Orbitcast: September 2008 Archives

Best of XM on Sirius - another success!

September 30, 2008 6:29 PM | 57 Comments

XM subscribers aren't the only ones who are successfully getting the "Best Of" programming, Sirius folks are getting hooked up too as evidenced by these photos.

I don't know about you, but to me it's mighty strange to see the cross-pollination of programming on the opposing receivers. After all these years, it's just... weird.

More photos of Best of XM programming on Sirius receivers below.

Best of XM on Sirius

[via Wackbag]

57 Comments

Sirius Starmate 5: World's first A La Carte radio makes its debut

September 30, 2008 2:17 PM | 12 Comments

The Sirius Starmate 5 has made its debut on Sirius' website - which serves as the official unveiling of the world's first A La Carte satellite radio.

The features of the Starmate 5 Dock and Play radio haven't changed since info was leaked out of the FCC, but here's a quick rundown as a refresher:

Supports programming packages or A La Carte selection.
Blue wide-screen display: Easy viewing and use
Universal docking capability: Add accessories to enjoy in your home,
office or additional vehicles
Pause, rewind and replay up to 44 minutes
30 presets, S-Seek Alert, and One-Touch Jump
Parental controls: Easily lock and unlock channels

The Starmate 5's "official" release date, I assume, remains at October 6th even though it's up on Sirius' website now. Additionally, the Starmate 5 will sell at a suggested price of $129.95.

[Product Page]

UPDATE: For pricing and channel availability for the Sirius XM Radio Inc. a la carte packages, check out these links: A La Carte (starting at $6.99/month) and A La Carte Gold (starting at $14.99/month).

12 Comments

Best of Sirius on XM (part deux)

September 30, 2008 12:59 PM | 28 Comments

Another set of photos of the Best of Sirius package working for XM subscribers - this time on a Pioneer Inno. Also, if you missed it, there's a Best of Sirius page up on XM's website.

Best of Sirius on Inno

28 Comments

Best of Sirius on XM - a successful subscription!

September 30, 2008 10:29 AM | 42 Comments

An Orbitcast reader has successfully subscribed to the "Best of Sirius" on his XM account. He was able to do it online, even though the site appears to be running extremely slowly right now.

Thanks Rob!

42 Comments

Howard Stern on XM, Opie & Anthony on Sirius

September 30, 2008 9:56 AM | 16 Comments

Is the sky falling?

Howard Stern appears on XM's website - XM channel 100, and Opie & Anthony appear on Sirius' website - Sirius channel 197.

Thanks Marcus!

16 Comments

Latest Sirius channel update shows XM category on (some) radios

September 30, 2008 9:51 AM | 20 Comments

Reports continue to stream in over the "Best of" shenanigans. Indeed, after millions of Sirius subscribers received a channel update this morning, many have reported seeing two XM-related categories showing up.

Starmate 4 with XM

The first channel category is simply entitled "XM" seen above on a Sirius Starmate 4. The second category is entitled "XM Sports," seen below on a Sirius Starmate Replay.

Starmate Replay with XM

It seems that not all radios are showing these new categories. Reports have come in that the Stiletto 2 and Sportster 4 aren't showing the XM categories even after the channel update.

No one, at this point, is able to receive and hear the XM channels.

Developing....

20 Comments

Best of Sirius channels appear on XM Radio Online

September 30, 2008 9:31 AM | 6 Comments

Looks like the "Best of" leakage is continuing. Now the "Best of Sirius" channels have appeared on the XM Radio Online internet radio service.

You can't listen to them, but they're therre.

Thanks Moose!

6 Comments

Best of XM shows up on Sirius.com

September 30, 2008 9:17 AM | 13 Comments

Reports are flying in that the Best of XM is up on Sirius' website now (screen shot above), ahead of what I would assume would be an official announcement from Sirius XM Radio Inc.

You can see full details on the "Best of" packages (which includes the Sirius Everything with Best of XM package, and the Sirius Everything package). You can see the other packages here, which include Mostly Music.

Plus, check out all the details on the A La Carte and A La Carte Gold packages.

UPDATE: Reports have come in that people have tried to sign up for these packages, but got a message saying they're not currently compatible with their radio.

Developing...

Thanks to everyone who sent these in!

13 Comments

Rep. Markey launches bill for HD Radio mandate in all Satellite Radios

September 29, 2008 1:21 PM | 25 Comments

Representative Edward Markey (D-MA), not content with a Federal Communications Commission inquiry on the subject, is has sponsored a bill to force HD Radio chips into Satellite Radios.

The "Radio All Digital Channel Receiver Act" (H.R. 7157) would mandate that devices designed to receive both Sirius XM Radio Inc. service - and terrestrial radio - must be able to receive HD Radio too.

Of course, the FCC launched a Notice of Inquiry on the HD Radio mandate just last month. But Markey can't wait to let that play out it seems.

"Millions of Americans today rely on local broadcast radio for news, public safety bulletins, sports, weather, traffic and other information," Markey said in a statement.

"The recent merger of the only two satellite radio providers, XM and Sirius satellite radio, has underscored the importance of ensuring consumer access to a diversity of sources for digital radio content, in particular content originating in their local communities," Markey added.

Markey's bill is co-sponsored by Charles Gonzalez (D-TX), Greg Walden (R-OR), and Lee Terry (R-NE) - three staunch Clear Channel supporters.

[HR 7151 (PDF) via ArsTechnica]

25 Comments

XM channel changes, and Howard Stern on channel pages

September 29, 2008 10:46 AM | 11 Comments

The latest XM Signal email newsletter revealed some upcoming channel changes to the XM dial, and a quick glance at some of the channel pages on the XM website shows Howard Stern in the lineup.

According to the XM Signal email:

"Beginning September 30th, the following channels will relocate on the XM dial: The Joint (XM 101) moves to XM 95, Air Musique (XM 100) moves to XM 96, and Sur La Route (XM 102) moves to XM 97. Additionally, Starbucks XM Cafe (XM 45) reverts back to XM Cafe (XM 45)."

So, it's safe to assume that Howard 100 and Howard 101 will retain the same channel designations on XM Satellite Radio.

If you need further proof, check out the XM channel 100 page (pictured above), where you can see "The Howard Stern Show" in the program list. The same holds true for XM channel 101,

Now here's the cool part: both the channel 100 and 101 channel guide pages also show Howard Stern programming starting on September 30th. Yes, that's tomorrow.

Thanks Ryan!

11 Comments

Pandora sets sights on Satellite Radio

September 29, 2008 8:53 AM | 13 Comments

Pandora CEO Tim Westergren (pictured) declared that satellite radio and terrestrial radio are "in the crosshairs" and that his goal is to "transform radio," reports Radio-Info.

The comments were made during a "listener meet-up" in Manhattan following the Ad Week presentations by top radio execs last week.

Pandora.com has 17 million registered users, with about 100,000 to 200,000 listeners tuned in at any given moment. Westergren claims that there are times when Pandora constitutes 2% of all web traffic.

But perhaps more importantly is the prospect that Pandora could venture beyond music and into talk and sports programming.

Westergren told the group in downtown Manhattan that it is certainly possible that Pandora will answer its users' requests and work on licensing non-music content just as talk and sports. And with the listener numbers Pandora is pulling in, there's a growing number of personalities that will want to be part of this movement.

[Radio-Info]

13 Comments

"Best of" Sirius channel logos show up on XM

September 27, 2008 10:49 PM | 15 Comments

Reports have come in of the "Best of" Sirius channel logos are showing up on the XM Satellite Radio service, and someone even snapped off a few photos of them in action.

As far as we know, the "Best of" services are still scheduled for an October 6th launch, so these are probably just live tests and the channel assignments could very likely change.

But it's still pretty cool to see.

[XMFan]
Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

15 Comments

Gorillaz to host Sirius Left of Center next week

September 26, 2008 11:37 AM | 4 Comments

The masterminds behind the band Gorillaz - Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett - will host mornings for one week starting on Monday, September 29th on Sirius' indie channel Left of Center.

Damon and Jamie will share some of their favorite music and play tracks from their new project "Monkey: Journey to the West," a modern take on the 16th century Chinese novel Journey to the West, currently being performed in London.

The virtual band Gorillaz was created in 1998 by Damon Albarn of the band Blur, and Jamie Hewlett, co-creator of the comic book Tank Girl.

Gorillaz is made up of four animated band members: 2D, Murdoc, Noodle and Russel, but is actually a collaboration between various musicians (Albarn is the only permanent musical contributor).

The band's first album, 2001's Gorillaz, sold over seven million copies and earned them an entry in the Guinness Book of Records as the "Most Successful Virtual Band." Their second studio album, Demon Days, was released in 2005 went double platinum in the U.S., earned a Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals category in 2006.

Damon and Jamie will co-host on Left of Center beginning this Monday, September 29th through Friday, October 3rd from 10 - 11am ET.

4 Comments

Jackson Browne interview to air on XM's The Loft

September 26, 2008 10:26 AM | 3 Comments

Legendary singer-songwriter Jackson Browne will appear on XM's The Loft for an in-depth interview and music special this Saturday, September 27th.

The interview and music special, entitled "Songlines," coincides with the release of Browne's new record, Time the Conqueror, his first album of new material in six years.

During the in-depth interview, Browne will be sharing his thoughts on various artists who have influenced him throughout his career, including David Crosby, Graham Nash, The Beatles and Kris Kristofferson. Browne will also share stories about life in New York City in the 1960s and Southern California in the 1970s.

"Songlines" - which will air this Saturday at 11:30am ET The Loft (ch 50) - also include tracks off Browne's new record as well as music from his friends and influences. Browne will personally introduce and share anecdotes songs throughout.

3 Comments

Sirius Outlaw Country to debut new monthly series this weekend

September 26, 2008 9:34 AM | No Comments

Sirius' Outlaw Country is launching a new monthly series called "Through the Eyes of the Producer" which will be hosted by some of country's most legendary record producers.

Featured producers such as Fred Foster, Bob Johnston, Shelby Singleton and many others will take Sirius listeners behind the scenes by sharing their first-hand stories of historic sessions as well as original recordings by some of Outlaw Country's biggest names, including Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, Dolly Parton and many others.

Here's a quick rundown of some on the roster and their credentials (many other renowned producers will follow):

Fred Foster: produced Roy Orbison's "Oh, Pretty Woman" and Kris Kristofferson's "Me and Bobby McGee"
Bob Johnston: produced Johnny Cash's record At Folsom Prison and Bob Dylan's Highway 61 Revisited
Shelby Singleton: produced Leroy Van Dyke's "Walk On By" and Jeanine C. Reilly's "Harper Valley P.T.A."

"Through the Eyes of the Producer" will debut this Saturday, September 27th at 5pm, on Sirius Outlaw Country (ch 63).

No Comments

John Riggins returns to Sirius NFL Radio

September 26, 2008 8:25 AM | 5 Comments

Hall of Fame NFL running back John Riggins is making his return to the Sirius Satellite Radio NFL lineup as a regular host, starting today.

Riggins hosted a daily show on Sirius NFL Radio from 2004 to 2006.

"If you're an NFL fan, you're not going to find a better place to talk football than Sirius NFL Radio," said Riggins.

Riggins will host "The Sirius Blitz" Tuesdays through Fridays, 10am - 1pm ET, every week on Sirius NFL Radio channel 124. Riggins will co-host "The Sirius Blitz" alongside longtime Sirius NFL Radio personality Adam Schein.

"I'm excited to be back and am looking forward to being part of a show that I hope will be as fun and engaging for the listeners as I know it'll be for me," added Riggins.

5 Comments

XMp3 on cover of Crutchfield

September 25, 2008 1:54 PM | 7 Comments

Folks who get the Crutchfield catalog may be surprised to see the upcoming XMp3 satellite radio player gracing the cover. Interestingly enough, a quick search on Crutchfield only shows some accessories, not the XMp3 device itself.

Check out an image of the full cover after the jump...

7 Comments

OpenFrame IP media phone to support Sirius?

September 25, 2008 8:15 AM | 6 Comments

OpenPeak's upcoming device - called the OpenFrame IP media phone - brings together voice, data, video and mobile into a touchscreen "home communications" center.

And apparently it will support Sirius, judging by the photo of the device released by the company (above).

There's no details on the Sirius-support, yet, but the OpenFrame media phone itself connects via WiFi/Ethernet link, giving access to applications like a family calendar, e-mail, text messaging, synced address book and directory services. So I'm assuming it will access Sirius Internet Radio, much like the Sonos.

The OpenFrame can also access news, sports, weather, stock quotes and traffic... oh, and has the ability to make traditional or VoIP phone calls. Sounds interesting, but won't be available until early next year.

[OpenPeak via Engadget]
Thanks Bob!

6 Comments

Sirius XM music programming execs announced

September 24, 2008 6:18 PM | 29 Comments

Sirius XM Radio Inc. Senior VP of Music Programming Jon Zellner sent out an email to employees today announcing the company's new music programming executives.

Here's the rundown:

Kid Kelly (Sirius) is named VP of Pop/Dance/Urban
Gregg Steele (Sirius) becomes the VP of Rock.
Trinity (XM) is appointed VP of Classical/Jazz/Latin
Jon Anthony (XM) is named VP of Country
Mitch Todd (Sirius) is appointed Senior Director of Music Production.

"I am pleased to announce the next level of management on the music programming team at Sirius XM Radio," wrote Zellner in an internal e-mail. "These individuals have been important contributors to the success of Sirius and XM as leaders in audio entertainment and bring many years of programming experience to the company."

Zellner added, "This team's skill, creativity and depth of knowledge in their respective music formats will help us combine the best of both Sirius and XM programmers and on-air talent to produce commercial-free music channels spanning every genre of music."

The newly appointed execs will all report directly to Zellner.

Additionally, FMQB is reporting that Steve Kingston will be stepping down as XM VP/Artist & Label Relations and Senior PD of Rock.

"I will be leaving Sirius XM to pursue 'other interests,' spend time with my young children, and occasionally drive my wife to work at WPLJ to sit in the lobby and read the trades," Kingston told FMQB.

[Radio & Records, FMQB]

29 Comments

Sirius XM Radio spent over $700k on merger lobbying in 2Q

September 23, 2008 12:16 PM | 7 Comments

A recent Associated Press report shows that XM Satellite Radio Inc spent $240k on lobbying in the second quarter of 2008.

Meanwhile, Orbitcast has learned from recent disclosure reports with the House clerk's office that Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. spent approximately $475k on lobbying during the same period.

This brings the total spent on lobbying by Sirius XM Radio Inc. to $715,000 for the second quarter of 2008.

The merger wasn't the only reason for the lobbying - but I'm sure it took a lionshare of activity. Other topics included "copyright issues," and legislative/policies impacting the SDARS licenses (read: merger stuff).

Compare this to the $1.2 Million in lobbying spent by Clear Channel Communications Inc., much of which was in opposition of the Sirius XM merger.

7 Comments

Opie & Anthony closer to new deal?

September 23, 2008 8:00 AM | 39 Comments

Negotiations to keep Opie & Anthony on satellite radio could be one step closer, but have yet to be officially solidified with just over 7 days left to make a decision.

Opie & Anthony met with the Sirius XM Radio Inc. executives yesterday, according to FMQB. The radio duo also met with Scott Greenstein back in early August, but - obviously - no deal has been publicly announced.

The Virus (ch 202) channel has appeared as part of the "Best Of" lineup, giving a glimmer of hope to fans, but Opie & Anthony were not specifically named as part of the package. Let's see if that changes over the next week.

[FMQB]

39 Comments

David Frear to speak at the 2008 Deutsche Bank conference

September 22, 2008 7:43 PM | 3 Comments

David Frear, Sirius XM Radio Inc. Chief Financial Officer and EVP will be presenting at the Deutsche Bank Leveraged Finance Conference this Thursday, September 25th, the company said today.

Sirius-XM didn't indicate whether the presentation will be webcast, plus there's no sign of it on the events and webcasts calendar. Deutsche Bank won't be webcasting it either.

Still, if you're attending or just want to set your watch for the hell of it, Frear is expected to be presenting at approximately 10:55am ET.

3 Comments

As satellite radio penetration grows, Delphi recognized by JD Power

September 22, 2008 8:50 AM | 2 Comments

Delphi ranked at the top of the AM/FM single CD player/satellite radio category for JD Power & Associates' 2008 Multimedia Quality and Satisfaction Study.

Delphi nearly won a second JD Power award for AM/FM multi-CD changer/satellite radio, but was bested by Clarion.

According to JD Power, new vehicles with satellite radio capability have grown considerably, rising to 55 percent this year alone. That's up from 39 percent in 2007, which itself is up significantly from 26 percent in 2006.

"New-vehicle buyers are looking for the latest technologies in audio systems and the presence of features such as satellite radio and navigation systems will only increase as manufacturers try to meet consumer demand," Allison LaDuc, JD Power's senior research manager of automobile product quality.

And Delphi did very well in terms of quality.

JD Power's study, based on 81,530 respondents who bought a 2008 model vehicle, evaluates an owner's experience with quality, design satisfaction and features of multimedia systems in new vehicles.

The survey research found Delphi scored a 2.7 overall in the AM/FM single CD player/satellite radio segment. The average score in that segment was 5.3. Since this is a measure of "problems per 100 vehicles" (or "PP100"), the lower scores indicate higher quality.

Delphi just missed a second JD Power award for AM/FM multi-CD changer/satellite radio. It scored a 5.6 - just behind Clarion's score of 5.4.

[Trading Markets]

2 Comments

Sirius Travel Link highlighted in Ford Flex ad campaign

September 21, 2008 10:29 AM | 2 Comments

Ford Motor Co. is giving the Sirius Travel Link service a premiere spotlight in a recent run of its Ford Flex online advertising campaign.

Discovered on weather.com, the entire focus of the interactive ads highlight Sirius Travel Link by allowing users to "control the weather" by selecting rain, wind or snow. The end-screen (see above) closes with the slogan "Sirius Travel Link - The closest you can get to controlling the weather."

The interesting thing isn't just the excellent targeting of the ad (highlighting Sirius Travel Link on Weather.com makes so much sense, it's almost a no-brainer), but that Ford incorporated it so deeply into the ads. Sirius Travel Link is literally the entire subject of the ad, which is part of Ford's massive multimedia campaign that focuses on "the emotion of driving" the Flex.

And it's further evidence of the importance of telematics upgrades like Sirius Travel Link and XM NavWeather/NavTraffic (not to mention satellite radio in general) to automakers. They're easy-to-grasp differentiators that might just help bridge the gap between consideration and model intention - but that's a topic for an entirely different post.

Click the jump to see full screenshots of the weather.com ad campaign...

2 Comments

Satellite radio provider soars on debt payment deferral

September 20, 2008 8:11 PM | 5 Comments

Shares of a satellite radio provider surged Friday after it reached an agreement to defer its debt payment, and no, we're talking not about Sirius XM Radio Inc.

Indeed it was Washington D.C.-based Worldspace Inc. that jumped up more than 101% to $1.71 on Friday after the satellite radio provider announced that it has reached an agreement in principle to defer its debt payment.

The company reached an agreement with each of the four holders of its amended and restated secured notes and second amended and restated convertible notes to defer its obligation to pay $19.97 million in principal amount of the bridge loan notes until September 25th, plus accrued but unpaid interest due on the notes, which was payable on September 15th..

WorldSpace said that it's working on developing a comprehensive operational and financial restructuring plan to address its immediate and longer term financing requirements.

If the winds of positive news can change for WorldSpace, maybe Sirius XM won't be too far away?

[Stockhouse]
Thanks Peter!

5 Comments

Sirius' Jay Thomas to interview Sarah Palin's father

September 20, 2008 12:28 PM | 6 Comments

Actor and Sirius Satellite Radio personality Jay Thomas will welcome the father of Governor Sarah Palin, Chuck Heath, to his daily show on Monday.

Heath will share stories from Sarah Palin's childhood, her road to becoming Alaska's first female Governor and the weeks leading up to her selection and announcement as the GOP's nominee for Vice President.

Known for his humorous outlook on issues, Jay Thomas will bring his listeners an honest and certainly fun look at the life of the Alaskan Governor and possible next Vice President.

Tune in this Monday, September 22nd at 5:30pm ET on Sirius Stars (ch 102) for the special episode of Thomas' show.

6 Comments

Return of XM Fungus or Sirius Punk "not a guarantee"

September 19, 2008 3:27 PM | 37 Comments

Following the launch of the AC/DC channel, and the subsequent replacement of XM Fungus and Sirius Punk, many angry fans took to contacting Sirius XM Radio to find out if punk will ever return to satellite radio.

And judging by some of the comments posted, it doesn't look hopeful. So I had an exchange with Jon Zellner, SVP of Music Programming at Sirius XM Radio, to find out for myself.

Zellner seemed very empathetic of the fans' concerns, but also didn't give much of a guarantee that the punk channels will return. Zellner said that "the return of Fungus or Punk is not a guarantee," adding that "the channel had a loyal but very limited audience on the network."

Still, he did indicate that customer feedback is appreciated, and that the company will "monitor customer feedback closely and re-evaluate early next year." So voicing your concern does make a difference. Incidentally, there is a petition for those who want to participate.

I can understand the difficult position Zellner (and everyone else at the company) is in when it comes to the elimination of programming. It's a constant balancing act, and you usually end up making some segment of your audience angry - no matter what you do.

Zellner added that he really does love the music, and wishes that the services "had room for 200 more music channels in every possible genre."

The conundrum for satellite radio is that the sleeping in giant in the room - Internet Radio - does have room for channels of every possible genre. It just doesn't have a reliable delivery method... yet. Something tells me there must be a better way to include the artist-only specials, without eliminating entire genres.

(Photo Credit: Flickr)

37 Comments

Howard Stern, Mel Karmazin get "featured" in Steppin' Out magazine

September 19, 2008 12:37 PM | 12 Comments

Chaunce Hayden is at it again, this time he's calling Sirius XM Radio Inc. CEO Mel Karmazin and Sirius personality Howard Stern the "assholes of the week" in his amateur magazine Steppin' Out.

Hayden cites his vast experience of having hosted his own Internet radio show as a basis that Sirius won't be able to support Stern's salary. He also brags about his prophetic capabilities by saying he "predicted in five years Sirius stock would be in the toilet," back in 2005. Thankfully Chaunce isn't bragging about those scary "death threats" he's receiving on message boards, because that's just embarrassing.

Hayden elevated his demeanor in the piece by writing that Mel Karmazin has a "creepy gummy smile" and describes Karmazin as a "con man" rather than an asshole. At least he's not seeding any sex-tape rumors - we wouldn't want Chaunce to ruin his credibility or anything.

But when he personifies Mel Karmazin and Howard Stern as being "behind every major corporate failure" you learn just what an over-dramatic wannabe this little man truly is.

Did I mention the circulation of Steppin' Out is only 150k? And that's after being around for 20 years. I guess Hayden's technique of goading Stern over the years hasn't paid off.

[Howard Shrine]

12 Comments

RCA Infinite Radio packs a lot of punch for a clock radio

September 19, 2008 10:50 AM | 5 Comments

We last saw the RCA Infinite Radio at CES 2008 and got mighty excited about it because let users access all types of Internet radio (including Slacker) without a PC. Well, last night it made an appearance at the Pepcom event and now we know more about how it works.

The RCA Infinite Radio receives internet-based music and talk streams via WiFi. Just connect with your router and you're good to go. It also receives Slacker Personal Radio and includes the Heart/Ban buttons built right on to the device.

Additionally, the Infinite Radio comes packaged with a WeatherBug alerts subscription (a free 4 year pre-paid subscription is included with the device). The on-demand weather information - including 1-day and 3-day weather forecasts as well as emergency alerts - gets delivered right to the RCA Infinite Radio. You only need to activate the Slacker and WeatherBug free subscriptions online once, and then you're good to go.

The RCA Infinite Radio also lets you save 10 hours of music into its built-in memory, though you can't save Slacker streams (for legal reasons I'm assuming). And yes, it's an alarm clock, so you can wake-up to Internet radio, Slacker, AM/FM radio or tracks off a USB flash memory device.

The RCA Infinite Radio (model RIR205) will be available this fall for $149.99 MSRP.

5 Comments

Clear Channel CEO lambastes FCC over Satellite Radio Merger

September 19, 2008 7:45 AM | 22 Comments

Clear Channel CEO Mark Mays had words about the FCC's approving of the merger between Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio at a panel during this week's NAB Radio Show.

"I don't know how they [the FCC] allowed XM and Sirius to merge into a monopoly," said Clear Channel chief Mark Mays (pictured left, next to his father and Clear Channel chairman, Lowry Mays).

Of course, that criticism didn't prevent Clear Channel from revamping their channels on XM following the Sirius XM Radio Inc. merger. The Clear Channel controlled channels are reported to earn the radio conglomerate "seven figure revenue" annually.

Mays continued his remarks about the FCC, "They clearly didn't have the backbone right now to do the right thing." Mays added that "the right thing" would be to mandate that HD Radio be included in all receivers.

I wonder if calling Chairman Kevin Martin, as well as Commissioners McDowell and Tate, as having no "backbone" will encourage the FCC to do "the right thing"?

[FMQB]

22 Comments

SiriusConnect FMSC1 now shipping, add Sirius to any car

September 18, 2008 4:12 PM | 2 Comments

Directed Electronics has started shipping the SiriusConnect FM-SC1 Universal FM Interface, which allows you to connect Sirius to nearly any car stereo.

"It connects to the vehicle radio either by AUX-IN or via the FM antenna," said John Durbin, Director of Product Development for Satellite Radio at Directed Electronics.

When used with the SCC1 tuner the FM-SC1 allows the vehicle sound system to receive Sirius Satellite Radio, controlled by the devices's compact display/control unit. The FM-SC1 can also be used in conjunction with an SCVDOC1 and a Dock & Play radio in the Sportster, Starmate or Stratus families.

The FM-SC1 will be available for a suggested $129 (or $179 when sold in conjunction with the SCC1 SiriusConnect Universal Vehicle Tuner).

[Directed Electronics]

2 Comments

New Onkyo high-end THX Ultra2 receivers get both Sirius and XM

September 18, 2008 12:54 PM | 5 Comments

Onkyo is introducing two new top of the line THX Ultra2 Plus certified 7.1-channel A/V receivers, the TX-SR876 and the TX-NR906. Both are built to work with all the latest A/V sources.

The TX-SR876 and TX-NR906 (terrible naming convention - but that's the receiver market for ya) also have built-in HD Radio tuners, are fully compatible with Onkyo RI (Remote Interactive) iPod docks, and will be XM and Sirius satellite-radio-ready.

They'll also support Neural-THX surround for XM HD. A service I wish we would see creep up in more receivers.

The Windows Vista Certified TX-NR906 also supports portable digital audio devices thanks to a front panel USB connection, as well as streaming audio via Ethernet (what, no WiFi?). Streaming includes files stored on networked PCs and hard drives in a wide range of formats (MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC, and Ogg Vorbis). It also supports web-based audio programs via Internet radio, including Sirius Internet Radio.

The TX-SR876 and the TX-NR906 will retail at $1,799 and $2,299, respectively.

[Gizmodo]

5 Comments

Rehr: "Negativity is pervading the radio business"

September 18, 2008 8:33 AM | 21 Comments

"Negativity is pervading the radio business and threatens to paralyze us."

Those were the words from the NAB's el presidente David Rehr at the NAB Radio Show this week. He's right, of course. Negativity is pervading the radio business, and does threaten to paralyze the industry.

And the NAB hasn't helped in propagating this negativity. In relentlessly fighting new technologies. In resorting to smokey-room lobbying tactics. In setting up front-groups to appear as "consumers." In resisting the current of change, as opposed to embracing it.

"Never before has our business faced so many challenges -- a rapidly changing media landscape that makes us feel unsure and unbalanced, turbulent economic conditions that impact our bottom lines, and regulatory and legislative hurdles that threaten the way we conduct our business."

It's like a mallet has hit Rehr on the head (or, in the rear). You almost think he finally gets it. Until...

"...in order for us to move forward and build a successful future, we cannot continue to operate as we have in the past. We must stop listening to the negativity and false messages, many of which come from our own people. And we must commit to spreading the positive news about radio."

No. No. No. Spreading the "positive news" won't solve the negativity. Radio needs to be the positive news. There's no need to tell the world how wonderful radio is - the audience is far smarter than you think - radio just needs to be wonderful.

The thing is, Satellite Radio is already wonderful because of the niche content. It's relevant to its audience. It provides content that you can't hear anywhere else. Subscribers love what they hear, and over 18 million people are willing to pay for it every month.

The challenge for Sirius XM Radio is to not lose their way. In the goal to reach a mass audience, do not forget what got you this far to begin with.

21 Comments

Sirius Stratus 5 hits retail shelves

September 17, 2008 7:57 PM | 7 Comments

The Sirius Stratus 5 has hit retail shelves and is available for sale now, but it won't pack many surprises for most Sirius-fans.

We first saw the Stratus 5 hit the FCC back in May, and since then, there's no surprises. It's essentially a standard plug-and-play satellite radio receiver with a pretty blue screen. But a lot of people are fans of the blue screen, so it ain't all bad.

The Stratus 5 is also an entry level devices, coming in at $69.99 - for now.

It's sure no Starmate 5, nor is it meant to be. It's also not an A La Carte radio either, so the "Best Of" packages will be all that's available. But for many people, that's all they need.

[TSS-Radio]
(Disclosure: Yes, TSS is a sponsor, but I'd still post this anyway, and you know that.)

7 Comments

Slacker G2 unveiled, ditches touchstrip

September 16, 2008 7:56 PM | 12 Comments

Slacker today unveiled the second incarnation of their personal radio player, the Slacker G2. An upgrade from the previous generation Slacker player, this version has ditched the pseudo-touch capabilities for a smaller, and arguably more intuitive, package.

Sadly, we're not hearing anything additional about Slacker's promised satellite capabilities, which have been a long time in the waiting.

Still, we love gadgets, and the Slacker G2 doesn't seem to disappoint. The device is completely portable, no network connection required to play (it caches the channels, like the previous model), and features a 2.4" color screen for displaying artist profiles, album reviews and large cover art. Designed for easy one-hand operation, it allows for personalization on the go with a push of the Favorite or Ban buttons.

The Slacker G2, much like the Sirius Stilleto 2 and XM XMp3 (and Inno), doesn't tout its storage limits as much as the amount of content they can play. In Slacker's case, it comes in two versions:25 and 40 station capacities.

Battery life comes in at 15 hours and the Slacker G2 features a standard 30-pin accessory connector.

Still, in this era of (cheaper) iPhones and Apple's digital music player dominance, I'm wondering if a hardware solution is even the way to go. With Slacker coming to the BlackBerry, you know other mobile devices are on the horizon. So should hardware even an option for this type of solution?

Without a dock for playing in the car, why even bother?

Click the jump for tons of photos...

12 Comments

Sirius Starmate 5 to be released October 6th

September 16, 2008 10:31 AM | 8 Comments

UPDATE: The Sirius Starmate 5 has been unveiled!

A little birdy has told us that the Sirius Starmate 5, first seen in the hallowed halls of the FCC (hence the ugly photo), will be making its debut in stores on October 6th.

Indeed, that coincides with the release date that XM had to disclose to the FCC for the now uber-public XMp3.

The same birdy has confirmed what we already suspected as well, that the Starmate 5 will an A La Carte radio and "more radios will also be released for both services the same day." Does this include the XMp3, or others that we haven't seen yet? Mum's the word for now.

8 Comments

XMp3: Everything you ever wanted to know

September 16, 2008 8:28 AM | 30 Comments

Pioneer has put up detailed images, specifications and the user guide for XM's upcoming portable satellite radio player, the XMp3.

But rather than make you read the 78-page user guide, I've broken down all the highlights in one handy post.

30 Comments

Poll: Are you angry about XM Fungus (and Sirius Punk)?

September 15, 2008 6:14 PM | 77 Comments

Judging by the comments streaming in, there's a lot of angry XM Fungus fans over its replacement by the AC/DC channel.

But only a percentage of Orbitcast visitors actually participate in the comments, so I set up a poll to find out if readers - whether you're a punk fan or not - are just as angry about Fungus being taken off the air. Partake below.

UPDATE: I added Sirius Punk in addition to XM Fungus.

77 Comments

XMp3 pricing and features unveiled

September 15, 2008 3:05 PM | 33 Comments

XM Satellite Radio's upcoming new portable receiver has hit the pages of Best Buy's website, following a tidbit of info from Popular Science this weekend.

XMp3 features:

Record up to 100 hours of XM radio
Listen to MP3 and WMA files with the microSD card slot (microSD card sold separately)
TFT display
Manage your music and playlists with the XM2go music manager software
One-touch recording for up to 10 hours
Scheduling recording and automatic recording of favorite channels
Record up to 5 channels simultaneously
Includes home dock, power adapter, home antenna, RCA cable, USB cable, rechargeable battery, ear buds and remote
Dimensions: 3-3/5" height x 2" width x 3/5" depth
Weight: 3.2 oz.
Price: $279.99

The device is manufactured by Pioneer, and the model number is GEX-XMP3.

[Best Buy]
Thanks Dwight!

UPDATE: I've updated the bullet points above to reflect the difference between recording XM audio, and storing digital audio. The MP3s can be stored on the microSD cards (not included, but 8Gb versions cost just over $20).

A source tells me that the XMp3 has 2Gb of internal storage space, dedicated for storing up to 100 hours of XM audio. And with the ablity to record 5 channels at once, you'll need every bit of it.

33 Comments

Mel Karmazin regrets comments, considers free programming

September 15, 2008 8:15 AM | 33 Comments

In an interview with Wall Street Journal reporter Sarah McBride, Sirius XM Radio Inc. CEO Mel Karmazin said he regretted a comment he said last week, and offered up some plans for helping to grow the company.

Karmazin last week joked at an investor conference, "Am I going to lend the company the money? I hope not. I hope we don't get to that."

But investors weren't laughing, and it's a comment that Karmazin ultimately regrets.

"I wish I didn't say it," Karmazin told WSJ. "I tend to be candid. I said something off-handed. I wish it was as simple as that."

Since the merger of Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. and XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. the company's stock has fallen approximately 40%, and now trades under a dollar.

Karmazin also told the Wall Street Journal that the company has considered a plan to reactivate the radios of lapsed subscribers and give them a small selection of programming free of charge as an enticement to bring them back to satellite radio.

Sending a limited selection of programming to inactive radios turns otherwise useless satellite radio receivers into a gateway for reactivation. "That would be a very efficient use," says Mel Karmazin, but added that while the company has considered the move, it currently doesn't have plans to implement it.

As for the refinancing of $300 million in convertible bonds due in February, Mel Karmazin last week said the company has already begun a series of meetings with banks.

"They [investors] didn't want to hear that we're having discussions," Karmazin to WSJ. "They wanted it done." And while the refinancing is a priority, Karmazin said he wants to arrange it at favorable terms. The last time debt was renegotiated the stock price dropped 16%.

Sirius XM Radio Inc. is also currently negotiating with big box retailers like Best Buy and Circuit City to ensure top placement and promotion for its product over the key holiday sales season.

[Wall Street Journal]

33 Comments

XMp3 debuts in Popular Science

September 13, 2008 5:01 PM | 26 Comments

It appears that XM is ready to take the wraps off of the upcoming XMp3 player, and Popular Science got first dibs.

While it's a scant in the details department, there's one nugget of info that will make the XM aficionado excited. From the Popular Science write up:

"Never miss your favorite broadcasts, with an XM Radio player that can record up to five stations at once. Other portable players save only one channel, but the XMp3 can decode five incoming streams to snag multiple songs whether it's in the dock or in your pocket."

Thanks Kevin!

26 Comments

XM's Wild Ride returns. Bigger, badder and now with Gorillas

September 13, 2008 3:04 PM | 5 Comments

The XM Wild Ride website is back, and better than last year, with more games and interaction and, yes, even gorillas.

Notably different from last year's version is the lack of a sweepstakes. Which is probably a good thing since that increases the budget significantly, and I'm not so sure sweepstakes do much (other than drive sweeps-addicts).

Now the interactivity has been improved, a lot. You can flip new animals (including a gorilla) into a new XM ride, help a Hippo cross the road in a Frogger-style game, or check out the XM video at the drive-in. And it's all accessed in a neat interface where you drive around town among other wild drivin' animals.

Plus you can share XM with your friends by sending them a link to a special 30-day free trial of XM Radio Online. (Remember that regular online trials are typically 3-days.)

XM even created a Facebook Page to help spread the word.

[XM Wild Ride]

5 Comments

Slacker coming to the BlackBerry

September 12, 2008 3:48 PM | 6 Comments

Slacker's internet radio service is coming to the BlackBerry this October, and featureset looks to be incredibly similar to the regular Slacker Portable Player features.

As with Slacker's web-based and device-based offerings, you can use the service for free - and the BlackBerry app will be free as well.

Stations are cached on the Blackberry's memory card, so you can play them without a WiFi or 3G connection and don't miss a beat even when you drop signal. Every time you connect the device, the channels will refresh with new content based on your preferences. And just like the Slacker we all know, you can Heart or Ban songs to personalize the music channels to your liking.

Look for the app to be available for BlackBerrys sometime next month.

[Gizmodo]

6 Comments

HD Radio awareness is up... so what?

September 12, 2008 1:35 PM | 9 Comments

A research report by Mark Kassof & Co. has revealed that 67 percent of 18-64 year olds have heard of HD Radio, a rise from 38 percent (two years ago). Woopee, "awareness" isn't what is truly important.

Don't tell that to the terrestrial radio trade mags though, they seem ready to pop the champagne over this report.

The measurement of awareness is an old-media way of thinking, so you can't really blame them. For years, "reach and frequency" have been the mantra of advertisers and media buyers, all striving to get their marketing message to as many people as possible.

But should the HD Radio really be celebrating "awareness"? Afterall, I'm highly aware of AIDS. But I don't want it. You can be "aware" of a product, and have absolutely no urge to associate yourself with it.

To be fair, the Kassof study didn't just measure awareness, it measured "consumer understanding" of HD Radio in addition, which also grew: 21 percent said they are aware that HD Radio delivers "higher quality" sound, while 8 percent now know that HD Radio delivers more listening choices.

But maybe, that's all skewed anyway, because 7 percent of those surveyed confuse HD Radio with Satellite Radio, and that metric is up from 3 percent two years ago. Come to think of it, I should have entitled this post "HD Radio confusion with Satellite Radio more than doubles."

Another three percent think they already receive HD Radio, even though they do not own an HD Radio receiver. Now that's progress.

[FMQB]
(Disclaimer: FMQB is one of the trade mags that I actually don't loathe.)

9 Comments

Broadcaster files petition against Sirius-XM merger

September 12, 2008 10:07 AM | 10 Comments

Los Angeles-based Mt. Wilson FM Broadcasters has filed the first petition for reconsideration with the FCC over the merger between Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. and XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc.

Mt. Wilson is the licensee of L.A. radio stations KKGO and KGIL.

The broadcaster is asking the Commission to take a second look at the conditions imposed on Sirius XM Radio Inc. The company argues that the conditions are not adequate, and that the satellite radio companies should be subject to the same indecency regulations over "unauthorized frequencies" that terrestrial radio follows.

[View Petition (PDF)]

10 Comments

Sirius welcomes LL Cool J

September 12, 2008 8:21 AM | 3 Comments

Sirius Satellite Radio will welcome legendary artist LL Cool J to various hip-hop channels starting today to celebrate the release of his latest album, "Exit 13."

LL Cool J will rock the bells on Sirius Backspin (ch 43) as he plays his thirteen favorite songs (get it?) from his own catalog back-to-back. The special kicks off today, September 12th at 11am ET and will replay again at 5pm ET and 11pm ET.

The hip-hop star will then drop in on Hot Jamz (ch 50) on Saturday to talk about the making of "Exit 13" and play tracks off the highly-anticipated record. That will air on September 13th at 10am ET and then again on Sunday, September 14th at 4pm ET and Monday, September 15th at 12am ET.

Finally, LL Cool J will join Hip-Hop Nation (ch 40) to discuss every album he has ever released, which of course includes this week's release, Exit 13. He'll also share his thoughts on today's biggest hip-hop stars. That will air on Sunday, September 14th from 10am - 8pm ET.

3 Comments

Watch Out: New iPhone app brings timeshifting for 1,000 channels

September 11, 2008 6:21 PM | 19 Comments

Remember FlyTunes? What first seemed like an interesting iPhone add-on, started to look like a real radio alternative in April (twice), and now they've evolved once again.

FlyTunes has changed its name to FlyCast and is offering what the company calls an "improved 'satellite radio' like experience." And today it's available as an iPhone native app from the Apple App Store.

FlyCast now features 1,000 channels of virtually every genre of music, news, sports, and talk. Remember, they're partnered with heavyweights like AccuRadio (320 webcast stations), Entercom (110 terrestrial stations) and TheRadio (193 webcast stations).

But it's the advanced features that I think will really get users excited (and rattle some Sirius XM execs).

FlyCast allows users to timeshift content in an innovative way: sure, you can pause and skip songs, but you can new FlyCast also features something called Streamahead, which allows users to listen to a channel even when there is no connection. It also includes Top of the Hour, which allows latecomers to talk radio to jump back to the top of the hour.

There's other features like an embedded web browser and the ability to listen to any channel in the ShoutCast directory.

Additionally, Orbitcast has learned that the iPhone (and iPod Touch) aren't the only places where FlyCast will be available. Word has it that the FlyCast application will be available on another new non-Apple smartphone that's launching within 6-weeks.

That's some pretty scary content and features, but the scariest part is... it's only been around for 8 months.

Screenshots and more details after the jump...

19 Comments

Bubba the Love Sponge to be voice of Hulk Hogan reality show

September 10, 2008 6:27 PM | 12 Comments

Sirius personality Bubba the Love Sponge will be the voice of Hulk Hogan's new reality show, "Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling," when it debuts on the CMT cable TV channel later this fall.

Bubba will be the show's announcer and provide play-by-play for the program that stars professional wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, and which will feature ten celebrities being trained to become professional wrestlers,

Hogan, a close friend of Bubba's who served as best man for Bubba's 2007 wedding to Heather Cole, is a frequent guest on Bubba's Sirius Satellite Radio and terrestrial radio programs.

Hogan said, "Bubba has been one of my closest friends for well over ten years, and has dabbled in the wrestling biz with me for about as long.

"When asked if I had anyone in mind to be the announcer, my eyes lit up and I yelled out loud, 'BUBBA!'"

12 Comments

SIRI stock now under a dollar, when will this end?

September 10, 2008 11:21 AM | 33 Comments

Sirius XM Radio Inc. shares continue to take a beating on Wall Street, a day after the company issued its updated guidance. And of course, the analysts are opining on the subject with opposing views.

J.P. Morgan
Barton Crockett repeated his Neutral rating on the stock this morning, cautioning of near-term issues that could continue to weigh on the stock - including debt issues and the weak auto and consumer markets. Crockett was sure to note that Sirius believes the $400 million in cash the combined company had at June 30 will not be enough to pay off the $300 million convert due in February. Therefore, the company is looking to do some additional borrowing.

RBC Capital
David Bank this morning repeated his Sector Perform rating on the stock, with target on the stock remaining at $2. Bank asserting that there are still plenty of risks, including a challenging consumer environment, merger execution risks, the refinancing overhang, a lack of visibility into longer-term fundamentals and multiple-based support for the shares given the early stage of its EBITDA ramp... to name just a few.

Citigroup
Tony Wible this morning cut his target on the stock to $5 from $6.50, but still contends the stock is "massively undervalued" given merger synergies, revenue growth from new plans and greater OEM penetration.

Stifel Nicolas
Kit Spring today repeated a Buy rating on the stock, but cut his target to $2 from $3. But let's forget about his thoughts that the new guidance was "a net negative" - Spring actually raises the prospect that the company could go bankrupt: "Downside is potentially to zero if SIRI can't refinance its debt nor sell the company - a scenario that we believe is plausible in the current environment, but looks to us to be a low probability outcome," he writes. Yikes.

At posting time, SIRI is down 16.4%, or 19 cents, to 95 cents a share.

[Barrons]

33 Comments

Steve Torre selected as PD of Mad Dog Radio

September 10, 2008 10:26 AM | 1 Comment

Sirius XM Radio has selected Steve Torre to be the Program Director for the Mad Dog Radio channel.

Formerly with WINS-AM/New York, Torre will oversee the day-to-day programming for the new channel headlined by veteran Sports/Talk air personality Chris "Mad Dog" Russo.

"I've followed Steve's work for years. He is a true radio pro and will be instrumental in helping me create and launch Mad Dog Radio," said Russo. "He shares my passion for sports, knows what it takes to produce compelling and informative programming and has his eyes set squarely on the goal ? to make Mad Dog Radio the best sports talk channel in the country."

Torre is a 20-year industry vet who served as Sports Director and morning drive sports anchor at WINS-AM/New York. He will also be the lead sports news anchor on the "Mad Dog Unleashed" show, which launches on September 15th.

"I'm thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to work closely with Chris to build Mad Dog Radio," said Torre. "I've been with Sirius NFL Radio the past four years and know that satellite radio offers advantages that no one else can. Taking Mad Dog to a national audience will be an exciting ride. I look forward to my expanded responsibilities and am excited about the many possibilities this channel presents."

[Radio-Online]

1 Comment

AC/DC gets it own channel on Sirius and XM Radio

September 10, 2008 8:13 AM | 137 Comments

AC/DC will host their own music channel on both Sirius and XM Radio starting on Monday, September 15th, in advance of the band's first studio album in eight years, Black Ice.

The channel, entitled AC/DC Radio, will run on Sirius channel 29 and XM channel 53 through January 15th, 2009. Unless there's some lineup shuffling, the channel will replace both Sirius' Punk and XM's Fungus, at least temporarily.

Aside from airing all-AC/DC all-the-time, AC/DC Radio will also feature band members Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Cliff Williams, Brian Johnson and Phil Rudd describing their rock & roll career spanning more than 30 years and sharing their personal insights into their music.

Listeners will gain access to an exclusive preview of every track on Black Ice, which will be sold exclusively at Wal-Mart and Sam's Club beginning Monday, October 20th, 2008 (and, of course, on the band's web site).

AC/DC has sold more than 200 million albums worldwide. Back in Black has sold an estimated 42 million units worldwide and 22 million in the U.S. alone, making it the fifth highest-selling album of all time.

137 Comments

XM to have new handheld radio in stores before Xmas

September 9, 2008 11:59 AM | 12 Comments

Today at the Merrill Lynch Media Conference, Mel Karmazin let it slip that a new handheld portable XM Satellite Radio would be available in stores ahead of the Holiday Season.

The Sirius XM Radio Inc. CEO provided little additional details on the device, but chances are that little has changed since info was leaked on it a few months back.

More details will be posted as they come in...

12 Comments

Sirius XM Radio provide updated guidance, $425 Million in synergies for 2009

September 9, 2008 11:13 AM | 8 Comments

Sirius XM Radio Inc. today provided an update on the company's guidance for 2008-2009, and a detailed breakdown of expected 2009 synergies, in addition to revealing the "Best of" packages.

Subscriber Guidance
The company expects to end 2008 with approximately 19.5 million subscribers and to end 2009 with approximately 21.5 million subscribers.

Revenue
Sirius XM expects to post pro forma revenue of approximately $2.4 billion in 2008 and to post revenue of approximately $2.7 billion in 2009.

Adjusted EBITDA
Sirius XM expects a pro forma adjusted EBITDA loss of approximately $350 million in 2008 and reiterated its previously stated financial guidance of approximately $300 million in positive adjusted EBITDA for 2009.

Synergies
Sirius XM announced it is increasing its estimate of net synergies to $425 million in 2009.

A line item breakdown of the expected 2009 synergies will be available in a Form 8-K that the company is filing today.

"We have made great strides over the last six weeks and continue to make progress integrating the company and delivering on our promises to customers and stockholders," said Mel Karmazin. "We are finding significant cost savings on every line item of the P&L and are beginning to realize these synergies already. Sirius XM also continues to be one of the strongest growth stories in media, with pro forma revenue growth of approximately 17% in 2008."

8 Comments

Best of Sirius/XM upgrade to launch October 6th

September 9, 2008 10:59 AM | 71 Comments

At the Merrill Lynch Media Conference today, Mel Karmazin CEO of Sirius XM Radio Inc., will unveil that the "Best of" Sirius and XM packages will be launched on October 6th, according to the slides released prior to the event.

The presentation deck also reveals the initial packages that will be made available to Sirius and XM subscribers.

The Best of Sirius on XM package will include:

Howard Stern (Howard 100, and Howard 101)
Martha Stewart Living Radio
Sirius NFL Radio*
Sirius NASCAR Radio*
Playboy Radio

The Best of XM on Sirius package will include:

Oprah & Friends
NHL Home Ice*
The Virus
Public Radio featuring Bob Edwards
The PGA Tour Network
UPDATED College Sports and NBA were added to the list on the press release

* NHL, NASCAR, NFL offerings will include the play-by-play channels.

A La Carte radios will be in stores and services will be launched on October 6th. The cost to upgrade to the premium package will be only $4/month more.

UPDATE: Per the press release, included on the "Best of" XM on Sirius will be such shows as Basketball and Beyond, hosted by Duke and Olympic basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski; Andretti Green, with driver Danica Patrick; 60/20, a sports magazine show by Luke Russert and James Carville; Indy Racing League car races; and games from the top college conferences, including the PAC 10, SEC, Big 10, Big 12, Big East and ACC.

71 Comments

HD Radio power boost will double FM interference, says NPR Labs

September 9, 2008 8:46 AM | 8 Comments

The National Association of Broadcasters in January joined other industry groups advocating an optional power boost for HD Radio, but the increase would nearly double the interference with analog FM radio, according to an extensive study by NPR Labs.

The NPR study estimates that 41 percent of public radio stations would lose one-third - or more - of the automotive radios their analog signals can reach. With the power increase, HD Radio's interference with terrestrial analog radio would nearly double, affecting 26 percent of listeners in vehicles.

NPR still backs HD Radio as an advance in radio technology. "However," Mike Starling, NPR chief technology officer and head of NPR Labs, wrote in a memo introducing the report, "we cannot responsibly support boosting HD Radio power [to] 10 percent en masse to the detriment of existing FM analog signals."

The study spans nearly 2-years of testing receiver performance, developing a formula for predicting analog/digital coverage, field testing at 10 stations, and mapping coverage for 850 public radio stations under several scenarios.

NPR Labs and the Association of Public Radio Engineers will present the findings of the report for station engineers at a day-long seminar on September 16th in Austin, Texas. The seminar will precede the National Association of Broadcasters Radio Show.

[Current.org]
Thanks Karl!

8 Comments

Rumor: Sirius to be available on Xbox 360

September 8, 2008 4:15 PM | 21 Comments

Sirius XM Radio Inc. is rumored to be entering into a strategic partnership with Microsoft to provide its Sirius Satellite Radio service to the Xbox 360, according to VG Chartz.

The feature is planned to be unveiled during the huge New Xbox Experience re-launching event on September 25th, according to reports.

For a "modest monthly fee" users will be able to run Sirius through the Xbox 360 with no additional hardware needed. Users will also be able to pay for the service with Microsoft points.

Additionally, members of Xbox live will get a free week to play with the service, and Sirius is said to be accessible while playing in a game.

[VG Chartz via Xbox 360 Fanboy]

Thanks Dave & Ken!

21 Comments

Sirius XM Radio unveils new Sales Team

September 8, 2008 12:25 PM | 9 Comments

Well, it's not so "new" actually, but the "refreshed" Sirius XM sales team will include current Sirius managers Mike Roberts and Tom Steckbeck, according to a Sirius internal memo. Which XM counterparts are leaving as a result of the move is currently unclear.

Roberts remains as VP of Retail Distribution and Steckbeck remains VP of Special Markets at the new company. Both will report to Aftermarket Division VP/GM Bob Law.

"Both Mike and Tom bring many years of consumer electronics and commercial sales experience in retail and special markets, respectively," said Sirius XM Aftermarket Division VP/GM Bob Law. "Mike's focus will be on building a combined retail sales organization charged with selling 'the best radio on radio' in our retail aftermarker business. Tom will be charged with further penetrating the truck, marine, RV, and commercial businesses for Sirius XM."

It's unclear which XM counterparts would leave the company as a result of the appointments. TWICE made a call to XM's Dan Murphy, the EVP retail aftermarket distribution, but it was not immediately returned.

Sirius' Patrick Reilly also remains as Sirius XM's Senior VP of Corporate Communications, while his counterpart at XM, Nathanial Brown, served his last day at the company on Friday.

[TWICE]

9 Comments

Dr. Ruth to host Sex Health show on Sirius

September 8, 2008 9:57 AM | 3 Comments

Renowned psychosexual therapist, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, is bringing her wit and wisdom to Sirius for a special edition of Doctor Radio's weekly sexual health show, starting today.

Harold S. Koplewicz, M.D., founder and director of the NYU Child Study Center, eminent child psychiatrist and author, joins Dr. Ruth for a lively discussion on teenage sex. Listeners are invited to call in to talk about intimacy, desire, technique, their inhibitions, fantasies and their partner's desires - as well as their own. No topic is taboo.

Dr. Ruth pioneered the field of media psychology with her radio program "Sexually Speaking" which began in September of 1980 as a fifteen-minute taped show that aired Sunday after midnight. One year later her show became a live, one-hour show on which Dr. Ruth answered call-in questions from listeners, and eventually opened the door for millions of people around the world to talk openly about sex.

The show debuts today, Monday, September 8th from 12 - 2pm ET on Sirius' Doctor Radio (ch 114). Encore broadcasts will air later today at 10pm ET, and again on Saturday, September 13th at 12am and 10pm ET.

3 Comments

"Breakfast with The Beatles" to air weekly on Sirius

September 8, 2008 6:39 AM | 4 Comments

A new weekly three-hour show dedicated to the music and legend of The Beatles, "Breakfast with The Beatles," will air weekly on Sirius beginning on Sunday, September 14th.

The show is hosted by renowned Beatles expert Chris Carter and will feature classic Beatles hits, album tracks, B-sides, live recordings and solo material recorded after the band's split in 1970 as well as rarely heard gems.

"Breakfast with The Beatles" will also include insights from The Beatles themselves, special themed related shows, weekly features, including Beatles covers, and music influenced by the band.

The weekly show will air on Sundays on Sirius, from 9am - 12pm ET, on Little Steven's Underground Garage (ch 25).

Host Chris Carter has had the honor of personally interviewing Beatles Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr and Pete Best. Carter also appeared on various TV programs and news shows discussing The Beatles, including ABC News, NBC News, CBS News, Entertainment Tonight among others.

"Chris hosts the original 'Breakfast with The Beatles', which started 25 years ago and is often imitated but the original has never been equaled," said "Little Steven" Van Zandt. "He belongs with us."

This looks like a great program, but it boggles the mind that this isn't also being carried on XM. Seems like a missed opportunity to me.

4 Comments

StarPlayr for Windows: Hands down the best Sirius/XM internet radio player to date

September 7, 2008 11:04 AM | 40 Comments

Over the years there has been a slow, but fruitful, evolution of applications that play Sirius Internet Radio and XM Radio Online. From various widgets (Yahoo, Vista, you name it), to dedicated players (like XaMp), there has been a constant attempt to make Satellite Radio's internet-based offerings better.

But the public alpha release of StarPlayr for Windows has hit the ball out of the park. And yes, it's still in the alpha development phase, so with all the features it already packs, I can't wait to see what is coming.

This is, in my opinion, by far the best satellite radio online player to date.

First and foremost, it plays both Sirius Internet Radio (SIR) and XM Radio Online (XMRO), which for us dual-subscribers really is a gift from the gods. But it doesn't just play them, it integrates the services into a combined experience.

Keep reading for more screenshots and details.

40 Comments

Sirius and XM broadcast "Just Stand Up" fundraising event, tonight

September 5, 2008 7:31 AM | 6 Comments

Sirius XM Radio Inc. is joining with the Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) Campaign to broadcast its "Just Stand Up" national fundraising event, live tonight starting at 8pm ET.

Sirius Hits 1 (ch 1), XM's 20 on 20 (ch 20) and XM's The Pink Channel (ch 24) will join ABC, CBS and NBC to air the "Just Stand Up" event live from 8pm-9pm ET.

This will be the first simultaneous cross-network commercial-free national simulcast, ever, to raise funds for the fight against a disease.

The hour-long live broadcast will feature a who's who from the worlds of music, film, television and sports, including the premiere performance of "Just Stand Up," the charity single recorded in support of SU2C that features more than a dozen of the world's most accomplished female recording artists - including Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Fergie, Sheryl Crow, Miley Cyrus, Melissa Etheridge, Ashanti, Natasha Bedingfield, Keyshia Cole, Ciara, Leona Lewis, LeAnn Rimes, and Carrie Underwood.

Aside from the cast of ntwork news anchors (Charles Gibson, Katie Couric and Brian Williams) celebrities confirmed for the broadcast (both for personal appearances or answering telephone calls) include: Casey Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Christina Applegate, Lance Armstrong, Abigail Breslin, Josh Brolin, David Cook, Katie Couric, Dana Delany, Fran Drescher, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Kirsten Dunst, Elizabeth Edwards, Jon Favreau, America Ferrera, Charles Gibson, Neil Patrick Harris, Salma Hayek, Scarlett Johansson, Masi Oka, Danica Patrick, Christina Ricci, Robin Roberts, Homer Simpson, Marge Simpson, Meryl Streep, Hilary Swank, Charlize Theron, Goran Visnjic, Forest Whitaker, Brian Williams and Reese Witherspoon.

[Photo credit: Flickr]

6 Comments

Bubba The Love Sponge heads to Detroit

September 4, 2008 2:12 PM | 19 Comments

Tickets for Bubbapalooza, the live comedy event presented and hosted by none other than Bubba the Love Sponge, will go on sale tomorrow. The multimedia production features his radio show's most popular and hilarious routines, bits, parodies and rants.

Stars include the co-hosts of the Bubba the Love Sponge Show - Bubba, Ned, Brent Hatley, Manson and Spiceboy - along with show regulars 25 Cent, Hammil, Miller, B-Fud and others. Since their first performance in late 2007, Bubbapalooza has played to sold-out houses in Phoenix, Las Vegas, Chicagoland, Atlantic City and Cleveland.

"Our fans in the greater Detroit area demanded that we come there," said Bubba, "so the Motor City will definitely be rocking on October 18, thanks to the Bubba Army!"

Ticket prices for Bubbapalooza are $9.50, $29.50, $49.50 and $149.50 (the latter price is for a limited number of VIP tickets that include premium seating and a pre-show meet-and-greet). Check out Ticketmaster for ticket info, or BTLS.com for all other Bubba info.

Bubbapalooza is taking place on Saturday, October 18th at the Fillmore Detroit (formerly State Theatre). Doors open at 8pm, show time is at 9pm.

19 Comments

Peter Ferrara, HD Radio Alliance head, steps down

September 3, 2008 7:17 PM | 11 Comments

I guess it really is "time to upgrade." HD Radio Digital Alliance president Peter Ferrara has stepped down from the head position to become the new Strategic Advisor.

At the same time, the HD Radio Alliance is celebrated its 3rd year anniversary.

"When we began putting the pieces in place for the Alliance in the fall of 2005, there was little attention being paid to HD Radio and the industry lacked a plan to make it a reality," said Ferrara. "There were only a few HD stations on the air, no automakers offered an HD Radio and no national retailers carried receivers."

"Today, it is gratifying to know how far we've come in three short years. While there is still much to do, this has been an unprecedented effort with unparalleled success within the radio industry. It's a testament to what broadcasters can achieve when the industry comes together with a clear purpose and mission."

You bet buddy. HD Radio really has come a long way in three "short" years. What's listenership up to now?

[FMQB]

11 Comments

Chris "Mad Dog" Russo to host preview show from ESPN Zone tomorrow

September 3, 2008 2:23 PM | 9 Comments

Chris "Mad Dog" Russo will be hosting a special preview show live from the ESPN Zone in NYC tomorrow.

The preview edition of his new daily sports talk show will air ahead of the September 15th launch date, this Thursday, September 4th from 2-7pm ET. The show is the anchor program for Mad Dog Radio, the new sports talk channel that will air nationwide on Sirius channel 123 and XM channel 144.

Thursday's event will be open to the public, so if you're a New Yorker feel free to swing by the ESPN Zone on 1472 Broadway (at 42nd Street).

Scheduled guests on the program will include NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell as well as NBC Sports broadcaster John Madden, who will call that night's New York Giants-Washington Redskins game at Giants Stadium.

9 Comments

Monica Seles to host 5-week show on Sirius

September 3, 2008 10:41 AM | 4 Comments

Tennis superstar Monica Seles will host a live show on Sirius Satellite Radio starting this Thursday. The show, called "The Monica Seles Challenge: 5 Weeks to Jump Start Your Life" is aimed at empowering women.

Seles will host the show from Sirius XM Radio's Rockefeller Center studios.

"I love radio and the unique way it has to reach out to people with a real and personal exchange of ideas and stories," said Monica Seles. "Sirius has provided just such an opportunity for me, my studio guests and the Sirius audience to share our life experiences, learn from them, and hopefully forge ahead into a happier and healthier future."

Seles will welcome expert guests, athletes, celebrities and real women and will take calls from around the country.

Over Seles' extraordinary tennis career, she earned nine Grand Slam titles and won 53 singles and six doubles tournaments. She first became No. 1 in the world in March 1991. Seles was No. 1 for 178 weeks during the next two years (the youngest No. 1 ever at the time) until tragedy struck in April 1993 when she was stabbed in the back by a deranged fan during a match in Germany. She wasn't able to play again for more than two years. When she returned to tennis, she won at the Canadian Open and then reached the US Open Final the following month. Remarkably, she won her ninth Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January 1996.

Most recently, Seles joined the cast of "Dancing with the Stars" and is currently writing her memoir. The book, Getting a Grip: On My Body, My Mind, My Self, is scheduled for publication in March 2009.

"The Monica Seles Challenge: 5 Weeks to Jump Start Your Life" will air in five weekly installments airing every Thursday from September 4th through October 2nd from 1-3pm ET on Sirius Stars (ch 102).

4 Comments

Mel Karmazin to speak at 2008 Merrill Lynch Media conference

September 3, 2008 6:25 AM | 3 Comments

Mel Karmazin will be speaking at the 2008 Merrill Lynch Media Fall Preview Conference in Marina del Rey, CA on Tuesday, September 9th.

A live audio webcast of the presentation will be available here. Karmazin is set to speak at around 11am ET/8am PT.

Sirius XM Radio Inc. have a little quiet lately while they sort through the merger muck. Hopefully this presentation will give us some clarity on what lies ahead.

3 Comments

Podcast listenship slowing, can Satellite Radio learn from this?

September 2, 2008 6:39 PM | 12 Comments

Even with all the initial hype and excitement about podcasts, the growth rate of the medium has slowed significantly according to Pew Internet & American Life Project.

Nearly one in five (19%) adult internet users say they have downloaded a podcast. And that's only up from 12% two years ago. Talk about a slowing growth rate.

It gets worse though. Among those who said they downloaded podcasts, only 17% did so on a typical day. So not only is it slowing, but the usage patterns aren't what most people thought they would be.

Mark Ramsey has some thoughts about why this may be happening, one of them being that the good content is hard to find on iTunes. And I tend to agree.

Satellite Radio and Podcasting are somewhat similar, both are based on the aggregation of niches. They're is the epitome of Long Tail media, only that the slowing of podcasting growth seems far more dramatic than that of satellite radio. So is there a lesson to be learned? Satellite radio also has a mountain of content buried among hundreds of different channels. Finding the "good stuff" is admittedly pretty difficult.

I can almost guarantee that there's a correlation between satellite radio usage and subscriber retention. And in order to use satellite radio, people need to find the good programming.

So the question, what can be done to help improve the ability to find (and use) programming on both services? I personally think the touchscreen electronic programming guide seen at CES has the most potential, and I'm praying we see this at retail. It would get

But I'm curious, what are your thoughts? What do you think would help you find (and listen to) new programming on Sirius and XM? That is, aside from the annoying promos.

12 Comments

Grateful Dead channel celebrates 1-year anniversary

September 2, 2008 12:52 PM | 5 Comments

Sirius Satellite Radio's Grateful Dead channel will be celebrating its first anniversary starting on Sunday, September 7th at 7am ET and running through the full month until Tuesday, September 30th.

The Grateful Dead channel (ch 32) celebration will include an exclusive premiere of The Dead's upcoming release Rocking the Cradle: Egypt 1978. The album is a release of a never-before heard concert performed at The Great Pyramids of Giza, which includes more than three hours of rare and previously unreleased music. This release, which will be in stores on September 30th, also marks the 30th anniversary of the band's legendary performances in Egypt.

During the month-long celebration, you'll also hear highlights from the past year's programming, with appearances from the members of the band, live in-studio performances, memorable moments from the live talk show "Tales from the Golden Road," and visits from celebrity Deadheads like Jimmy Buffett, Jesse Ventura, Tommy Chong and many others.

The one-hour show highlighting the Egypt1978 release will debut on Sunday, September 7th at 12pm ET with an encore presentation at 12am ET. The show will also rebroadcast at various times throughout "Anniversary Month" on the channel.

5 Comments

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