First Big Radio tried to attack satellite radio with their Hear It Here First campaign (which was perfectly countered with XM's Hear It Here Best). Oh right, sorry, Hear It Here First was a "pro-radio" campaign, not "anti-satellite radio" or anything. Sure. And that $28 Million spent in "pro-radio" advertising was worth every penny considering how many people continue to flock to satellite radio, podcasting and other alternatives.

So now it seems like terrestrial needs to turn up the heat. This time it's not about hearing anything first, but rather the message is: You shouldn't have to PAY for radio. (UPDATE: You can listen to the commerical spots here.)

I love it. Does the NAB realize that "pay radio" actually has a premium connotation? That highlighting this is actually benefitial to satellite radio? C'mon, Marketing 101 kids. XM tells you to Listen Large, and SIRIUS offers a Huge Gift in a Little Box, both positioning themselves as a superior product - meanwhile terrestrial scrambles to go on the offensive.

[Billboard Radio Monitor] 

These are some eye-popping numbers coming from SG Cowen analyst Tom Watts. In his research report he raised his estimated subscriber count to 74 million through 2015 (this up from his previously estimated 60 million).

For XM he estimates ending the count at 41 million subscribers and Sirius being at 33 million susbcribers by year's end 2015. Wow.

[Forbes] 

So says Forbes, and I've written about this in the recent past. The RIAA continues to rear it's ugly head with satellite radio and the expiration of XM's and Sirius' contract in 2006.

"On the [MP3-enabled] device issue, we believe the worst-case scenario (due to a court or legislative decision) is that XM and Sirius abandon the new products if the fees become too onerous or add features that appease the music industry," said Banc of America Securities analyst Jonathan A. Jacoby.

Think it's time to start a letter writing campaign? 

[Forbes]

This is awesome! The latest version of AOL Instant Messenger, Triton, improves upon a bunch of neato services like its current voice and video chat services, but also adds new awesome features like Internet calling (going after Skype) and access to 20 XM Satellite Radio channels.

The VoIP phone calls will be at a cost, but the XM Satellite Radio channels will free (ad supported). With 43 million AIM users in the U.S., this is some huge exposure.

[via The Miami Herald] 

Jupiter Research has released a forcast that predicts satellite radio subscribers will increase to 55 million subscribers by 2010. This, up from an installed base of 12 million units in 2005. Very interesting. With XM stating 6 million subscribers and Sirius at 3 million subscribers for year's end, 12 million is blowing those estimates out of the water.

"The Radio Chick" Leslie Gold has dumped Sirius Satellite Radio and is joining Infinity's WXRK (92.3 "Free FM") in New York. She'll be the new afternoon drive host there, commercials and all, starting January 3rd. Her four-hour program will also be streamed online (Oooo.. techy!).

Congratulations on making the wrong decision. 

Thanks lil' conner!

UPDATE: Get Sirius Info has more info on this and the reasoning behind why The Radio Chick decided to leave.

XM + Napster Beta has been released! You can try out the 14-day free trial, but note that you must be an XM Radio Subscriber to use the service.

The XM + Napster full service costs $9.95/month, while the XM + Napster Light follows the iTunes model of $0.99/song. Both options give you access to the full 1.5 million songs.

UPDATE: From the press release, XM + Napster allows XM subscribers to listen to more than 70 XM music channels on XM Radio Online and access Napster's catalog for on-demand listening, purchasing, and downloading. The service seamlessly links XM subscribers to Napster to instantly find songs played live on XM by its world-class DJs, get in-depth information about artists, and discover new music and old favorites through customized music recommendations provided by Napster's professional music programmers.

Neat.

Both the Sirius S50 and the Samsung neXus made an appearance in TIME Magazine's Bye-Bye Wires article:

• Sirius S50 Portable Music Player Record Sirius satellite radio to take with you on the subway or plane, where the service isn't available. You can sort saved songs by artist or title. sirius.com $360 (service extra)

• Samsung XM NeXus Music Player Like the Sirius product above, this portable player for XM subscribers stores satellite-radio broadcasts--and MP3s--to listen to on the move. samsung.com Available early 2006

And to boot, the XM's neXus made the cover. That's some good exposure.

Nice!

The DirecTV / XM Satellite Radio deal launched today. If you're a DirecTV subscriber, you can tune in to the 72 XM Satellite Radio channels offered on DirecTV on channels 801 - 879.

The addition of XM to DirecTV's offering nearly doubles DirecTV's music offering at no additional cost. DirecTV subscribers get more than just music and children's programming, but other fun things like MLB "Home Plate" as well as High Voltage with Opie and Anthony.

So here's the breakdown:

• DirecTV Total Choice customers get access to 50 XM Channels
• DirecTV Total Choice Plus subscribers get over 65 XM Channels
• DirecTV Para Todos customers will also get the same XM channels, plus an additional 5 Latin music channels.
  

Here we go again. Senator Ted Stevens once again is talking about imposing indecency regulations on satellite radio. According to Radio & Records, Senator Stevens told a group of broadcasters that he intends to "do his best" to push for restrictions on cable and satellite radio. Fat chance there buddy. There's a little thing called the 1st Amendment you need to be concerned with before you go pandering to your Big Radio buddies. The FCC didn't bite before, so makes you think it'll work this time?

[via Get Sirius Info]