Post-Merger: WorldSpace "would love" to broadcast to the U.S.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at 3:44 PM
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In a post XM-Sirius merger scenario, would the red headed stepchild of satellite radio - WorldSpace - step in and start covering the U.S. market? Maybe so, if the FCC required the newly merged company to relinquish one of its SDARS licenses.
"We would love to look into that if that’s available," Worldspace Chief Executive Officer Noah Samara said on Monday. "We’ve always felt seamless global coverage is something the planet needs."
WorldSpace, of course, isn't banking much on this hypothetical. A heck of a lot needs to happen before broadcasting in North America becomes a reality. But it's an interesting possible side-effect if XM and Sirius are successful in merging. (Though, something tells me they rather have that second license even post-merger since using the combined spectrum is sort of the whole reason behind merging.)
[Examiner]
Thanks Rob!
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WorldSpace is like East Side Dave? How would they market themselves in the US when it seems a lot of the content is built for international listeners.
Posted by: Travis | March 28, 2007 4:40 PM
What the planet needs is one less shitty CEO flying his investors into the ground.
Africa. Indeed you moron.
Posted by: Pockpie | March 28, 2007 11:30 PM
Wow, I love that pic Ryan. Where did you find it? ha ha
Anyways, I thought that XM signed an agreement with WorldSpace to broadcast some of their content. I wonder how their previous alliances would factors in to any of this?
Posted by: Jim ? | March 29, 2007 2:44 AM
It's notable that XM continually reduces WorldSpace content, to the point that now, IIRC, all XM subs get from WS is U-POP and The Joint. We used to get World Zone and Ngoma, but they were moved from XM Satellite to XM Online to make room for French Canadian content such as Air Musique and Sur La Route.
Honestly, I think it would be an interesting idea if the merged company was required to offer WorldSpace a fair, equitable price on some lease terms that would allow WS to put up, say, 10 or 20 channels, and either sell access or sell ads. I think having a mix of WS + Clear Channel ad-supported content, available free, plus XM / Sirius subscription options, could make the service even more attractive.
Posted by: Johnathan ? | March 29, 2007 1:51 PM