Here's a thought:
What if this XM/Sirius deal is actually a part of a much larger buyout scenario? Maybe for either both of the companies, or for the combined entity?

I don't know, just a thought. Let's just call it random speculation for now.

I don't know if I buy this one, but Forbes is reporting that Sirius and XM may both report earnings as early as Monday, according to a UBS report. This would be unprecedented, and most likely will send the merger speculation soaring if it is in fact the case.

Either way, only time will tell. Check out the video here. 

Thanks Steven! 

From the seen-but-not-heard department, apparently there's an internal meme being used by Sirius management in reference to their listeners: SPERM (Self Proclaimed Experts of Radio & Music).

Of course, the source that leaked SPERM (sorry, couldn't resist) is the recently fired Sirius OutQ guru John McMullen, who goes into great detail about what transpired behind the walls of the McGraw Hill Building. McMullen was eventually let go due to "violating the company's code of conduct," which he claims is not true.

A grain of salt is required when taking in this information, because irate former employees generally don't paint the picture to be in favor of the company. But still, there's some real goodies in there like the snubbing of the SBS crew, a poster that offended Joe Clayton, Ben Sparks' shenanigans at Sirius, and much more.

That said, the term SPERM is highly entertaining, and to some it might be slightly offending.

Something tells me that Sirius wouldn't be adopting a Digg for Radio concept anytime soon.

[Sirius Backstage]

TheStreet.com columnist Doug Kass is reporting that he's hearing that a combination of Sirius and XM is "imminent." Of course, further details are lacking. Bummer.

Amazingly, even though this "report" was published at 9am this morning on Street Insight, it didn't seem to do much in terms of moving either stock. Perhaps investors are looking for a bit more than just a hunch nowadays?

Or maybe - among frenzied iPhone service rumors (yes, from the same source) - the proof is in the pudding? Either way, I'm just psyched we can talk about a rumored merger again!

[TheStreet]
Thanks Jonathan!

The boys at Sirius Uplink have learned from a "reliable source" that there's going to be some lineup channels in the works, though admittedly a time-table is apparently lacking.

First up is Reggae Rhythms, which supposedly will be taking the place of the beloved The Who Channel at channel number 98. Then Sirius Disorder will reportedly move into Reggae Rhythms' spot at channel 32.

And then the good news (because I know you're still crying over The Who Channel), a new channel - supposedly a 90s Alt-Rock channel - is rumored to be arriving on channel 24. So turn that frown upside-down Frank, everything's going to be alright.

[Sirius Uplink]