News Articles From Days Gone ByThe Federal Communications Commission is sirius about enforcing their emissions policies with respect to satellite radio.
(29 September 2007)
The commission is said to be seeking forfeitures from both XM and Sirius for violations involving receivers operating at excessive levels and terrestrial repeaters operating above set power guidelines. The FCC's Enforcement Bureau is apparently looking into claims that XM and Sirius had receivers currently accepting signals above those permitted (see RUsirius.com story dated 22 September 2006) more>>
The commission is said to be seeking forfeitures from both XM and Sirius for violations involving receivers operating at excessive levels and terrestrial repeaters operating above set power guidelines.
(29 September 2007)
The FCC's Enforcement Bureau is apparently looking into claims that XM and Sirius had receivers currently accepting signals above those permitted (see RUsirius.com story dated 22 September 2006) The National Association of Broadcasters is introducing a marketing campaign to "reposition radio for a vibrant and successful future." NAB prez David Rehr said his organization is cooperating with the HD Digital Radio Alliance in an initiative called "Radio 2020." Says Rehr, "It's the one medium where everyone can freely and easily connect to a diverse world of entertainment and information, anywhere and everywhere." more>>
Arbitron is reporting that 6.
(29 September 2007)
9% of metro in-tab diaries contained satellite radio listening, up from 5.9% last year.The majority of satellite entries identify both the service and channel so that the entry can be properly credited. Howard Stern's listeners should be pleased. more>>
Radio stations are continuing to go digital.
(28 September 2007)
The latest is Wake Forest University's WFDD in Winston-Salem, NC. The public radio station has been converting to HD Radio and is expected to "flip the switch" early next month. General Manager Denise Franklin says, "HD Radio is part of the future of our business. The multiple channels provide opportunities for us to expand our public service." more>>
E Street Radio (see RUsirius.com story dated 21 September) gets Sirius today with a live concert recorded in 1978.
(28 September 2007)
The event during the band's "Darkness on the Edge of Town" tour took place at the Capitol Theater in Passaic, New Jersey. The show continues with features from Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band's latest offering, Magic and some classic recordings dating back to 1973. more>>
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin doesn't seem siriusly concerned about terrestrial radio stations losing advertising revenue to satellite radio should the proposed Sirius/XM merger be approved.
(28 September 2007)
Speaking before the National Association of Broadcasters, Martin said that there is a "higher burden" to examine the issue of the merger carefully but that "I would be concerned if they were trying to become a local broadcaster." NAB Chair W. Russell Withers Jr. expressed the concerns of his organization that both satcasters are allowed to carry local traffic and weather. more>>
Speaking before the National Association of Broadcasters, Martin said that there is a "higher burden" to examine the issue of the merger carefully but that "I would be concerned if they were trying to become a local broadcaster."
(28 September 2007)
NAB Chair W. Russell Withers Jr. expressed the concerns of his organization that both satcasters are allowed to carry local traffic and weather. Pajamas is now XM-Rated. The satcasters POTUS '08 (channel 130) is now spacing Pajamas Media's weekly show PJM Political. The show hosted by Bill Bradley is featured every Thursday at 6 PM(ET). Says Pajamas CEO Roger L. Simon, "This is a momentous step in the astronomical growth of Pajamas Media as a major player in online news and opinion. Pajamas Media contributors are trusted sources of analysis and opinion on mainstream television and radio news shows. Now, we're bringing our exclusive content to radio listeners across the country with a full hour of our in-depth coverage." Dedicated to covering next year's election, POTUS '08 is available to anyone with an XM receiver, even non-subscribers. more>>
A HD Radio products continue to roll out.
(27 September 2007)
JVC has recently announced that it is offering the industry's first plug-and-play HD receiver, the KT-HDP1. Says JVC Mobile Entertainment General Manager Chad Vogelsong, "It is with great enthusiasm that we launch this new HD Radio product that is both low priced and easy for consumers to install in their cars and at home." The KD-HDP1 kit includes a home kit and a car kit that do not require removing existing radios. It is expected to sell for $129 and is currently shipping to Best Buy. more>>
After upgrading its Nashville studios (see RUsirius story dated 29 August) XM is finally ready for the Grand Ole Opry.
(27 September 2007)
The satcaster begins its role as the new satellite radio home of the revered country music venue next month. The Opry's 82nd Birthday Bash featuring Carrie Underwood, Travis Tritt, Ronnie Milsap and others is being spacecast on 20 October. "This is great news," said Martina McBride . "It's a better day for all of us when the Grand Ole Opry and all it embodies can be heard across the country on satellite radio." The Opry had been Sirius until the satcaster decided to terminate their relationship last year (see RUsirius.com story dated 18 September 2006). more>>
Once again the National Hockey League is officially XM-rated as the satcaster gets ready for another season of action.
(27 September 2007)
This year XM is expanding from six to nine play-by-play channels to offer more comprehensive coverage of the league. "For the first time, NHL fans can hear every game for every team on satellite radio, said XM's Eric Logan. "You can listen to your games all season long on XM, even if your live far away from your favorite team." Puckheads can listen to their favorite games by tuning in to channels 204-209 and 237-239. more>>
Joe Bonamassa is Sirius.
(27 September 2007)
The "Daily Cup of Joe" started this week on the satcaster's blues channel (channel 74), just in time for the release of his new album, "Sloe Gin." Considered to be one of the next generation of blues musicians, the 30 year-old Bonamassa is just four years older than virtuoso Jonny Lang . Said Joe, "I got this show because I had performed for Sirius and the response was really, really good. My definition of blues is a little different than everybody else's. We play Led Zeppelin, Cream, John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, all the heavy blues." "Sloe Gin" debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard blues charts. more>>
XM is expanding its jazz programming with two new shows premiering next month.
(27 September 2007)
"Live from Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola" and "Live from Jazz at Lincoln Center" are expected to feature live performances from Frederick Rose Hall and XM's New York studios. Jazz at Lincoln Center artistic director Wynton Marsalis begins his next season of "In the Swing Seat" tomorrow. more>>
Not to be outdone by the Federal Communication s Commission (see RUsirius.com story dated 28 August), the Justice Department is moving "as quickly as possible" in its review of the proposed Sirius/XM merger.
(26 September 2007)
When asked by lawmakers during a recent hearing of the antitrust task force of the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee, Assistant Attorney General Thomas Barnett said, "We want to do that as quickly as possible, but we also want to get to the right answer." Unlike Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen (see RUsirius.com story dated 19 September), none of the lawmakers at the hearing objected to the merger. more>>
"Cousin Brucie" is still Sirius.
(26 September 2007)
Legendary radio personality Bruce Morrow has renewed his exclusive multi-year deal with the satcaster, which is using the occasion to demonstrate its commitment to playing Oldies from the 50s and 60s. Morrow will continue to host "Cousin Brucie's Saturday Night Party," a show he launched in 1958 in New York. Said Morrow, "I have made the choice to continue my career at Sirius because of the creative freedom I have been given and the opportunity to continue to grow, and because of Sirius' commitment to the genre." His show spaces Saturdays at 8 PM(ET). more>>
Ford is sirius about HD Radio.
(26 September 2007)
The automaker is now offering HD Radio as an option across multiple product lines. Said Kim Irwin, Vehicle Personalization and Accessories manager for Ford's Customer Service Division, "We believe HD Digital Radio will be an important part of Ford's commitment to delivering innovations with mass appeal. We're helping our customers stay connected by supporting the features and functions they want in their vehicles." The dealer-installed HD Radios are now available nationwide on nearly all 2008 model year Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles. more>>
Harvey Electronics has announced that it is now selling HD Radios.
(26 September 2007)
Said Harvey's Chairman D. Andrew Stackpole, "Harvey has always offered its discerning customers the ability to be at the cutting edge of state-of-the-art technology, and now HD Radio." The retailer has been named by New York Magazine, the "best place to buy home theater in New York." more>>
Despite recent dismal results from organizations like Paragon (see story below), a recent study by Critical Mass Media for the HD Digital Radio Alliance indicates that three our of four Americans are aware of HD Radio.
(26 September 2007)
HD Radio is also the beneficiary of some recent unpaid publicity as a result of proceedings related to the proposed Sirius/XM merger. more>>
Harris Corporation has named HD Radio expert Tim Anderson as digital product line manager for its Transmission business.
(26 September 2007)
Anderson will be responsible for maintaining the company's position as a leader in radio transmission products with an emphasis on HD Radio. His experience includes working as an HD Radio specialist and assisting in the development of HD Radio transmission and receiver products for manufacturers. more>>
A new study conducted by Paragon Media Strategies indicates that we're more sirius about satellite radio than about HD Radio.
(25 September 2007)
According to the survey conducted among 707 respondents, only 42 percent had heard of HD Radio compared with 85 percent for Internet radio and 87 percent for satellite radio. Among those who've heard of HD Radio 72 percent agreed that it's necessary to own a "specially designed radio" and 59 percent disagreed with the statement that "all radio stations broadcast in HD." About a third were confused, citing XM and Sirius as examples of HD Radio. more>>
In case anyone wants to know ,the Met is still Sirius.
(25 September 2007)
New York's Metropolitan Opera is continuing its agreement with the satcaster (see RUsirius.com story dated 20 September 2006) and has announced this season's schedule of live spacecasts. The 34-week season can be heard on Sirius channel 85 with four performances each week. The new season features live performances along with re-mastered historic broadcasts and notable performances from recent seasons. "The Met on Record," a new feature, highlights Metropolitan Opera commercial recordings from the 1940s through the present. It spaces every Sunday at 9 PM(ET). Margaret Juntwait of the Toll Brothers Metropolitan Opera Saturday broadcasts on terrestrial radio returns as host.. more>>
Sony is making it easier for drivers to get Sirius .
(25 September 2007)
.. or XM or HD Radio.The company has begun shipping four new Xplod car stereo receivers that promise to offer more "connectivity" for the dollar. The new top-end model, the CDX-GT520, can accommodate both a satrad and an HD Radio. All models have a front-panel auxiliary input for portable media players. more>>
College radio is continuing to turn to HD.
(24 September 2007)
The latest entrant is the University of South Carolina's WUSC in Columbia. The digital conversion uses a Broadcast Electronics AudioVault system that includes a digital transmitter and a data importer to support two HD channels. Said BE's vice president for strategic marketing Neil Glassman, "This is one of our more satisfying HD Radio conversions to date because there's a real sense of student involvement and it confirms to us that our building block approach to digital conversion is working." more>>
XM Canada is adding more channels.
(24 September 2007)
Along with its current channels the Canadian XM affiliate is now spacing Radio DIsney, ESPN Radio, ESPNEWS, IndyCar Series Racing, Pac 10 and Big 12 college sports and ATN Asian Radio. Says Stewart Lyons, executive vice president of XM Canada, "It is through our strong commitment to entertain our listeners that we lead the Canadian market with the most channels and he most selection including 70 commercial-free music channels - simply put, we offer the most selection hands down." more>>
Public affairs broadcaster C-SPAN is going HD .
(22 September 2007)
.. at least in the nation's capital. WCSP , Washington, D.C. is now programming three channels. The HD2 channel is being used for gavel-to-gavel coverage of the House of Representatives. HD3 is being used for the Senate. Washingtonians can hear the station at 90.1 HMz. Others can check it out on the web. more>>
The whiskey must not be workin' anymore.
(22 September 2007)
Country legend Marty Stuart is going to XM for an hour-long weekly show starting on 5 October. "Marty Stuart's American Odyssey" offers a range of genres including traditional country, blues, rockabily, bluegrass, gospel and rock. Says Marty, "American Odyssey will be an amazing adventure inside the musical walls of our cities." more>>
WorldSpace may soon be back in South Africa.
(21 September 2007)
During a recent contraction in its services (see RUsirius.com story dated 10 August) the international satcaster lost numerous subscribers in the region, declining even to apply for a subscription broadcasting license. Now, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa ( ) is looking for ways to allow WorldSpace back into the market. The company's permission to operate expired last week when ICASA awarded subscription broadcasting licenses to five other firms. more>>
The Boss is getting Sirius.
(21 September 2007)
No, not Karmazin...Springsteen! Sirius is launching the return of E Street Radio to celebrate Bruce Springsteen's new album and concert tour with the E Street Band. Said Scott Greenstein, Sirius President of Entertainment and Sports, "The return of E Street Radio brings fans unprecedented access to the music of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Thanks to Bruce Springsteen, it is with great pleasure that we are able to bring the channel back to the many Springsteen fans who eagerly wanted the return of E Street Radio, which first launched on Sirius in late 2005." The channel premieres on 27 September at 6 PM(ET) on Sirius channel 10 and runs through late March 2008. more>>
The long awaited POTUS '08 Channel (see RUsirius.com story dated 22 May) is finally here.
(21 September 2007)
The first channel dedicated exclusively to the 2008 presidential election premieres on XM on 24 September. The ad-free channel offers news and opinion on XM from both sides of the aisle and provides candidates with free time each day to address listeners nationwide. Says Kevin Straley, XM's senior veep for news, talk and sports, "We want this to be a town square where people can hear the candidates, listen to the debates, get the news, and gather opinions from all sides. You can hear diverse views across the political spectrum, including voices you don't typically hear on traditional media." News and opinion is expected from sources like C-SPAN , the National Journal , Slate , the Washington Monthly , the Heritage Foundation , DailyKos and the National Press Club . more>>
Tom Petty is returning for another season on XM.
(21 September 2007)
"Tom Petty's Buried Treasures" (see RUsirius.com news archive story dated 10 September 2004) begins with its first installment on Monday, 24 September on Deep Tracks (channel 40). The satcaster describes the show as "favorite tracks from Petty's personal collection, masterworks from the garages and used record bins of the world." more>>
The list of consumer-based businesses supporting the Sirius/XM merger continues to grow.
(20 September 2007)
RadioShack is the most recent to throw its hat into the ring. Chairman Julian Day has filed a comment with the Federal Communications Commission saying that the merger "will bring greater vitality and financial resources to this upstart technology. Allowing this to happen will, in turn, spark a new generation of services and products with more advanced and user-friendly features. Consumers, of course, will be better off as a result." Other favorable comments from consumer-based businesses include those of Crutchfield, Circuit City, Toyota, Hyundai and Honda. more>>
HD Radio is now being featured on QVC .
(20 September 2007)
The HD Digital Radio Alliance has announced that three popular HD receivers would premiere on QVC on Wednesday, 26 September at 10 PM(ET). The show is expected to feature the latest offerings from Polk Audio , Visteon and Radiosophy . In conjunction, the HD DIgital Radio Alliance is promoting the upcoming HD Radio show on QVC with a national advertising campaign in 100 markets. "We are enthusiastic about introducing our customers to the leading edge of digital audio entertainment," said Mary Campbell, QVC's senior vice president of merchandising. more>>
Radio broadcasting is apparently a pretty stable business according to a new survey from American Media Services .
(20 September 2007)
Sixty-three percent of American adults listen to the radio every day. The number among 25-34 year-old adults is higher. Seventy-nine percent in this category tune in at least once a day. Satellite radio appears to holding steady in the survey of 1,017 adults. Eleven percent already subscribe but 89 percent have said that they are unlikely to subscribe during the next 12 months. Said AMS prez Ed Seeger, "satellite radio continues to fill only a small niche in the marketplace." more>>
XM boss Gary Parsons recently had some harsh words for the National Association of Broadcasters.
(20 September 2007)
He called the NAB's efforts to lobby lawmakers a "jihad" and questioned whether or not it was wise for terrestrial radio execs who are complaining about money to be spending vast sums of it to stop the Sirius/XM merger. "They clearly view it as competition and candidly, they should," said Parsons at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia conference (see RUsirius.com story dated 14 September) in New York. more>>
The Wisconsin Attorney General is definitely not sirius about the proposed satellite radio merger.
(19 September 2007)
J.B. Van Hollen says the proposed merger would be bad for consumers and that the deal would create a monopoly leading to higher prices and reduced program offerings. He has sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice stating his concerns. more>>
XM is number one.
(19 September 2007)
..at least as a website.The satcaster has been recognized as "Best Radio Website" in the 2007 WebAwards from the Web Marketing Asssociation . The site has been designed and built by Avenue A - Razorfish and the XM Online Marketing Team. Says Vernon Irvin, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for XM, "This WebAward recognition demonstrates xmradio.com is an engaging online destination for our millions of fans. It's also a great site for prospective XM customers to see and hear what's going on at xmradio.com." more>>
Dual is making HD Radio more affordable.
(19 September 2007)
The company is introducing two of the lowest-cost car HD receivers ever built. At a street price of less than $150 the XHD6425 and XHD6420 begin shipping this week. The XHD6425 allows optional Bluetooth operation, a full speed USB connection and a front-panel auxiliary input for use with a portable music player. Both units display HD-Radio multicast station call outs and meta tag information. more>>
XM is going Asian.
(19 September 2007)
The satcaster is launching the ATN-Asian Radio channel next month, noting that the programming would include a broad range of music, highlighting the best of Bollywood and popular South Asian artists. Commenting on the occasion, ATN chairman Shan Chandrasekar says, "ATN is delighted to collaborate with XM and XM Canada in providing an ATN branded super station across North America." more>>
HD Radio is increasingly coming under fire from consumers and industry insiders alike.
(18 September 2007)
The new medium is finding it difficult to be taken siriusly by a public unable to find HD receivers and not knowing what to do with them afterwards. Weak signals, an uninformed technical support and sales force, and a sparse inventory have contributed to an impression that the medium is destined to be short lived. Meanwhile, broadcasters can't quite figure out how to program the new channels to compete with satellite and internet radio. more>>
Dane Cook is finally getting Sirius.
(18 September 2007)
The star of " Good Luck Chuck " is joining Pete Dominick on Raw Dog (channel 104) today at 11:00 AM(ET), 1:00 PM(ET) tomorrow, 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM(ET) on 20 September and 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM(ET) on 21 September. The show features uncensored comedy with the man named a "comedian phenom and icon" by Entertainment Weekly. more>>
Nobody seems to be very sirius about the Satellite Sisters .
(17 September 2007)
The female talk show is being cancelled by Citadel Broadcasting from XM and the ABC Radio Network. The last broadcast on XM is on 21 September. Said John McConnell, senior veep for programming at ABC Radio, "Satellite Sisters and the network have jointly decided not to air their Monday-Friday or Saturday show on ABC Radio Networks. The Sisters are pioneers in the women's talk arena and we are tremendously proud of them and their achievements." The program is seeking other distribution outlets, possibly exclusively via satellite radio. more>>
Just when everyone thought the Sirius/XM merger was going smoothly a new twist has developed in the form of opposition from the American Consumer Institute.
(15 September 2007)
The organization has come out against the deal saying, "Short of rhetoric and spin, the merger would create a monopoly in what is now a duopoly in a distinct line of business with clear-cut boundaries, delivery of nationwide, mobile, diversely programmed audio entertainment services." ACI has noted that programming such as Howard Stern, Martha Stewart and other nationally distributed shows are unique and therefore cannot be replaced by other audio entertainment. Therefore the merged satcasters would effectively have a monopoly. more>>
This year's CEDIA Expo is the locale where five major audio equipment manufacturers have unveiled their new HD Radio products.
(15 September 2007)
Audio Design Associates, Cambridge SoundWorks , Denon Electronics, NIles Audio, Onkyo and Rotel have all been presenting the details of their new systems to the Denver conference attendees. Said iBiquity business development veep Bernie Sapienza, "When [cuystom clients] buy a system for their homes ... and any basic [custom] system, by the way, is $10,000 minimum ... buying a card slot to add HD Radio to that is going to be about $200, $300. It becomes chump change." more>>
The organization has come out against the deal saying, "Short of rhetoric and spin, the merger would create a monopoly in what is now a duopoly in a distinct line of business with clear-cut boundaries, delivery of nationwide, mobile, diversely programmed audio entertainment services."
(14 September 2007)
ACI has noted that programming such as Howard Stern, Martha Stewart and other nationally distributed shows are unique and therefore cannot be replaced by other audio entertainment. Therefore the merged satcasters would effectively have a monopoly. XM boss Gary Parsons is scheduled to present at the Goldman Sachs' Communacopia XVI 1007 Conference in New York on Wednesday, 19 September from 2:50 to 3:30 PM(ET). He'll be mighty tired, having just flown in from Los Angeles where he's scheduled to speak at the Merrill Lynch Fall Preview Conference in Marina Del Ray on Tuesday, 18 September at 12:30 PM(ET). A live webcast of both events is being made available at the XM website under "Investor Information." more>>
Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson is getting Sirius.
(14 September 2007)
The multi-platinum artist is performing live for fans at the satcaster's studios in New York. The performance features fellow G-Unit performers Lloyd Banks and Tony Vayo and songs from 50 Cent's new album Curtis. It spaces at 9 PM(ET) on 29 September on G-Unit Radio, the weekly show produced by 50 Cent for Shade 45 (channel 45). G-Unit fans can win tickets by logging on the the shade45 website. more>>
The 2007 Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup starts this weekend and Sirius will be providing all the coverage.
(14 September 2007)
The first event is the Sylvania 300 this Sunday, 16 September from New Hampshire International Speedway in Loudon, NH. The satcaster is providing the live race call on channel 128 plus ten additional "Driver2Crew Chatter" channels, which combine the race broadcast with the in-car audio of the race teams. Nine of these channels are Siriusly selected. The last is the fans' choice, selected by voting at the Sirius Driver2Crew site. more>>
Sirius football fans should get ready for another season with Dan Reeves.
(14 September 2007)
The two-time NFL Coach of the Year who played or coached in a record nine Super Bowls returns to his job as host of Sirius NFL Radio (channel 124). Reeves can be heard every Thursday on "Late Hits" with Bryan McGovern and is expected to fill in as a host on various other Sirius NFL shows throughout the season. more>>
XM affiliate Canadian Satellite Radio (CSR) is getting a little more financial help thanks in part to its success in the last quarter (see RUsirius.com story dated 11 September).
(13 September 2007)
CSR's founders have given the organization additional support in the form of a $20 million convertible debenture financing. In a move of additional confidence CEO John Bitove and several other long-time backers took down $10 million of the debt themselves. more>>
XM wants to help kids in the Washington D.
(13 September 2007)
C.area. The satcaster is challenging District residents and businesses to help in providing books for 4,000 preschoolers in low-income communities. Jumpstart is also participating. Along with XM the national nonprofit is seeking donations to purchase copies of the book "The Story of Ferdinand" for distribution to D.C. preschools. A special website has been established for those interested in participating. more>>
In an attempt to show that they're not Sirius, XM is launching a new comedy interview series.
(13 September 2007)
The satcaster has announced the launch of "Unmasked," an original series that features one-on-one interviews with some of the most famous names in comedy. The series kicks off with George Carlin . Says XM's Eric Logan, "We at XM are thrilled that George Carlin, celebrating his 50th year in comedy, will be the first guest as we launch this new thought-provoking show that offers an inside look into some of today's most compelling comedic minds." The show premieres on Saturday, 22 September, at 8 PM(ET) on XM Comedy (channel 150). New episodes space every other Saturday. more>>
iBiquity CEO Bob Struble thinks mass market appeal is the only thing missing in his company's HD Radio strategy.
(13 September 2007)
"From the technology standpoint, the FCC has adopted the standard, and the broadcast industry has built out the infrastructure," said Struble during an invitation-only meeting at iBiquity's headquarters in Columbia, MD. "The last major hurdle -- and it is not insignificant -- is to get people to go into places and ask for HD Radio." more>>
Primosphere apparently wants to get back in the game.
(13 September 2007)
The original satellite radio applicant lost out to XM and Sirius but is reviving its application in light of the anticipated merger. Primosphere says it could be operational within five years -- sooner if it is allowed to use the existing XM and Sirius infrastructure. Media pundits believe that what happens on this issue will be interesting regardless of the ultimate decision on the Sirius/XM merger. Sirius officials called Primosphere's application long dead. more>>
Completing the technology called "iTunes Tagging" (see RUsirius.com story dated 8 September) Broadcast Electronics (BE) has announced the application that makes it possible to buy iTunes through an HD tuner.
(12 September 2007)
The application has been developed by Jump2Go and is available through BE's The Radio Experience (TRE) Message Manager , a suite of utilities for radio datacasting and other advanced features. TRE Message Manager with Jump2Go's Commerce embeds the correct Apple tags and provides the synchronization for earmarking songs in real-time as they're played. Says Ray Miklius, Vice President of Studio Systems for BE, "This advanced HD Radio service is bound to be an enormous benefit to the radio industry. I'm proud of our partnership with Jump2Go and the progress we've made with TRE to be able to offer such an important capability." TRE Message Manager is available at the BE booth during the NAB Radio Show from 26-28 September in Charlotte. more>>
Enthusiasm continues to build for the proposed Sirius/XM merger.
(11 September 2007)
According to a poll commissioned by both satcasters 70 percent or more of respondents said that two new a la carte programming packages would be best for consumers. The poll also found strong support for the merger itself. Support was universal and included both sides of the political aisle. more>>
Soulfly guitarist Marc Rizzo is being featured today at 4:00 PM(ET) on Sirius' "Hard Attack" (channel 27).
(11 September 2007)
He joins the rest of the band in early September in Florida to record their sixth studio album at Bobby Burns' and Tim Lau's Porch Studio. more>>
Canadian Satellite Radio (CSR) has announced the achievement of 306,000 subscribers at the end of its fourth quarter.
(11 September 2007)
The number of subscribers for the XM affiliate has more than doubled during the course of its just ended fiscal year. Said CSR boss John Bitove of the achievement, "Our dedication to provide amazing programming and secure a great roster of sports coverage, including our exclusive satellite radio broadcast partnership with the NHL, is clearly demonstrated by our rapidly growing subscriber base. We have successfully increased subscribers this quarter through a number of strategic initiatives including an increase in our retail distribution network, the addition of innovative new products including the XpressRC, XpressR and XpressEZ and our outstanding programming lineup available on 120 channels." more>>
Broadcasting legend Barbara Walters is more Sirius than ever.
(11 September 2007)
The satcaster has announced that she will soon host a weekly live call-in show on Sirius Stars (channel 102). Starting 17 September "Barbara Live" will space Mondays at 6:00 PM(ET). Said Walters, "I look forward to being on Sirius radio. I especially love taking phone calls from listeners. This is a whole new experience for me, and very exciting." The program represents Barbara Walters first venture into live radio call-in programming. Recordings of her most significant interviews are featured by Sirius on "Barbara Walters' Best of the Very Best" (see RUsirius.com story dated 27 January 2007). more>>
Sirius is apparently more Sirius than ever about sports.
(11 September 2007)
The satcaster has announced a new all-sports channel featuring several new exclusive talk programs, Sporting News Radio and live game broadcasts. "Sirius Sports Channel" is intended to complement the current Sirius channels dedicated to the National Football League, NASCAR, and the National Basketball Association. The channel is expected to feature "Sirius Fight Club" on Tuesdays with Randy Gordon, former editor of The Ring, "Sirius College Football Coaches Show," with Jack Arute and Terry Bowden on Wednesdays and "Fair Play: Making Organized Sports a Great Experience for Your Kids" with Scott Lancaster on Thursdays. more>>
Canadians with Star Choice as their cable provider now have the opportunity to receive either Sirius or XM as part of the package.
(9 September 2007)
The Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission ( CRTC ) has approved their application as they have for Rogers Cable and Bell ExpressVu.None of the companies has, as of yet, announced any plans to offer satellite radio. more>>
Rumors about a deal between Hockey Night in Canada and Sirius (see RUsirius.com story dated 29 August) are apparently true.
(8 September 2007)
The two organizations have reached an agreement to bring the famous program to the satcaster's lineup starting on 1 October. HNIC Radio spaces Monday through Friday from 4 PM to 6 PM(ET) on channel 122 hosted by Jeff Marek. more>>
Former Federal Communications Commission Chairman Mark Fowler is throwing in his support for the proposed merger between Sirius and XM.
(8 September 2007)
Said XM boss Gary Parsons and Sirius boss Mellow Mel Karmazin in a joint statement, "We are extremely pleased to receive support from one of the most highly regarded thought leaders in the communications industry. As the longest serving Chairman of the FCC in our nation's history, Mr. Fowler has had a lasting impact on global communications. His backing of this merger further illustrates the benefits a combined Sirius and XM will bring to audio entertainment consumers." more>>
Said XM boss Gary Parsons and Sirius boss Mellow Mel Karmazin in a joint statement, "We are extremely pleased to receive support from one of the most highly regarded thought leaders in the communications industry.
(8 September 2007)
As the longest serving Chairman of the FCC in our nation's history, Mr. Fowler has had a lasting impact on global communications. His backing of this merger further illustrates the benefits a combined Sirius and XM will bring to audio entertainment consumers." Apple is working with HD Radio technology to introduce a new service called "iTunes Tagging." Here's how it works: When you're listening to your HD Radio and you hear a song you really like you just hit the "Tag" button and the system marks that song for purchase on iTunes. As of now only the Polk I-Sonic Entertainment System 2 and the JBL iHD make the feature available. more>>
Bob Dylan is getting ready to launch his next season on XM.
(8 September 2007)
The "Theme Time Radio Hour" kicks off its second season on 19 September featuring its signature eclectic mix of songs related to a specific theme and an introduction by the voice of Ellen Barkin . The first episode is dedicated to the theme "Hello" with a list of sons including "Hello Trouble" by Buck Owens, "Hello in There" by John Prine and "Hello, Mello Baby" by The Mardi Gras Loungers. It spaces Wednesdays at 10 AM(ET) on "Deep Tracks" (XM channel 40). more>>
The ever sanguine satcasters are predicting a deal on their merger by the end of the year.
(5 September 2007)
They say they have provided federal antitrust regulators with all the additional information they want and are cooperating with the Justice Department. The documents provided by Sirius and XM are being reviewed to determine if the merged company would face enough competition from other media outlets and devices. Pessimists on the merger are saying that there just may not be enough iPods, HD and conventional radios out there to represent a significant offset to the appeal of satellite radio. more>>
First Lady Laura Bush is featured in the premiere episode of "The Big Read" on XM (see story below dated 30 August).
(5 September 2007)
On 10 September she'll be discussing books, literacy and the upcoming National Book Festival. In a recorded interview at the White House, Mrs. Bush tells host Jo Reed, "Reading has been so inspirational and influential in my life that I can't imagine a life without reading, and I want other people who may not spend that much time reading to know how beneficial reading can be, in an emotional and spiritual way." more>>
WorldSpace is going to be getting a little competition in India.
(5 September 2007)
Saregama , the entertainment flagship of RPG Enterprises , is entering the business in partnership with an overseas player next year. Sunil Megharajani, controller for publishing and new media at Saregama said of the venture, "Things are at the drawing-board stage. Our approach is to be the content provider." more>>
A recent decision by the Federal Communications Commission on HD Radio may have an inverse impact on some Canadian radio stations.
(5 September 2007)
As of 14 September AM broadcasters in the United States will be allowed to transmit their digital signal at night. Canadian AM stations on frequencies adjacent to these stations are said to be susceptible to increased levels of skywave interference after dark as a result. more>>
As of 14 September AM broadcasters in the United States will be allowed to transmit their digital signal at night.
(4 September 2007)
Canadian AM stations on frequencies adjacent to these stations are said to be susceptible to increased levels of skywave interference after dark as a result. Nissan Canada wants to be taken siriusly...about XM The automaker has announced its intention to offer new car buyers XM Satellite Radio as a factory-installed option for the 2008 model year. "With the growing popularity of this feature amongst purchasers of Infiniti vehicles, the expansion to the Nissan platform was a natural progression," said Ian Forsyth, Director, Corporate & Product Planing for Nissan Canada. more>>
WAMU , Washington, DC, is going live with HD Radio.
(4 September 2007)
The broadcaster seeks to be among the first in the nation to offer exclusive live programming in HD. The American University affiliate is moving "Bluegrass Country" to its HD-2 channel. Up to 8 hours of live programming will be offered daily hosted by Katy Daley, Ray Davis and Lee Michael Demsey. The broadcaster is also in a deal with Amazon to sell HD Radios to benefit WAMU. more>>
Digital Radio is taking off in Europe.
(1 September 2007)
In fact, the last analog FM license in the UK was issued in May. Unlike the United States the format used is not IBOC but DAB, a standard similar to that used in Denmark. The Swiss, however, are moving ahead with HD Radio following a successful demonstration in Lucerne attended by over 200 broadcasters, technical specialists and regulators from six countries. more>>