News Articles From Days Gone ByThe New York Post is reporting that XM and Sirius are coming under attack by the music industry.
(30 September 2005)
The Recording Industry Association of America has been holding discussions with the satcasters about portable receivers that can be used to record songs from broadcasts and then catalog and save favored ones while deleting others - a violation of copyright law. One high-level record executive has argued that devices such as the Sirius S50 give users "permanent ownership of copyrighted material without paying for it."
Just when everyone is beginning to think they've heard enough commercials Sirius introduces yet another annoyance -- the 2.
(30 September 2005)
5 minute spot.The satcaster is apparently accepting longer ads because it airs fewer commercial minutes per hour than terrestrial radio. The new commercial formats do not apply to Sirius' music channels but will be used for the Howard "King of All Media" Stern streams (channels 100 and 101).
XM has announced that Chris "Ludacris" Bridges will host a weekly music show.
(30 September 2005)
The program, named "Disturbing Tha Peace Presents Ludacris' Open Mic" will feature music hand-selected by Bridges as well as special guests and interviews. The show debuts in January on Raw (channel 66)
The Word Network (TWN) is asking the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to investigate whether Sirius' decision to drop Word programming was racially motivated.
(30 September 2005)
TWN's Kevin Martin calls the decision "suspect" in a 27 September letter to FCC chairman Kevin Martin.
STMicroelectronics has announced that it has shipped more than 10 million XM baseband decoders to radio manufacturers.
(30 September 2005)
The system-on-chip products that integrate all the specific functions needed to manufacture an XM receiver have been shipped to Delphi, Pioneer and other equipment makers. "This milestone is very important for both STMicroelectronics and XM, and it indicates strong demand throughout the supply chain for SM's digital satellite radio service," said Ugo Carena, ST Corporate Vice President and General Manager of ST's Automotive Products Group.
DirecTV and XM are officially joining forces.
(29 September 2005)
Starting 15 November, DirecTV is going to offer 72 channels of XM programming to its customers, nearly doubling the size of the satellite television broadcaster's audio lineup. Said DirecTV Executive Vice President for Programming Acquisitions Dan Fawcett, "DirecTV is making a major commitment in the world of music, and this alliance with XM Satellite Radio will leave a lasting imprint on not only our more than 14.6 million customers nationwide, but on the pay television industry as a whole." In addition to music, the alliance is expected to provide children's programming, Major League Baseball, and XM's High Voltage featuring talk radio stars Opie and Anthony.
The National Hockey League is getting an XM rating starting on opening day, 5 October.
(29 September 2005)
The satcaster is going to begin broadcasting live play-by-play of all the puck action on channels 204 through 209. Later this fall, XM is introducing a dedicated NHL radio channel featuring original programing focused on all aspects of the game. Said XM executive veep Eric Logan, "The National Hockey League is back, and fans can listen to NHL games in the car, at home, or on the go with XM Satellite Radio. XM has millions of listeners across the United States, and we're about to expand into Canada, so the timing o this agreement with the NHL couldn't be better."
XM's Hot Import Nights invades the Bay Area next month.
(28 September 2005)
The tour visits the Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton from noon to 7:00 PM (PT) on 8 October. Featured will be headliner Teairra Mari along with hip-hop sensation Natalise . Drifting demos and sport bike exhibitions are expected to round out the daytime event. DJs Miss Lisa, Lady Tribe and Reflecta are also featured along with Jaycee J and Turbulence of Los Angeles' Power 106 .
XM has announced that it now has over five million happy listeners.
(27 September 2005)
Said XM boss Hugh Panero of the occasion, "With more than five million subscribers today, XM continues to expand its position as the leader in the satellite radio industry. We are on track to have more than six million subscribers by the end of this year."
In an attempt to clean up its image prior to the debut of "King of All Media" Howard Stern Sirius is expanding its Christian music programming with the launch of the "Revolution" music channel.
(25 September 2005)
At channel 67 the new offering joins "Praise" (channel 68) and "Spirit" (channel 66) to complete the Sirius Christian lineup. Said Sirius senior veep for music programming Steve Blatter, "Sirius wants to be a leader in Christian music programing, and Revolution is the latest step in that endeavor." The new channel debuts on 29 September.
Not wanting its listeners to miss a single (or a double) play this season, XM is offering multiple play-by-play broadcasts of each Major League Baseball league championship series and World Series.
(25 September 2005)
The move allows listeners to hear the broadcasts for either the home or visiting team.
The saga of XM's Hot Import Nights (HIN) continues as the event moves to Phoenix.
(17 September 2005)
Pitbull is featured on 15 October at the Phoenix Cricket Pavilion in a special one night appearance. The show is a new HIN format, featuring hip hop from 4-11 PM courtesy of Power 92.3 and a day and night event held outside showcasing drifting and stunt bike demos.
XM Canada is unveiling its programming lineup.
(16 September 2005)
The satacster is offering a variety of commercial-free music, sports including NHL hockey, news and talk. Canadian English channels are Home Ice (hockey talk), (un)Signed (new and emerging Canadian rock), Laugh Attack (comedy spotlighting Canadian comedians and Canada 360 (24/7 news and information). French channels are Air Musique (original trend-oriented music), Franc Parler (news and talk), Sur La Route (modern anc classic pop) and Quoi de Neuf (arts and entertainment news). Said XM Canada Vice President of Programming Ross Davies, "XM Canada will offer Canadian subscribers a phenomenal choice of Canadian and international content, delivered in a convenient new format and beamed directly to their homes, cars, boats or on the go via satellite."
Sirius has announced the satcast of a daylong radiothon dedicated to raising money for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
(16 September 2005)
The event takes place all day Tuesday, 20 September on Sirius NFL Radio (channel 124) and will be streamed live on NFL.com . Sports figures, politicians and show business personalities are expected to appeal for contributions to the New Orleans Saints Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund . Contributions are being disbursed via an independent Board of Directors to affected people.
On Wednesday, 21 September, Sirius boss "Mellow Mel" Karmazin is expected to present at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia Conference in New York at 4:40 PM (ET).
(16 September 2005)
A live audio webcast of the presentation is being made available at the Investor Relations section of the Sirius website.
"King of All Media" and future Sirius star Howard Stern has once again topped the list of most popular talk radio personalities on the Lycos 50 .
(15 September 2005)
His influence has upped the number of Sirius searches by 1,300 percent since his departure from terrestrial radio has become imminent. "Based on the fact that half of Stern's searches specify Sirius, it's easy to predict that half of Stern's present terrestrial radio audience will follow him to satellite," said Dean Tsouvalas, writer of the Lycos 50.
Beemer pilots can expect to get even more Sirius than ever.
(15 September 2005)
BMW of North America has announced an agreement that extends Sirius' exclusive relationship with BMW through August 2008. Said Tom Purves, BMW Holding Corp. CEO, "Satellite radio continues to rapidly grow in popularity, and Sirius' unique programming is a complement to the exceptional driving experience BMW owners enjoy."
In keeping with XM, its U.
(15 September 2005)
S.-based partner, Canadian Satellite Radio (CSR) will be the exclusive satellite home of the National Hockey League in Canada beginning with the 2007-2008 hockey season.Said CSR COO Stephen Tapp, "Canadian Satellite Radio is thrilled to share the excitement of our national sport with the millions of passionate hockey fans here in Canada."
WorldSpace has announced an extended programming line-up.
(15 September 2005)
The most recent channel, Moksha, enhances the satcaster's spiritual content, an important selling point as it seeks to expand its market in India. The latest addition is described as the channel that relaxes, rejuvenates and connects subscribers to the inner self. Other channels that are being added include ORTM-news-news and entertainment offered in French and Bambara, Radio Amore-love songs from the past four decades offered in English and Top 40 on 40-a countdown of the biggest pop chart music hits offered in English.
Motorola is attempting to get into the digital radio business with iRadio phones.
(15 September 2005)
The new devices allow users to download from the Internet commercial-free, customized radio programming from independent and big radio networks around he world for about $7 a month. In addition to radio programing users can store songs from their music collections using a simple USB connection.
Sprint is getting Sirius.
(15 September 2005)
Their customers will be the first wireless users to be able to listen to Sirius programming over their mobile phones. "Sirius Music" offers unlimited access to 20 commercial-free music channels, plus a channel devoted to exclusive artist interviews and performances. It is available on Sprint multimedia handsets under the Music & Radio category.
At a gathering of investors in Pasadena this week Sirius CEO "Mellow Mel" Karmazin announced that his company considers its new s50 wearable radio to be the equivalent to the iPod.
(15 September 2005)
The remark was made in response to a question of whether an iTunes-equipped cell phone could open the door to the possibility of a Sirius-enabled iPod. Karmazin indicated that Sirius is in talks with various MP3 manufacturers.
Sirius CEO "Mellow Mel" Karmazin has said that Sirius would start broadcasting in Canada this year.
(14 September 2005)
Echoing the words of his boss, Sirius President of Entertainment and Sports Scott Greenstein said, "With the Canadian government's decision to uphold the CRTC's (see below) original ruling allowing Sirius Canada to begin broadcasting, we will work with our Canadian partners to bring the very best in satellite radio programming to Canada." Sirius hopes to begin promoting its services north of the border as the official satellite radio partner of the National Hockey League, a distinction it relinquishes to XM after the current season.
Attention puckheads --- XM and the National Hockey League have inked a deal to bring hockey broadcasts to satellite radio.
(13 September 2005)
The 10-year, $100 million agreement makes XM the exclusive satellite radio network of the NHL beginning with the 2007-2008 season. XM begins hockey satcasts with the launch of the 2005-2006 season and is expected to create a dedicated NHL radio channel featuring original programming focusing on all aspects of the sport. Not to be left out, XM partner Canadian Satellite Radio is making the NHL channel as well play-by-play satcasts available in the Great White North.
Satellite Week is reporting that WorldSpace is striving to widen its service in India, China and Western Europe.
(13 September 2005)
WorldSpace CEO Noah Samara has outlined the firm's international goals with strategic partner XM in an investor call on 7 September. Initially, the company is planning to obtain regulatory clearance for terrestrial repeaters in targeted nations, particularly India. Said Samara, "We have secured a favorable recommendation from the telecom regulatory authority of India for mobile implementation across India."
After much debate, the wringing of hands and the gnashing of teeth, Canadians can finally start getting sirius.
(12 September 2005)
The Canadian federal cabinet has decided against reversing a decision made by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to license satellite radio for the Great White North. The cabinet's decision was made after the applicants, Canadian Satellite Radio (CSR) and Sirius Canada, agreed to increased Canadian content and French-language content. CSR, owned by former Toronto Raptors owner John Bitove, is affiliated with XM. Sirius Canada is a consortium involving the CBC , Standard Radio , and Sirius Satellite Radio.
Both major satcasters are siriusly carrying this weekend's concerts to raise money for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.
(9 September 2005)
"Shelter from the Storm: A Concert for the Gulf Coast" aires today at 8:00 pm (ET) on XM's MSNBC (130) and CNBC (127) channels. It features, among others, Paul Simon, Neil Young, and the Dixie Chicks. At 7:30 pm (ET) today, XM is carrying BET's S.O.S.:Saving OurSelves telethon including Jay-Z, Diddy, and Wynton Marsalis (The City on channel 67). Tomorrow (10 September) XM features MTV's ReAct Now: Music & Relief Concert with Ludacris, Green Day, John Mellencamp and others at 8:00 pm (ET) on MTV Radio (155) and VH-1 Radio (156). Jazz at Lincoln Center's Higher Ground Hurricane Relief Concert including Terrence Blanchard, Abbey Lincoln and McCoy Tyner is being broadcast next week (17 September) at 8:00 pm (ET) on XM's Real Jazz (channel 70). S.O.S.:Saving OurSelves, Shelter From the Storm, and ReAct Now are also being carried by Sirius on Hot Jamz (channel 50), The Pulse (channel 9) and Hits-1 (channel 1) respectively.
XM is satcasting the 20th anniversary concert of Farm Aid on Sunday, 18 September starting at 12 noon (ET) on X Country (channel 12).
(9 September 2005)
Hosted by XM's Jessie Scott, George Taylor Morris and Paul Bachmann the concert includes performances by Willie Nelson, Neil Young, Buddy Guy, Emmylou Harris and Arlo Guthrie.
Sirius Canada is confirming its commitment to French language programming.
(9 September 2005)
The Canadian counterpart of Sirius plans to launch with four French and four English language channels. The plans have been filed with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) as part of the license granted on 16 June.
Sirius listeners will be happy to hear that the satcaster is siriusly launching some new channels on 29 September.
(9 September 2005)
The new offerings include innovative new music formats as well as talk and entertainment channels. The new lineup includes "King of All Media" Howard Stern's new channels (100 and 101). Former convict Martha Stewart's Living Radio is making its debut on channel 112. Other new channels include BBC Radio 1 (channel 11), Super Shuffle (channel 12) and The Coffeehouse (channel 30).
According to TWICE, satellite radio is making a sirius splash at this year's Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) Expo in Indianapolis.
(8 September 2005)
At least four receiver brands - Integra , Onkyo , Pioneer Elite and Harman Kardon - are showing off their first XM-rated receivers. They join Denon and Yamaha , who are hawking their expanded selection of satrad equipment. In the case of Sirius, tuners are on display from Niles and Russound .
Sirius is broadcasting NFL play by plays in Spanish this season, including Monday Night Football, the playoffs and the Super Bowl.
(7 September 2005)
The satcaster will carry NFL Futbol Americano, CBS Radio Sports/Westwood One's Spanish language package of NFL games. Commentators Armando Quintero, Benny Ricardo and Clemson Smith Muniz can be heard on Sirius Hispanic Talk, channel 181.
The Red Cross is being aided by XM in a venture to provide help and information for Hurricane Katrina victims.
(7 September 2005)
Red Cross Radio (channel 248) is airing regular updates on relief efforts in areas devastated by Katrina as well is to sites where refugees have been relocated.
XM is launching "Take Five," a new talk and lifestyle channel targeting women.
(6 September 2005)
It features daily satcasts of the Ellen DeGeneres Show and the Tyra Banks Show as well as original content from the Food Network and HGTV. "The Judith Warner Show," hosted by the best-selling author of "Perfect Madness: Motherhood in the Age of Anxiety" is also planned. The complete lineup is being announced next month.
In the never ending scramble for more French-language programming, Sirius Canada and Canadian Satellite Radio (CSR) have announced an equal number of French and English language stations for Canadians.
(6 September 2005)
Both organizations are hoping to avoid a reversal of the decision of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to permit the licensing of satellite radio in "The Great White North." Said Michel Tremblay, Vice President, Strategy and Business Development CBC, Sirius Canada partner, "It has always been our intent to ensure satellite radio further strengthens Canadian culture and Canadian broadcasting." CSR, meanwhile, has been rallying behind French speaking hurricane victims in Louisiana by providing French content for XM's dedicated New Orleans emergency information channel. CSR head of French talent and industry relations AndrDe Di Cesare said, "With so many French-speaking people affected in Louisiana, it's a logical way for us to assist."
A poll released last week suggests that only 10 percent of Canadians would buy satellite radio services.
(6 September 2005)
The result fuels demands for the reversal of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission 's (CRTC) decision to license satellite radio in Canada. Heritage Minister Liza Frulla has prepared a proposal asking the Canadian cabinet to review the decision due to concerns about the Canadian content requirements and the small number of French channels. The cabinet has until 14 September to reject, approve or send the decision back to the CRTC.
In keeping with its presence in Washington D.
(6 September 2005)
C.XM is providing comprehensive coverage of Supreme Court nominee John Roberts' confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate. The coverage is being carried on C-Span Radio (channel 132), FOX News (channel 121), CNN (channel 122), MSNBC (channel 130) and other XM channels. Said XM Executive Vice President of Programming Eric Logan, "XM Satellite Radio's coverage of the Roberts hearing is the latest example of our unique ability to cover a major news event from every perspective and deliver news and commentary to millions of people across the United States."
Cosmo is getting Sirius.
(6 September 2005)
The best-selling magazine and the satcaster are launching a full time channel next year featuring a diverse array of topics of interest to women. Guests on the programs are expected to feature Cosmopolitan Editor-in-Chief Kate White as well as the magazine's editors and writers. Thematic music programming selected to appeal to the tastes of Cosmopolitan's audience is also anticipated. Said Sirius President of Entertainment and Sports Scott Greenstein, "Cosmopolitan Radio will be the preeminent place to hear the latest on the topics and music that most interest young women."
Scrambling for credibility among the francophone community Canadian Satellite Radio (CSR) has announced the appointment of Pierre Borduas as Program and Music Director of its French-language music stations.
(2 September 2005)
Said AndrDe Di Cesare, CSR's director in charge of industry and francophone artist relations, "We are especially pleased to have recruited a professional of such caliber who is well known as an ardent promoter of new French artists locally." M. Borduas has most recently been Music Director at MusiquePlus and MusiMax , where he displayed a unique approach to featuring emerging Quebec talent.
A recent survey commissioned by Sirius Canada indicates that 76% of Canadians support the decision of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to grant licenses for satellite radio.
(1 September 2005)
The same survey also indicates that only 21% of Quebecers think that the Canadian cabinet should overturn the CRTC ruling. Said Sirius Canada CEO Kevin Shea, "One rarely sees this kind of consensus in the country on any topic." The issue of French language content has been a major area of contention between satcasters Sirius Canada and Canadian Satellite Radio and the Canadian government. A media conference to address the issue is being conducted today in Montreal at 12:00 p.m. (ET). Those expected to be in attendance are CSR boss John Bitove, Sirius Canada Director of Promotions Andreanne Sassville, and Indie Pool President Gregg Terrence.