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Fresh news on the satellite radio merger

The long-awaited merger between XM and SIRIUS satellite radio has more-or-less been resolved. Both entities are hammering out the final details and fine points, but they have answered the call about programming changes for current and future customers.

The two companies recently announced the details of their new programming packages. Offerings include the same full line-up from either XM or SIRIUS, plus some interesting new options. The newly combined satellite radio company recognizes that many subscribers have distinct listening habits. For example, you can choose mostly music-only, or talk, sports, and news-only options. New family-friendly packages block out all of the channels that tend to have extreme language.

Another new option is the first step toward combining the programming from the two brands. XM’s “Best of SIRIUS” package means that XM subscribers can add Howard Stern, Martha Stewart, NFL, NASCAR, and Playboy Radio. For SIRIUS listeners, the “Best of XM” package offers Oprah & Friends, Opie and Anthony, the XM’s sports coverage: NBA, NHL, PGA, and college sports. Either option only adds $4.04 per month to your current subscription fee. That translates to $16.99/month for new subscribers.

You can find the full offerings and price plans at either website, listed below. One good note: the pricing for programming is the same, no matter which side of the company you sign up with. The legal side of their merging forces them to play nice with us, the consumers, and so far, the two companies are off to a good start as a single entity. And from what I’ve heard on the inside track here at Crutchfield, it’s going to get even better. The power of both satellite radio companies under one shingle means more music and entertainment for all of us.

Here are the links:

Best of XM on SIRIUS:
http://www.sirius.com/bestofxm

SIRIUS packages & prices:
http://www.sirius.com/packages

Best of SIRIUS on XM:
http://www.xmradio.com/bestofsirius

XM packages & prices:
http://www.xmradio.com/whatisxm/plans-pricing.xmc

Posted Tue, Oct 7 2008 1:04 PM by Robert FV
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Comments

Frank wrote re: Fresh news on the satellite radio merger
on Wed, Dec 10 2008 9:28 PM

To Whom it may concern,  i purchased a new car in August and was so blown away by Sirius music. I bragged to everybody I spoke to about howgreat this satellite broadcast WAS. Then all of the sudden you guys changed the format of so many stations. jazz cafe ,rumba, and strobe were some of me favorite stations and now there gone. I have to tell you I'm receiving 6 months free and of course you want to me to sign upfor an extended period of time but if these station or stations of this ilk don't come back I will not subscribe and the many and I stress the many people that I have bragged to endlessly WE WILL NOT SUBSCRIBE.

Robert FV wrote re: Fresh news on the satellite radio merger
on Tue, Dec 16 2008 1:42 PM

Hey Frank, I hear exactly what you’re saying about the program changes going on over there at Sirius XM.

As the dust settles from the merger, the programming is being fine-tuned in an effort to give you, me, and all of the other subscribers the best entertainment they can. And sometimes, as in your case, the end result isn’t good. My experience, on the other hand, has been completely opposite. I’ve been an XM subscriber for years, yet I was always been jealous of my friends who had Sirius and their alt-country channel, Outlaw Country. XM’s counterpart, Cross Country, just couldn’t compare to the musical variety and programming personalities featured on Outlaw Country. Plus, now I also get Underground Garage, which used to be a Sirius channel. Other XM channels that I liked, such as America and Soul Street, got replaced by their Sirius counterparts (Roadhouse and Soul Town, respectively). I guess I got lucky. The only favorite I seem to have lost is Fine Tuning.  

Still, as a fellow consumer and satellite radio fan, I urge you to let Sirius (www.sirius.com/customercare) know how you feel. I’m sure that they are open to our feedback now more than ever as they continue tweaking the channel lineup. Plus, they’ll be able to suggest which of the current channels might be good matches to those three that you really liked.

shep wrote re: Fresh news on the satellite radio merger
on Mon, Dec 22 2008 4:02 PM

I was introduced to sirius radio by a friend a while back, I thought it was a great idea. The Rolling Stones channel was a selling point for me, then I purchased the system and was disappointed that there was no Rolling Stones. will it be implemented in the near future

                                             thanks  SHEP

Robert FV wrote re: Fresh news on the satellite radio merger
on Mon, Dec 22 2008 5:14 PM

Hey Shep,

I don't know about the Rolling Stones channel coming back...that's a question for you to submit to Sirius (www.sirius.com/customercare). Personally, I'd really like to see its return. Meanwhile, check out Classic Vinyl (channel 14) and Deep Tracks (channel 16). Those are your best bets for hearing the Stones. I also recommend E Street Radio (channel 10), which is a Bruce Springsteen channel.

Keep on surfing those rock channels - you're sure to find several others that you'll like.

Robert

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