The American Red Cross and XM Satellite Radio have joined forces to start up Red Cross Radio (XM Channel 248), a 24-hour XM channel to give news and information for Hurricane Katrina victims, Red Cross workers along the Gulf Coast and across the country.

On top of that, XM is donating radios to the Red Cross for relief workers, shelters and aid stations. The Red Cross is not only using the XM Radio channel to deliver news and info directly to workers but is also using the channel to send mass messages to staff across the country.

Red Cross Radio is airing continuous updates on the elief efforts in New Orleans and other Gulf Coast areas devastated by Katrina, as well as the sites where victims have been relocated to receive Red Cross assistance.

Very impressive and smart. In a place where terrestrial radio has been knocked out, this shows the benefits of satellite radio first hand.