If you haven't heard the news already, XM Satellite Radio and Sirius are merging into one satellite-radio service. The XM-Sirius entity would compete against 23 million AM/FM stations, about 1,000 high-definition FM stations, Internet radio, digital audio broadcast (DAB) radios, and even Apple's iTunes and other music services. More details in our report.
I heard something about this last night and it certainly brings up some monopoly issues from the perspective of having only one satellite provider. They'll need to stay competitively priced however to compete against all the other sources of music.
I'd never heard of "Digital Audio Broadcasts" before today....guess that's because it's mostly a European thing.
I've heard they were trying to do this, but the FCC wouldn't allow it. Looks like they backtracked a bit on that statement.
I'm not sure this is a good thing for the consumer. For example, XM programs too much like traditional radio while Sirius tends to lean more towards offering something traditional radio will not. I'd hate to see Satellite become even more mainstream musicly.
There is also the monthly fee issue. It needs to remain cheap. XM's rates are already too expensive as far as I'm concerned.
BTW, keep an eye out for the name of the new company. I'd like to find out as soon as it's available.
Sarge I beleive there is a DAB channel in our area. it's not something many people have heard of. I believe our asst Director has a DAB stereo in his truck. If this is the same thing as what I am thinking about.
As for sirius and xm, well, seems it might be nice. But being a stern fan, I sear he is the most popular thing they will have, and they are talking about an 'ala carte' billing like cable. I fear howard may get expensive.
I never had a satellite, never had any interest. I do wonder though how will they handle this. If you have XM will you all of a sudden hear Sirius programming or will you hear XM programming on Sirius gear or what?
I used to just download Sterns programs and listen the next day. I stopped doing it. His show was getting a bit old for me.
I have XM and I love it for my 2hour ride to and from work on those rare days I do goto work. However if this merger goes through, I refuse to buy a new reciever...so they better figure that out. And if I ever hear Howard Stern on my XM, even by accident....I'll probably throw it out the window.
Bubbaspanky wrote: Sarge I beleive there is a DAB channel in our area. it's not something many people have heard of. I believe our asst Director has a DAB stereo in his truck. If this is the same thing as what I am thinking about.
As for sirius and xm, well, seems it might be nice. But being a stern fan, I sear he is the most popular thing they will have, and they are talking about an 'ala carte' billing like cable. I fear howard may get expensive.
If Stern gets more expensive, that will piss a lot of people off including myself so I don't think that would happen. Don't think being the keywords!!
Megaron that depends on the type of receiver you have. if it's an older one then you won't, as the older XM/sirus receivers will not be compatible with the new format they intend on broadcasting of which will be a combination of programming. If it's a new one then you will be able to tune in.
Les, the CEO over the whole shebang told the FCC that they would not raise subscription prices. I believe him. Where I think listeners are going to loose out is the lack of competition on the music side. I see them dropping half of their stations with the merge and going even more mainstream to compete with Terrestrial radio.
XM Radio and Sirius have put an end to nearly two years of rumor, speculation, and innuendo by announcing a $13 billion merger of equals. Under terms of the merger, the companies will combine in an all-stock, tax-free merger including net debt of approximately $1.6 billion. XM Radio shareholders will get 4.6 shares of Sirius stock for each share of XM common stock that they own, with the result being that the combined company will be made up of a roughly 50-50 split of shareholders from XM and Sirius