News Articles From Days Gone By
Jim Brown gets Sirius.
(30 September 2009)
Football legend Jim Brown sits down with SiriusXM host Joe Madison for a series of hard hitting, no-holds barred interviews. The three hour-long segments on sports, race, politics and Hollywood will be spaced across multiple SiriusXM channels. "Jim Brown is one of the most fascinating figures of our times, and his amazing acomplishments on and off the field broke new ground at every turn and have left an indelible mark on our culture," says Scott Greenstein, Prez and Chief Content Officer for SiriusXM. "Many people think they know the 'Jim Brown story' but until now, the whole story has not been told." The series starts with "The Athlete" on 2 October on The Power (XM 169) at 8:00 AM(ET) and on Stars (Sirius 102, XM 155) at 11:00 AM(ET). The subsequent two segments are entitled "The Activist" and "The Actor" and are scheduled for 9 October and 16 October respectively. more>>
Shade 45 turns 5.
(30 September 2009)
Shade 45 celebrates its fifth anniversary with exclusive, in-depth and uncensored interviews with Eminem. It all starts this Saturday, 3 October, at 3:00 PM(ET) during the G Unit Saturdays program with DJ Whoo Kid. Eminem will be talking about his new release Relapse 2, his performance at the Voodoo Festival in New Orleans on 30 October and his role in developing the video game DJ Hero, scheduled for release on 27 October. more>>
Radio rules
(30 September 2009)
A recent survey by Arbitron confirms that more than 90 percent of all consumers aged 12 and older listen to radio each week ... a higher penetration than television, magazines, newspapers or the Internet. The top format? Talk radio, attributed by Arbitron to the last presidential election and congressional campaigns. more>>
The world gets Sirius...maybe
(29 September 2009)
John Malone's Liberty Media, which recently bailed out SiriusXM, may have its sights set on a bigger market. The company has now apparently "bought" $102 million worth of bankruptcy claims of international satcaster WorldSpace. The result could ba a world-wide satellite radio operation...a global SiriusXM. more>>
It's Hockey time again.
(28 September 2009)
Hockey Night in Canada returns to Sirius this year, complete with its cast of characters including Don Cherry and Kelly Hrudey. Guy Carbonneau, Glenn Healy and Kevin Weekes are being added this year just for a little more commentary. The big show returns to its regular weeknight slot on Sirius channels 122 and 97 with encore broadcasts five days a week. more>>
ClearChannel defies MusicFirst.
(28 September 2009)
In what appears to be an act of defiance against public disclosure rules, two ClearChannel stations in the Washington D.C. area kept no records of ads opposing the Performance Rights Act (see RUsirius.com story dated 11 August 2009). "We only checked these two stations," said Jennifer Bendall, executive director of MusicFirst, "and found that they failed to meet their obligations under their broadcast licenses. We are two for two. How many other stations failed to file?" more>>
Sirius about the Big Ten
(28 September 2009)
SiriusXM now has a one-year contract to provide live coverage of select Big Ten Conference football and basketball games. "With Sirius XM, Big Ten fans and alumni will be able to follow their teams from anywhere in the continental U.S., and college sports fans around the country will have access to some fo the season's best match-ups," said Steve Cohen, SiriusXM's Senior Vice President for sports programming." more>>
It's Radio Penguins.
(28 September 2009)
As if winning the Stanley Cup isn't enough, the Pittsburgh Penguins are now launching their own radio station in HD (see RUsirius.com story dated 12 May 2009). Hockey fans in the greater Pittsburgh area will be able to listen to Pittsburgh Penguins Radio on WXDS, 105.9 HD2 starting this Thursday (1 October). The station will also be streamed to the team's home page. Says Pens vice president of business partnerships David Pead, "We've taken an aggressive look at where we can grow our footprint and increase the volume for the franchise. We think we're poised to expand dramatically our reach and impact from an audio standpoint." A similar venture is being planned by the Dallas Stars with Dallas station KRLD. more>>
HD Radio gets a boost.
(24 September 2009)
HD Radio purveyor iBiquity and the National Association of Broadcasters have announced a new technique for delivering HD Radio signals...boosters. The boosters would be strategically located within the coverage area of a radio station and transmit only the digital signal. Furthermore, iBiquity prez Bob Struble says that the next step in HD Radio technology "is going to be an HD radio FM tuner as an accessory that will plug into your iPod and then the iPod becomes the interface. They have these out now for FM, but HD is the next step." more>>
Jaguar goes HD.
(24 September 2009)
Jaguar Land Rover is offering HD Radio as a standard feature in the new Jaguar flagship sport sedan, the 2010 Jaguar XJ. Says Jaguar North America Vice President for Marketing Paul Faletti, "Jaguar's enthusiasm and continued support for HD Radio broadcasts emphasizes the great value proposition associated with the technology. There is no other digital entertainment source that provides drivers with the best in digital sound and a variety of new FM channels, all with no subscription fees." more>>
A New HD Measurement
(24 September 2009)
The National Radio Systems Committee has approved new guidelines for measuring HD Radio signals...Modulation Error Ratio. It is hoped that the new technique will offer the business improved devices for testing the quality of HD Radio signals. Said Geoff Mendenhall, vice president of Transmission Research and Technology at Harris, "The development of transmission signal quality metrics for FM IBOC signals will give broadcasters confidence that their HD Radio transmissoin system is truly delivering a high-quality signal to their listeners." more>>
The FM-5 Antenna
(23 September 2009)
Wonder why the Sirius signal is so much better? It may be FM-5, the latest satellite in the Sirius constellation (see RUsirius.com story dated 9 September), and its high-tech antenna. The mesh reflectors used by the geosynchronous satellite are made by Space Systems/Loral and have been successfuly deployed on the new satellite by Harris. Designed primarily to focus more power in areas of peak population, the FM-5 makes it possible for listeners simply to point their antennas to the southern sky for good reception. more>>
XM on the Verge
(23 September 2009)
XM Canada has announced the winners of this year's Verge Music Awards (see RUsirius.com story dated 29 June 2009). They are Dan Mangan and Alexisonfire. The awards are part of XM Canada's continuing commitment to the promotion and support of emerging Canadian musisicians. Says XM Canada's Music Programming Director Jeff Leake, "There is a lot of talent in the Canadian indie and alternative music scene and XM Canada will continue to support and promote our fellow Canadians through The Verge Music Awards and with The Verge channel." more>>
No Zune HDs in Canada
(22 September 2009)
Microsoft has confirmed the suspicions of many that the new Zune HD will not be available outside the United States. In a move indicating that the software giant may be giving up in the portable media player arena, it was announced that Canadians who purchase Zune HDs in the U.S. and return with them to Canada would not leagally be able to use certain features such as the Zune music subscription service. Microsoft is discontinuing all Zune versions other than the Zune HD. more>>
Ludwig comes to Connecticut in HD.
(22 September 2009)
Beethoven Radio at WCCC (AM 1250) in Hartford, Connecticut is broadcasting in HD. "HD Radio is fantastic," says program director Nicole Marie Godburn. "It makes our AM signal sound like FM." Both WCCC and sister station WCCC-FM (The Rock, 106.9) began broadcasting in HD Radio in 2004. "We were the first stations on the state to do so," says Godburn. "It opened up real possibilities for Beethoven Radio when we threw the switch for HD Radio." more>>
Satellite radio to lead ad growth.
(21 September 2009)
A rebound in advertising revenue is expected to be led by strong growth in satellite radio, television and the Internet. That's the word from Myers Publishing in its most recent estimate. Print advertising is expected to lose even more of the U.S. ad spending share than previously forecast but is, nevertheless, expected to remain on top with online advertising expected to be in second place. 2009 is expectd to be the first year with ad spending online greater than local and national spot TV, rising from 10.6% in 2008 to 12.2% this year. Satellite radio ad spending is expected to grow by 1% this year and 5% in 2010. more>>
Polaris Sirius tonight.
(21 September 2009)
The Polaris Music Prize (see RUsirius.com story dated 8 July 2009) is finally ready to be awarded and the big event will be carried by Sirius tonight on channel 86. The ceremony takes place in Toronto and awards the winner $20,000, judged solely on artistic merit. The award goes to the best full-length Canadian album released from 1 June 2008 to 31 May 2009. more>>
The Horror...The Horror
(18 September 2009)
As a special favor for all you horror fans, Fangoria Radio (Sirius 108, XM 139) is presenting Universal Halloween Horror Nights live from Orlando, Florida next Friday (25 September) at 10:00 PM(ET). The show spaces live from the scream park with hosts Debbie Rochon, Brian O'Halloran and Tony Timpone. Says Jim Timon, Vice President of Entertainment at Universal Studios, Orlando, "Fangoria is presenting two of the haunted houses for us. That's huge. I walked through 'em when we were doing a little bit of a rehearsal/review, and you guys are gonna love 'em. I think they're two of our scarier houses." Tyler Mane may even show up. more>>
Delisted?
(18 September 2009)
SiriusXM has received formal notification from the NASDAQ market that its stock price would be delisted if it continues to trade for less than a dollar a share. The satcaster has 180 days or until 15 March 2010 to get its act together if it wants to avoid a major embarassment. The price of SiriusXM stock (SIRI) closed yesterday at a price of 69 cents per share. Maybe it's time for that long-awaited reverse split (see RUsirius.com story dated 28 May 2009). more>>
The opera ain't over 'till...
(18 September 2009)
SiriusXM is presenting a fourth season of the Metropolitan Opera starting this Monday, 21 September. The satcaster launches this year's series with a live presentation of the Met's Opening Night Gala, a new production premiere of Puccini's Tosca, staring soprano Karita Mattila. During the season, rare archival broadcasts from the Met's 78-year broadcast history will be presented by host Margaret Juntwait. Six more live productions are scheduled throughout the season. All events are on Metropolitan Opera Radio (Sirius 78, XM 79). more>>
XM Canada pays up.
(17 September 2009)
An agreement has been reached whereby XM Canada will make royalty paymets to several groups representing Canadian musicians and songwriters (see RUsirius.com story dated 10 August 2009). The settlement includes the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada, the Neighbouring Rights Collective of Canada and CSI, a joint venture of the Canadian Musical Reproduction Rights Agency Ltd. and the Montreal-based Society for Reproduction Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers in Canada. XM Canada had been facing legal action. more>>
XM Canada unburdens.
(17 September 2009)
Canadian Satellite Radio, the parent of XM Canada, has repurchased $9 million of its outstanding high debt at a rate of $.35 on the dollar. Says Chief Financial Officer Michael Washinushi, "This is in keeping with our primary objective of reducing costs and delivering long-term profitability for our shareholders. The repurchase will reduce our long term debt, lead to a savings of US$1.1 million per year in debt servicing, strengthen our balance sheet and improve our overall financial picture." more>>
Siriusly Schwartz
(17 September 2009)
The man with the world's biggest collection of Sinatra records is moving...to afternoons on Siriusly Sinatra (Sirius 75, XN 73). Jonathan Schwartz can now be heard from noon until 3:00 PM(ET) every day, blending artists like Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald with more contemporary artists like Ann Hampton Callaway who perform in the same classic style. Schwartz is the son of composer Arthur Schwartz and has worked at WNEW, WQEW and NNYC. more>>
Sirius about Stern
(15 September 2009)
eFUEL has entered into an agreement with SiriusXM to have Howard Stern and other Sirius programs advertise both Realjournal.com and outRAGEousEncounters.com. Said the company in a press release, "After announcing on June 18, 2009 that we received a Term Sheet and proposal from SiriusXM Satellite Radio to have Howard Stern: 'The King of All Media,' advertise for the company, we are happy to report that we have executed the agreement and Howard Stern and other shows on SiriusXM will be advertising for eFUEL promoting both Realjournal.com and outRAGEousEncounters.com websites." more>>
Sirius Repeaters to Puerto Rico
(15 September 2009)
The Federal Communications Commission has granted SiriusXM permission to operate 20 terrestrial repeaters for satellite radio service in Puerto Rico. In granting its permission, the FCC rejected the objections of radio broadcasters on the island that the satcaster would compete with terrestrial broadcasters for listeners. Apparently SiriusXM's signal is already available in Puerto Rico but is blocked by tall buildings and foliage in some locations. more>>
Last.fm in HD
(11 September 2009)
Last.fm is taking over four of CBS Radio's HD stations. The stations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and the Bay Area are expected to broadcast a mix of music based on the weekly charts on the Last.fm website along with live performances and interviews. Says CBSi Music Group boss David Goodman, "It is the flip side of what usually happens. In most cases, a media property becomes a website last, but in this case, it's a site that becomes an over-the-air property." more>>
Sirius Charges?
(11 September 2009)
Howard Stern's sidekick Artie Lange is scheduled for a hearing in Municipal Court in Toms River, New Jersey on a drunk driving charge. The charge originated on the afternoon of 10 July following a traffic accident. After the accident, Lange complied with the request for a urine sample and passed the Alcotest after the crash, according to officials. more>>
John Madden still Sirius
(10 September 2009)
Forget his retirement from television. Famous football analyst and former coach John Madden is returning to Sirius NFL Radio (Sirius, XM 124) for a sixth season. He can be heard every Friday at 11:30 AM(ET) and 8:30 PM(ET) with Adam Schein on The Sirius Blitz. "I look forward to staying connected with the game and the fans every week on Sirius NFL Radio," said Madden. "There's not a better channel for listeners who want to stay on top of everything happening around the league and I'm excited for another season on the air." more>>
Oprah more Sirius than ever.
(10 September 2009)
For the first time ever, SiriusXM is re-broadcasting the audio segment of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" on Oprah Radio (XM 156, Sirius 195). "We are pleased to offer access to 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' as great audio entertainment exclusively on Sirius XM," said Erik Logan, Executive Vice President, Harpo, Inc. "Now, Sirius XM listeners will be able to enjoy the latest 'Oprah' show the next morning, as well as their classic favorites on the radio." more>>
Into Tomorrow at CEDIA
(10 September 2009)
Leading cell phone signal booster purveyor Wi-Ex is hosting Dave Graveline and "Into Tomorrow" (Sirius 108 ,XM 139) at their booth at the Custom Electronics Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) Expo this Saturday, 12 Septerber from 1:00 to 4:00 PM(ET). "Hosting 'Into Tomorrow' at CEDIA is a perfect fit for Wi-Ex," said Bethan Mangold, Wi-Ex Marketing Manager. "As the leading international technology show, 'Into Tomorrow' is the perfect venue to discuss our new commercial offerings. We are launching out Commercial Solutions Division, as well as a new custom installer product which provide CEDIA members with a solution that reduces dropped calls and improves cell phone signal, as well as increases signal and speed of aircards EDGE and 3G technology." The CEDIA Expo is taking place at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. more>>
Nano Nano
(10 September 2009)
Apple's new iPod Nano allows users to listen to HD Radio with live station pause and resume and iTunes tagging as well as recording video. The 8GB model costs $149. A 16GB model is available for $179. Says Apple's Steve Jobs, "iPod nano is the world's most popular music player with over 100 million sold. And now we've added a video camera to its incredibly thin design, without any additional cost to the user." more>>
Dean Koontz gets Sirius about Trixie
(9 September 2009)
Famous author Dean Koontz is making an appearance on this weekend's Animal Radio, carried on America's Talk (XM 158) at noon (ET) on Saturday. Koontz will be discussing his latest book, "Trixie," about his late golden retriever. He shares his work with Canine Companions for Independence and explores our connection with animals. The show re-broadcasts on Sunday at 5:00 PM(ET) more>>
FM-5 gets Sirius!
(9 September 2009)
Those who listen to satellite radio have probably already noticed that the signal is a lot better. Those who don't listen to satellite radio may find this a good reason to start. SiriusXM has anounced that Sirius FM-5 (see RUsirius.com story dated 1 July 2009), the newest addition to the constellation, has recently been placed into service. "For our Sirius subscribers, FM-5 brings significantly improved performance to their cars as well as their homes and offices, or wherever they use their Sirius radios," says SiriusXM Chief Engineering Officer Terry Smith. "We expect FM-5 to provide exceptional service for many years to come, while improving the overall performance, reliability and longevity of our satellite fleet." more>>
Ondas' European satellite radio continues to grow.
(9 September 2009)
European satellite radio developer Ondas Media (see RUsirius.com story dated 17 August 2009) has hired Benoit Chereau, formerly of WorldSpace, to head up the new Paris office as Senior Vice President of Business Development. "As former CEO of Worldspace Europe, Chereau has a deep understanding and passion for the massive potential that is European satellite radio," says Ondas Media CEO Dave Krueger. "His extensive previous experience in managing subscriber services at Bouygues Telecom combined with the valuable lessons learned at Worldspace Europe will be critical to Ondas as we further develop our content offering." more>>
Sirius Football
(9 September 2009)
SiriusXM kicks off the NFL season tomorrow with play-by-play for every game plus 24-hour coverage on the NFL Channel (Sirius 124). The action starts at 8:30 PM(ET) tomorrow as the defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Tennessee Titans at Heinz Field. The game is available to listeners on Sirius (channels 125 and 124) and XM (channels 102 and 124). more>>
A Very Special Beatles Breakfast
(8 September 2009)
Host Chris Carter celebrates the release of the digitally remastered Beatles catalogue this week on "Breakfast with the Beatles" on The Underground Garage (Sirius 25, XM 59). Says Carter, "'The Underground Garage' will be celebrating the big day and the one-year anniversary of 'Breakfast with The Beatles' on satellite radio with 180 straight minutes of the new brilliant sounding Beatles remasters on 'The Underground Garage'. Switch On...tune In... number nine...number nine...09!' Breakfast with The Beatles spaces from 9:00 AM to noon (ET). more>>
Could Stern return?
(8 September 2009)
"King of All Media" Howard Stern could be returning to terrestrial radio at the end of his current contract with SiriusXM...but only part-time. Rumors have it that Stern could possibly continue in his current role on satellite radio but provide an edited version of his show for distribution to conventional broadcasters. The rumors are being circulated by Daily Finance columnist Anthony Massucci who writes, "I believe he will have to syndicate some part of his show to free radio to create more revenue for himself and Sirius." more>>
The NBA shoots and Scores!
(4 September 2009)
Score Media has announced their expanded National Basketball Association coverage for the upcoming season. "This year more than ever before, The Score will be the home for basketball fans," says John Levy, Score Media Chairman. "For the upcoming season The Score will be offering fans the ultimate multiplatform approach to covering the league - from web to mobile to satellite radio - as well as an awsome lineup of our original basketball programming." Score Media outlets for the upcoming NBA season are theScore.com, ScoreMobile for mobile devices, Hardcore Sports Radio (Sirius 186), and The Score Television Network. more>>
Get Sirius this Labor Day!
(3 September 2009)
SiriusXM has announced a series of special programming for the Labor Day Weekend. Highlights include Brooks and Dunn Radio on Prime Country (Sirius 61, XM 17), Reba McEntire ShortCuts on The Highway (Sirius 60, XM 16), a weekend at the Jersey Shore on E Street Radio (Sirius 10, XM 58), a Summer Jazz Festival Spectacular on Real Jazz (Sirius 72, XM 70), Rick Springfield's special on '80s on 8 (Sirius and XM 8), Workingman's Dead Weekend on the Grateful Dead Channel (Sirius 32, XM 57) and the Mostly Naked Summer Culmination on Alt Nation (Sirius 21, XM 74). Have a beer and enjoy! more>>
Solis gets Sirius
(3 September 2009)
To celebrate American labor, Labor Secretary Hilda Solis will be a guest DJ on The Spectrum (Sirius 18, XM 45) all weekend. Listeners can expect to heas songs like "Working on the Highway" by Bruce Springsteen, "Career Opportunities" by The Clash, "Work" by Bob Marley and "Maggie's Farm" by Bob Dylan. more>>
Hannity gets Sirius for Labor Day
(2 September 2009)
SiriusXM has announced that Sean Hannity's Freedom Radio will be featured exclusively this Labor Day, 7 September on Patriot (Sirius 144) and America Right (XM 166). The one-day broadcast contains segments from Hannity's "Freedom Concerts" that were presented at various venues throughout the month of August with Billy Ray Cyrus, Charlie Daniels, Lee Greenwood, Oliver North and Michael W. Smith. Says Hannity, "I am grateful to Sirius XM for giving me the opportunity to share what's been a deeply rewarding summer." The show debuts at 12:00 PM(ET) on 7 September. more>>
Sued in Canada
(2 September 2009)
SiriusXM Canadian affiliate Canadian Satellite Radio is being sued by a group representing songwriters and publishers for allegedly defaulting on its royalty payments. The Canadian Musical Reproduction Rights Agency (CMRRA) and the Society for Reproduction Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers in Canada (SODRAC) have launched a notice of application in Federal Court against the company, saying they are owed royalties dating back to 2005, when XM Canada first went on the air. The amount owed has not been specified. more>>
Old Volvos never die. They just get Sirius.
(1 September 2009)
Following in the footsteps of Audi (see RUsirius.com story dated 4 August), Volvo is introducing a plan to provide certified pre-owned vehicles with a free introductory 3-month trial of Sirius. "We are delighted to expand our relationship with Volvo to offer Sirius to drivers of certified pre-owned Volvo vehicles," said Doug Pergament, SiriusXM automotive veep. "We look forward to continuing to deliver our critically-acclaimed sports, news, talk, entertainment and 100% commercial-free mjusic programming to Volvo customers." more>>