There were signs that this would happen a few months back, but as many Sirius listeners know from the channel update a couple days ago - PRI (Public Radio International - ch 136) is no longer available on Sirius.

With no official announcement, the only "reason" we have to go by is what is stated on PRI's website:

Note: As of September 26, PRI programs will no longer be available on Sirius Satellite Radio. If you have questions and/or would like to provide feedback to Sirius, go to the contact page of the Sirius website.

I listened to PRI everyonce in a while, but judging from the numerous complaints in my inbox, there's a few more out there who are upset over this.

California First Lady Maria Shriver will host special coverage of today's 2006 California Governor and First’s Lady’s Conference on Women for SIRIUS Satellite Radio, set to be broadcast multiple times throughout the weekend of October 13-15, 2006 on SIRIUS Stars (ch 102).

Selling out in a record 72 hours, the California Governor and First Lady’s Conference on Women hosted over 13,000 women to experience the theme "Connect Today, Seize Tomorrow."

California First Lady Maria Shriver will conduct exclusive interviews with featured guests and speakers. SIRIUS will also broadcast portions of select speeches from the main stage including Shriver, Martha Stewart, Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson, Suze Orman, Anna Quindlen, Maureen Dowd, Tyra Banks, Tim Russert, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the first ever address to a women’s conference by his Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Martha Stewart’s speech was broadcast live today on Martha Stewart Living Radio (ch 112). Judith Regan also will tape a special edition of her SIRIUS show set to be broadcast at a later date on SIRIUS Stars (ch 102).

Jane Pratt, founder and former editor-in-chief of both Sassy and Jane magazines, will host "Jane Radio," a live, weekly three hour show on SIRIUS Stars (ch 102).

Jane's show will feature several segments: from the "Jane rant" of each week to short segments produced "on the street," and "Jane Needs Help" (where listeners help Jane with her problems) and "Songs We Love."

"Just as 'Jane' magazine always maintained a 15% male readership, I am sure 'Jane Radio' will inevitably get some men to listen in and learn," said Jane Pratt.
 

Remember when SIRIUS and the Archdiocese of New York announced that they were teaming up to create a new channel? Well, that channel - The Catholic Channel - is going to debut next week on September 26th, on SIRIUS channel 159. Can't wait right?

His Eminence Edward Cardinal Egan, Archbishop of New York, will be a contributor and a regular guest of the various programs on The Catholic Channel, as well as a regular celebrant and homilist for the Masses broadcast from Saint Patrick's Cathedral.

Check out programming highlights after the jump...