africa
(21 October 2008)
A unique use has been found for WorldSpace's AfriStar satellite. It's being used by Faith Satellite Radio to beam religious programming to Catholic parishes in Africa. The project started with Brook Negussie, an Ethoipian man working in teleconferencing in the United States. Said Negussie, now the FSR CEO, "In the Western world we take this all for granted, as this type of programming is so available. Faith Satellite Radio wants to give the same opportunity to Africa, offering a resource that re-affirms our Faith and supports Catholic life."    more>>

HD Radio is making election night accessible to the deaf.
(21 October 2008)
Thanks to National Public Radio, Harris Corporation and Towson University this year's election night coverage on HD Radio will feature captioned broadcasts for the hearing impaired. The effort to use HD Radio for this purpose has been an active research program at Towson for several years. Says NPR vice president and chief technology officer Mike Starling, "NPR is proud to play a role in bridging the gap that exists between the deaf and hard-of-hearing community and the unique experience that radio provides." The HD Radio election night broadcasts are being hosted by WTMD in Baltimore, WGBH in Boston and KCFR in Denver.    more>>

Internet radio has some sirius listeners
(20 October 2008)
More listeners are finding what they want on the Internet than ever before, and the move means that radio stations should change their marketing strategies. That's the word according to a new survey by American Media Services. Says Charles Andrew Whatley, President of Amerian Media Services Interactive, "Instinctively, I believe most media pundits get the fact that IP delivery of media content will continue to grow and play a big role in our future. The most recent AMS Radio Index further qualifies the growth that we have seen in the area of online listening. That research also illustrated the need for broadcast entites to realign their thinking to take full advantage of this growth."    more>>

SiriusXM's in reverse
(18 October 2008)
In an attempt to rescue its failing stock price SiriusXM is considering a reverse stock split. In an effort to remain listed on the NASDAQ exchange the company is asking its shareholders to approve either a 1-for-10 or a 1-for-50 deal. In a statement released by SiriusXM, "Although our common stock's trading price has not been below the $1 per share level for 30 consecutive trading days...we believe that approval of this proposal would significantly reduce our risk of not meeting this continued listing standard in the future."    more>>

WorldSpace going (for) broke
(18 October 2008)
In what may be a sign of the times for the satellite radio business, international satcaster WorldSpace is filing for bankruptcy. The Washington D.C. area-based company has filed for Chapter 11, seeking either to reorganize or sell to an appropriately naive group of investors. Creditors had agreed to fund the company with $13 million in debtor-in-possession financing for up to 90 days (see RUsirius.com story dated 13 August 2008).     more>>

Eminem's Sirius. He has a new album.
(18 October 2008)
In an interview on Sirius' Shade 45, rapper Eminem announced his forthcoming sixth album, "Relapse." The event, hosted by Sirius' Kayslay and Angela Yee, was part of an on-air party for Eminem's new book, "The Way I Am." The book goes on sale on Tuesday.    more>>

Glenn Beck remains Sirius, jumps to Fox
(17 October 2008)
XM and television personality Glenn Beck has announced that he's leaving CNN for the Fox News Channel. Says FNC boss Roger Ailes, "As we embark on a new political landscape, Glenn's thought provoking commentary will complement an already stellar line-up of stars." The move, which does not affect Beck's status on SiriusXM, is expected to occur early in 2009.    more>>

Meet the XMp3
(16 October 2008)
Pioneer is getting ready for the newly merged SiriusXM by introducing the XMp3. The new handheld device can record up to 5 separate XM stations at once, operating in a fashion similar to that of a DVR. The XMp3 can also operate as a portable media player for MP3 and WMA tracks. It's expected to retail for $249.    more>>

You're Siriusly fired!
(16 October 2008)
As the merger between Sirius and the former XM proceeds and the world economy worsens, the inevitable has finally happened. Because of the need for cash the merged satcaster SiriusXM is cutting programming and laying off personnel. The move starts with duplicate music channels like the Sirius and XM 60s, 70s and 80s channels. In most cases the XM channel is being discontinued and both Sirius and XM listeners will be able to access the Sirius channel only. In addition, up to 80 individuals are being pink slipped including Kurt Gilchrist, senior program director of XM's Decades channels, XM Deep Tracks jock George Taylor Morris and XM's 80s on 8 host Kandy Klutch.    more>>

The media mergers continue
(16 October 2008)
Online radio advertising giants TargetSpot and BasilBiscuit's Ronning Lipset Radio are merging. Both specialize in selling commercials that are broadcast by Internet radio operators. Sponsors include companies like Procter & Gamble and Orbitz. "We're always looking for new ways to connect with consumers," a Proctor & Gamble spokeswoman said about the deal. There is speculation that the merged company will be called BasilBiscuit's Ronning Lipset TargetSpot Radio.    more>>

Mel's still confident
(15 October 2008)
SiriusXM boss "Mellow Mel" Karmazin refuses to give up, even in the face of a pretty tough market. Speaking at the Media & Money Conference yesterday Mel said "We're probably one of the top 25 media companies today." He went on to say, "I think it's very clear that we will be the most successful company in the audio entertainment industry. I know certainly, as ranked by revenue, we'll be there soon. Now we just need to grow our free cash flow and demonstrate that." Cash flow is the big problem since the satcaster is heavily in debt, $1 billion of which needs to be refinanced.    more>>

Kilcarr & Brady Siriusly truckin'
(15 October 2008)
American Trucker Editor Sean Kilcarr along with contributing editor Tim Brady join Evan Lockridge live starting today at 3:00 PM(ET) for "The Lockridge Report." Sean Kilcarr has covered transportation and logistics for 15 years. Brady is regularly featured as the "Trucker's Business Advisor" on "The Loading Dock." "The Lockridge Report" and "The Loading Dock" are both on Sirius' Road Dog Trucking Radio (channel 147).    more>>

HD Radio gets sirius in Hong Kong
(14 October 2008)
Prior to this week's Hong Kong Electronics Fair (see RUsirius.com story dated 11 October) more than 250 electronics industry executives attended iBiquity's Development Forum in Shenzhen, China. "Our goal is to bring together the range of companies that build HD Radio products, from design through receiver manufacturing, to discuss the state of the industry and share the latest developments as the market grows," said Jeff Jury, iBiquity Chief Operating Officer, of the event.    more>>

A new boombox! Get Sirius!
(14 October 2008)
Sirius XM is coming out with a new boombox. Named the SUB-X1, the unit features a front-panel headphone jack, auxiliary input for MP3 players and a universal docking syustem. As of yet, its price has not been announced.    more>>

It's not hard, it's iSimple
(13 October 2008)
Ever wonder what to do next with your iPod? iSimple has announced an extension of its award-winning iPod integration solution. The system that permits a true hardwired interface to connect iPods with a vehicle's factory-installed entertainment system is now compatible with most late-model Nissans and Hyundais. Says AAMP boss Ron Freeman, "We are thrilled to deliver iSimple to drivers of late-model Nissan and Hyundai vehicles. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and in the world of car audio that weak link is usually the bridge between an iPod or other portable device and the factory-installed sound system. The iSimple approach is based on overcoming this fatal flaw by providing a true hardwired integration that allows users to take full advantage of their high-quality digital sound files. And when you add in the ability to expand the iSmiple interface with our HD Radio tuner, you get a system that is far superior to any other in the market."     more>>

Howard hears a "Who?"
(13 October 2008)
Despite receiving millions for his move to Sirius, self-proclaimed King of All Media Howard Stern is actually less popular than he's ever been. Since the move to satellite radio, his show has a fraction of its previous audience of 12 million and he's having a hard time getting top name celebrities to yuck it up with him about sex, bathroom humor and other topics. "It's like Howard went from playing Madison Avenue to playing an upscale off-Broadway concert hall for a lot of money," says Tom Taylor, an executive news editor at Radio-Info.com. Despite a momentary boost from the merger between Sirius and XM, Stern's relationship with the satcasters has apparently yielded him a lot of money but little else.    more>>

Europe continues to get sirius about satellite radio
(13 October 2008)
Ondas Media and BMW have signed a new agreement that puts satellite radio receivers in the automaker's future European models starting in 2012. According to BMW, "Following its extraordinary success in the USA, we are looking forward to be in a position to offer our customers the same unique listening experience that is Satellite Radio within BMW automibiles in Europe." Pre-paid subscriptions to the Ondas Media Radio Service are being included in the total package. Says Ondas boss Dave Krueger, "The interest we are seeing from high-caliber automobile manufacturers in our unique satellite radio service offering backs up the extensive consumer research we have completed to date."    more>>

Warren Eckstein gets Sirius with Martha
(11 October 2008)
Pet expert Warren Eckstein is hosting Petcentric Cafe on Sirius' Martha Stewart Living Radio on Saturdays at 1:00 PM(ET). The weekly call-in show allows pet owners to get into the minds of their pets and provides advice on how to live in perfect harmony with their furry friends. "On Petcentric Cafe," says Eckstein, "we'll address the topics that matter most to you and your dogs and cats. It's a place where pet owners can come together to talk, listen and share stories about everything from relationships to health concerns." Woof!    more>>

The merger never sleeps
(11 October 2008)
Just when we thought the merger was all over yet another merger may be developing with major implications for satellite radio. Automakers General Motors and Chrysler are discussing a possible merger deal. The move, were it to occur, would merge the biggest XM OEM partner with the biggest Sirius OEM partner.    more>>

HD Radio scores in Hong Kong
(11 October 2008)
HD Radio purveyor iBiquity has certified some major systems at this week's Hong Kong Electronics Fair. One of the offerings is the Samsung Electro-Mechanics' 2033-CR, a small footprint model designed for portable applications. Kensen's products use lower-cost, lower-power chipsets from Samsung. LG's TMHS-S001T is one of a group of modules "characterized by their small footprint" and "the first certified HD Radio modules designed with SiPort's SP1010 single-chip HD Radio receiver" certified in August.    more>>

Beck gets Sirius!
(10 October 2008)
He may be a loser but please don't kill him. Beck Hansen's just taking over Left of Center (Sirius channel 26) for a little while. "Radio Beck" premieres today at 3:00 PM(ET) with stories about the recording of "Modern Guilt" and artists who have influenced him throughout his career. He'll also feature songs from his entire catalog. "Radio Beck" lasts through the weekend.     more>>

XM's Lisa Marie Ivery is the MC at the Nile
(9 October 2008)
XM personality Lisa Marie Ivery is the mistress of ceremonies for the 50th anniversary celebration of the Nile Swim Club, the nation's only African-American-owned private swim club. The program director and on-air talent of "The City" (XM channel 67) is hosting the event at The Oaks Ballroom in Glenolden, Pennsylvania tomorrow, 10 October, at 6:30 PM. Said Nile president Thomas Gary of the Philadelphia native and Emerson College graduate, "When we were considering a mistress of ceremonies for our comemorative gala, Lisa was a perfect choice."    more>>

Could punk be returning to satellite radio?
(9 October 2008)
Sign the petition, be a real punk fan! There's apparently an Internet petition going around to bring punk spacecasts back to satellite radio. Punk fans everywhere are demanding that punk-only programming such as Sirius Punk and Fungus 53 be returned to a channel on either Sirius or XM...Johnny Rotten would be proud.    more>>

Delphi's still truckin.'
(8 October 2008)
The manufacturer of over 18.5 million satellite radios is continuing to cater to the trucking industry with new audio systems that are "road tough." They're also multi-functional this year with units that integrate Bluetooth, MP3, USB and iPods as well as satrads. "Our aim is to offer the industry's best driver environment," says Christer Pehrsson, business area manager for long-haul operations at Volvo Trucks. "This naturally includes a high-class audio system. Our new Delphi audio system offers many features and has enabled Volvo to be the first truck maker to develop a complete system that integrates Bluetooth, MP3, USB and iPod."    more>>

Devildriver and Snot are getting Sirius
(8 October 2008)
Dez Fafara and Mikey Doling from metal bands Devildriver and Snot respectively are getting Sirius with host Jose Mangin tonight on Hard Attack (Sirius channel 27). The appearance at 8:00 PM(ET) kicks off their upcoming West Coast Tour. They'll be talking about their Santa Barbara ties and how the writing process is going for their new albums.    more>>

Bob Dylan gets Sirius.
(8 October 2008)
Thanks to the merger the third season of Bob Dylan's award winning "Theme Time Radio Hour" launches today on SiriusXM albeit in its usual time and place. The show spaces on Deep Tracks (XM channel 40) Wednesdays at 10:00 AM(ET), The Village (XM channel 15) at 12:00 PM(ET) and all day every Wednesday on XMX (XM channel 2). Themes for this season are "Money," "War," "Presidents," "Cats," and "Famous People."    more>>

HD Radio reaches another milestone
(8 October 2008)
iBiquity has announced that over 1.5 million HD Radio chipsets have now been shipped. The manufacturers include Texas Instruments and NXP. "We congragulate our partners on reaching this important milestone," says iBiquity Chief Operating Officer Jeff Jury. "It reflects the continual growth of the HD Radio market, and provides a solid base for the growing number of new HD Radio products available to consumers."    more>>

Sony's getting a little wet
(6 October 2008)
The consumer electronics giant is introducing its first marine CD receivers that can connect directly via USB to iPods, iPhones, digital music players and satellite radios. The CDX-H91OUI and CDX-M60UI were introduced at this year's International Boatbuilders' Exhibition and Conference (IBEX).    more>>

Richard Garner is getting Sirius about The Score
(6 October 2008)
Sirius Hardcore Sports (channel 98) broadcaster Richard Garner will be offering his opinions on The Score, a 24 hours free daily newspaper provided in partnership with Sun Media. Says Chris Brockbank, Vice-President of Marketing at Sun, "The hard-hitting content from The Score is also a great fit with the 'hi-speed news' format that is driving the redesign of the 24 hours papers."    more>>

The King is Sirius about Beth.
(4 October 2008)
King of All Media and Sirius megastar Howard Stern finally wed his long time girlfriend Beth Ostrosky. Contrary to rumors being circulated both were fully clothed for a private ceremony held at La Cirque in New York. Entertainment for the event was provided by Billy Joel, who sang "The Stranger" for the newlyweds. Congrats to the happy couple from RUsirius.com.    more>>

Will A La Carte programming save SiriusXM?
(3 October 2008)
In the current economic environment questions have been raised about SiriusXM's viability. The answer to the perceived difficulties appears to be the A La Carte option, allowing listeners to choose only the programming they wish. As part of a preveously announced "Best of Both" plan, listeners can get the top programs from both Sirius and XM for $16.99 a month (see RUsirius.com story dated 1 October). Plans just announced allow Sirius listeners to select just 50 Sirius channels for just $6.99 a month. A similar offering does not yet exist for XM subscribers.     more>>

Introducing Starmate 5.
(2 October 2008)
SiriusXM has introduced the first satellite radio receiver designed specifically for A La Carte programming. Starmate 5 is capable of receiving channels selected by the listener from either the Sirius or the XM lineup. It's expected to sell for $129.99 and should be available at Best Buy, Crutchfield, RadioShack and regional retailers. Says Bob Law, SiriusXM Group Vice President and General Manager, Aftermarket Division, "We are pleased to launch the first-ever satellite radio enabled for A La Carte channel selection. The Starmate 5 Dock & Play radio reinforces SiriusXM Radio's promise to give consumers more programming and pricing options."    more>>

Serving the long tail.
(2 October 2008)
iBiquity prez Bob Struble says that with HD Radio, terrestrial broadcasters can serve the "long tail." The expression was coined by Wired editor Chris Anderson, who said the digital world allows small consumer nitches to be served profitably with targeted products and services. This, says Struble, is what HD Radio can do because the HD2 and HD3 digital subcarriers can be used to broadcast music, news and information that would not be profitable on the standard analog channel. The HD Radio purveyor's top guy went on to say, "More than 800 stations across the country are seizing this opportunity, with some exciting initial results. Many have heard of the award-winning HD2s who have led the way with compelling niche formats reflecting the tastes of their local communities: WRIF's RIFF2 with its edgy Detroit flavor; KBCO's Studio C in Denver, tapping its live archives; WHUR's World in DC, with an eclectic mix targeted to the African-American community."    more>>

XM's finally Sirius
(1 October 2008)
Two months after the merger Sirius XM has finally started mixing its programming. Sirius listeners can now hear Oprah Winfrey, professional hockey and basketball previously available only to XM subscribers. Similarly, XM listeners will soon be able to hear Howard Stern and other Sirius streams as the great satellite radio merger marches onward. But there is a catch. Those wishing to hear the additional programming have to upgrade to a plan that coss $17 a month rather than the current $13 a month.    more>>

Is Internet Radio saved?
(1 October 2008)
If Congress can't do anything else, at least it can save Internet Radio. The House has passed a bill that supports an agreement between Webcasters and SoundExchange on royalties. Had the current level of royalty payments persisted (see RUsirius.com story dated 23 September 2008), popular Internet Radio site Pandora might have been forced out of business. The bill allows agreements made by SoundExchange with Webcasters to be made without Government approval.    more>>