FMQB's e-QB cover story this week features an in-depth interview with XM Satellite Radio's EVP of Programming, Eric Logan (aka, the famous E-Lo). It has some very intriguing insight on several of XM's programming, including the launch of Oprah & Friends, the NAB's ruthless attacks on satellite radio, XM's programming strategy and his relationship with Lee Abrams, and the dynamic of working with the dual-syndication of The Opie & Anthony Show.

On Oprah & Friends, Logan addresses the promotional clout that Oprah holds, but how her edorsements need to be transparent. This is interesting because Oprah knows she can't be a shill about promoting her radio endeavor - her audience (and the media) will see through instantly. But I digress - this isn't about Oprah - it's about E-Lo.

On the NAB's attacks on satellite radio, Logan said, "...you know, this is a very big business. We’re going to turn cash flow positive in the fourth quarter of this year, and much to [the NAB's] chagrin that’s not what they want to see happen, but unfortunately it is." Nice.

On Opie & Anthony's dual terrestrial radio/satellite radio syndication, Eric Logan said, "...we’ve structured a deal that is beneficial to XM and helps us brand our service to millions of people we couldn’t otherwise access because of certain complications with buying time on local radio.  This provides us a terrific branding platform."

There's much more in the interview to read, and summarizing it here does it no justice. Go check it out for yourself, it's well worth it.

[FMQB e-QB] 

Sumner Redstone, Chairman of the Board and controlling shareholder of Viacom/CBS Corp, told PBS' Charlie Rose that satellite radio has no future, in a recent interview. "And that's not just because Karmazin runs it," he continued, "They keep losing money, losing money, losing money."

Redstone also said he ran into Howard Stern at a restaurant in New York and that Stern said to him "Someday, I'll be back." Restone continued to say that Stern "was probably kidding."

Here's the video:

It's an interesting interview, beyond just the satellite radio reference. He talks about his relationship with Mel Karmazin as well as losing MySpace to Rupert Murdoch. The satellite radio mention is 31:13 into the video if you want to skip ahead.