XM & Sirius MERGER!!

[DStroyer]

From www.allaccess.com :

Could Satellite Radio Competitors Merge In 2007?

THE NEW TORK TIMES reports that last year’s debut of HOWARD STERN’s radio show on SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO put the technology on the map (Yeah? DID it?), raising the public’s awareness of satellite radio and helping to boost significantly subscriber totals for SIRIUS and its larger rival, XM SATELLITE RADIO.

But SIRIUS and XM shares have taken a battering on WALL STREET, with prices for both off about 50% from their year-ago levels. On FRIDAY (12/29), SIRIUS closed at $3.54, while XM ended the year at $14.45.

And now, the industry may be getting ready to try an even more dramatic third act -- a possible attempt to merge the two services.

The benefits of a merger have been promoted by the chief executive of SIRIUS, MEL KARMAZIN, for a number of months, and SIRIUS officials continue to say that a merger would be a good thing. XM has not commented on the possibility, and neither company has said whether it has actually discussed the issue.

"When you have two companies in the same industry, we have a similar cost structure," said SIRIUS CFO DAVID FREAR. "Clearly, a merger makes sense from an investor’s point of view to reduce costs, and to have a better return."

And if the companies were to merge and effectively double their subscriber base, the new company could reduce programming costs through increased negotiating clout, removal of duplicative channels and elimination of redundant employees.

(And, I'm sure some clueless fucking jackass (M.K.) will say, "Hey, we already have Howard, we don't need O&A.")

[TooDarkPark]

Supposedly, Sirius has announced their first postivive cash flow quarter and 6 mil subs.

[wickedballs]

of course sirius is thinking about merging, they are losing money every day for having to pay hoo hoo's salary

[Mister__Hughes]

...not just paying hoo hoo,
There's the birds, the dj's (they have more live personalities), the fact that their base is in NYC, which can't possibly be cheap, etc etc etc.
They always seem to be the ones initiating the buttheads in the media to ask about possible mergers....anyone else catching this?
The fact is this: the average joe dirt loser out there knows nothing about satellite radio, they do not comprehend the technology, the difference in the 2 companies, the difference in their technologies, the differences in the separate company philosophies, and a hundred other fucking things that set the two companies apart.
Joe fucking dirt doesn't really know the difference...there are that many absolute cretins out there...
...some are "journalists".
This fucking article proves it.
...Some people go to college for 4 years, then journalism school to write fucking "fluff" garbage like this.
I want a copy of this publication, so I can train my dog to shit upon it,
or perhaps so I have a place for my car to drip oil.

[Cpnthrfan]

they will never stop

[Alcohol_IV]

All of this merger talk is designed to bring Sirius up and XM down on Wall Street. The FCC would have to change the license requirements for the services, and with the Democrats in charge any more media mergers are less likely. Also note that the FCC only regulates the wavelengths used for satellite radio and not the content.

Allen Sniffen of the NYRMB is currently harping on one of the services giving part of it away (with ads) to boost intrest and create revenue. I had predicted this as well more than a year ago, that Sirius (Mel K is a sales guy after all) would do so.

[ATAWarriorPBT]

Not gonna happen we make to much fun of the mto be part of them

NOOOOOOOO! manopoly is against the laws of this land ask bill gates

[ringofhonor88]

now if they do merge does this mean i have to buy a new device?

[TooDarkPark]

I really hope it doesn't happen.

[Mister__Hughes]

No time soon.
IF there were a merger, it's likely the two would remain separate, but Doggie would relocate the studios.
Otherwise, they be eliminated altogether.

[TooDarkPark]

No time soon.
IF there were a merger, it's likely the two would remain separate, but Doggie would relocate the studios.
Otherwise, they be eliminated altogether.
I have also heard that one guy in I think, the F.C.C. said he would not approve thid just like with the Direct TV/Dish Network thing.

I want XM to be what it is, seperate from Sirius. Management just needs to be replaced.

[socialdviant]

The only reason Sirius wants the merger is so they can get out of dumb ass Howie's contract.

[Sassacus]

The only reason Sirius wants the merger is so they can get out of dumb ass Howie's contract.

QFT, they must be kicking their asses

[HalftimeAz]

Merger no merger don ‘t really care one way or the other. I just want the NASCAR races back on XM. Cuz there is no way I’m going to the doggie I’ve never liked Hoo Hoo. No even in the 80’s. so if a merger will get me my races back then so be it.

[tammzenn]

XM, Sirius jump; Bear Stearns talks up merger



By David B. Wilkerson (http://www.marketwatch.com/news/mailto.asp?x=100+119+105+108+107+101+114+115+111+1 10&y=David+B.+Wilkerson&z=marketwatch.com&guid=%7B2b70f240-fee3-4ec6-89d7-10ace7e8efb7%7D&siteid=mktw), MarketWatch
Last Update: 1:45 PM ET Feb 16, 2007




CHICAGO (MarketWatch) -- Shares of XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio advanced Friday, gaining as Bear Stearns advocated that stockholders push the boards of the two companies to clear the way for a merger by resolving any disputes about which company would end up getting the greater share in such a deal.

XM (XMSR (http://www.marketwatch.com/tools/quotes/quotes.asp?symb=XMSR&dist=mktwstoryquote) xm satellite radio hldgs inc cl a) was up 6.5% at $13.83, while Sirius (SIRI (http://www.marketwatch.com/tools/quotes/quotes.asp?symb=SIRI&dist=mktwstoryquote) sirius satellite radio inc com) was up 1.4% at $3.65.

Bear Stearns' Robert Peck told clients that both companies think a proposed merger could receive approval from the Federal Communications Commission and the Justice Department. "We believe any public progress of making a deal has been slowed by the economics of the exact split in a [merged company]," Peck commented in a note.

To overcome this apparent hurdle, Peck said investors are likely to push the companies to "avoid quibbling over a few share points, to capture the much larger value of overall potential synergies."

Peck noted that XM shares are down about 25% from recent highs, while Sirius shares are nearing its 12-month low, as talk of a deal has ebbed of late.
Among traditional radio companies, shares of Clear Channel Communications (CCU (http://www.marketwatch.com/tools/quotes/quotes.asp?symb=CCU&dist=mktwstoryquote) Clear Channel Communications, Inc) , Cox Radio (CXR (http://www.marketwatch.com/tools/quotes/quotes.asp?symb=CXR&dist=mktwstoryquote) Cox Radio, Inc) , Cumulus Media (CMLS (http://www.marketwatch.com/tools/quotes/quotes.asp?symb=CMLS&dist=mktwstoryquote) cumulus media inc cl a) and Entercom Communications (ETM (http://www.marketwatch.com/tools/quotes/quotes.asp?symb=ETM&dist=mktwstoryquote) entercom communications corp cl a) all traded marginally lower. Emmis Communications (EMMS (http://www.marketwatch.com/tools/quotes/quotes.asp?symb=EMMS&dist=mktwstoryquote) Emmis Broadcasting Corp Cl A) moved modestly higher.

[O&ASwallow]

What no panic speculation here. Come on folks, isn't this the end of the world as we know it? :hide:

[tammzenn]

yeah, exactly... I thought the rumor mill would be spinnin'!!! :eek:

[Big Logs]

Ewwww, Mel as chairman of the combined companies?

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=2887179

[NoFilterPaul]

XM PRESS RELEASE:

SIRIUS and XM to Combine in $13 Billion Merger of Equals
Provides Consumers with Enhanced Content, Greater Choices and Accelerated Technological Innovation

Enables Satellite Radio to Better Compete in Rapidly Evolving Audio Entertainment Industry

Extraordinary Value Creation for Shareholders

Mel Karmazin to Serve as Chief Executive Officer and Gary Parsons to Serve as Chairman of Combined Company

WASHINGTON and NEW YORK, Feb. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- XM Satellite Radio (NASDAQ: XMSR) and SIRIUS Satellite Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement, under which the companies will be combined in a tax-free, all-stock merger of equals with a combined enterprise value of approximately $13 billion, which includes net debt of approximately $1.6 billion.

Under the terms of the agreement, XM shareholders will receive a fixed exchange ratio of 4.6 shares of SIRIUS common stock for each share of XM they own. XM and SIRIUS shareholders will each own approximately 50 percent of the combined company.

Mel Karmazin, currently Chief Executive Officer of SIRIUS, will become Chief Executive Officer of the combined company and Gary Parsons, currently Chairman of XM, will become Chairman of the combined company. The new company's board of directors will consist of 12 directors, including Messrs. Karmazin and Parsons, four independent members designated by each company, as well as one representative from each of General Motors and American Honda. Hugh Panero, the Chief Executive Officer of XM, will continue in his current role until the anticipated close of the merger.

The combined company will benefit from a highly experienced management team from both companies with extensive industry knowledge in radio, media, consumer electronics, OEM engineering and technology. Further management appointments will be announced prior to closing. The companies will continue to operate independently until the transaction is completed and will work together to determine the combined company's corporate name and headquarters location prior to closing.

The combination creates a nationwide audio entertainment provider with combined 2006 revenues of approximately $1.5 billion based on analysts' consensus estimates. Today the companies have approximately 14 million combined subscribers. Together, SIRIUS and XM will create a stronger platform for future innovation within the audio entertainment industry and will provide significant benefits to all constituencies, including:

* Greater Programming and Content Choices -- The combined company is
committed to consumer choice, including offering consumers the ability
to pick and choose the channels and content they want on a more a la
carte basis. The combined company will also provide consumers with a
broader selection of content, including a wide range of commercial-free
music channels, exclusive and non-exclusive sports coverage, news,
talk, and entertainment programming. Together, XM and SIRIUS will be
able to improve on products such as real-time traffic and rear-seat
video and introduce new ones such as advanced data services including
enhanced traffic, weather and infotainment offerings.

* Accelerated Technological Innovation -- The merger will enable the
combined company to develop and introduce a wider range of lower cost,
easy-to-use, and multi-functional devices through efficiencies in chip
set and radio design and procurement. Such innovation is essential to
remaining competitive in the consumer electronics-driven world of audio
entertainment.

* Benefits to OEM and Retail Partners -- The combined company will offer
automakers and retailers the opportunity to provide a broader content
offering to their customers. Consumer electronics retailers, including
Best Buy, Circuit City, RadioShack, Wal-Mart and others, will benefit
from enhanced product offerings that should allow satellite radio to
compete more effectively.

* Enhanced Financial Performance -- This transaction will enhance the
long-term financial success of satellite radio by allowing the combined
company to better manage its costs through sales and marketing and
subscriber acquisition efficiencies, satellite fleet synergies, combined
R&D and other benefits from economies of scale. Wall Street equity
analysts have published estimates of the present value of cost synergies
ranging from $3 billion to $7 billion.

* More Competitive Audio Entertainment Provider -- The combination of an
enhanced programming lineup with improved technology, distribution and
financials will better position satellite radio to compete for
consumers' attention and entertainment dollars against a host of
products and services in the highly competitive and rapidly evolving
audio entertainment marketplace. In addition to existing competition
from free "over-the-air" AM and FM radio as well as iPods and mobile
phone streaming, satellite radio will face new challenges from the rapid
growth of HD Radio, Internet radio and next generation wireless
technologies."We are excited for the many opportunities that an XM and SIRIUS combination will provide consumers," said Gary Parsons, Chairman of XM Satellite Radio and Hugh Panero, CEO of XM Satellite Radio, in a joint statement. "The combined company will be better positioned to compete effectively with the continually expanding array of entertainment alternatives that consumers have embraced since the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) first granted our satellite radio licenses a decade ago."

"This combination is the next logical step in the evolution of audio entertainment," said Mel Karmazin, CEO of SIRIUS Satellite Radio. "Together, our best-in-class management team and programming content will create unprecedented choice for consumers, while creating long-term value for shareholders of both companies. The combined company will be positioned to capitalize on SIRIUS and XM's complementary distribution and licensing agreements to enhance availability of satellite radios, offer expanded content to subscribers, drive increased advertising revenue and reduce expenses. Each of our companies has a strong commitment to providing listeners the broadest range of music, news, sports and entertainment and the best customer service possible. We look forward to sharing the benefits of the exciting new growth opportunities this combination will provide with all of our stakeholders."

The transaction is subject to approval by both companies' shareholders, the satisfaction of customary closing conditions and regulatory review and approvals, including antitrust agencies and the FCC. Pending regulatory approval, the companies expect the transaction to be completed by the end of 2007.

SIRIUS's financial advisor on the transaction is Morgan Stanley and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP and Wiley Rein LLP are acting as legal counsel. XM's financial advisor on the transaction is J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Skadden Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP; Jones Day; and Latham & Watkins LLP are acting as legal counsel.

Conference Call and Webcast Information

The companies will hold a joint conference call and webcast on Tuesday, February 20, 2007 at 8:30 AM ET to discuss this announcement. The conference call can be monitored by dialing 800-573-4840 within the U.S. and 617-224-4326 for all other locations, passcode 29490052. The webcast can be accessed at http://www.sirius.com/ and http://www.xmradio.com/ as well as on their satellite radio services by tuning to SIRIUS channel 122 and XM channel 200. The webcast will be archived at http://www.sirius.com/ and http://www.xmradio.com/.

About SIRIUS

SIRIUS, "The Best Radio on Radio," delivers more than 130 channels of the best programming in all of radio. SIRIUS is the original and only home of 100% commercial free music channels in satellite radio, offering 69 music channels. SIRIUS also delivers 65 channels of sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic, weather and data. SIRIUS is the Official Satellite Radio Partner of the NFL, NASCAR, NBA and NHL, and broadcasts live play-by-play games of the NFL, NBA and NHL, as well as live NASCAR races. All SIRIUS programming is available for a monthly subscription fee of only $12.95.

SIRIUS Internet Radio (SIR) is a CD-quality, Internet-only version of the SIRIUS radio service, without the use of a radio, for the monthly subscription fee of $12.95. SIR delivers more than 75 channels of talk, entertainment, sports, and 100% commercial free music.

SIRIUS products for the car, truck, home, RV and boat are available in more than 25,000 retail locations, including Best Buy, Circuit City, Crutchfield, Costco, Target, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, RadioShack and at http://shop.sirius.com/.

SIRIUS radios are offered in vehicles from Audi, Bentley, BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep®, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mercury, Maybach, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Rolls Royce, Scion, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo. Hertz also offers SIRIUS in its rental cars at major locations around the country.

Click on http://www.sirius.com/ to listen to SIRIUS live, or to purchase a SIRIUS radio and subscription.

About XM

XM (NASDAQ: XMSR) is America's number one satellite radio company with more than 7.6 million subscribers. Broadcasting live daily from studios in Washington, DC, New York City, Chicago, the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Toronto and Montreal, XM's 2007 lineup includes more than 170 digital channels of choice from coast to coast: commercial-free music, premier sports, news, talk radio, comedy, children's and entertainment programming; and the most advanced traffic and weather information.

XM, the leader in satellite-delivered entertainment and data services for the automobile market through partnerships with General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota is available in 140 different vehicle models for 2007. XM's industry-leading products are available at consumer electronics retailers nationwide. For more information about XM hardware, programming and partnerships, please visit http://www.xmradio.com/.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the business combination transaction involving Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. and XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc., including potential synergies and cost savings and the timing thereof, future financial and operating results, the combined company's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions with respect to future operations, products and services; and other statements identified by words such as "anticipate," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "will," "should," "may," or words of similar meaning. Such forward- looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of SIRIUS' and XM's management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of SIRIUS and XM. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements.

The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statement: general business and economic conditions; the performance of financial markets and interest rates; the ability to obtain governmental approvals of the transaction on a timely basis; the failure of SIRIUS and XM shareholders to approve the transaction; the failure to realize synergies and cost-savings from the transaction or delay in realization thereof; the businesses of SIRIUS and XM may not be combined successfully, or such combination may take longer, be more difficult, time-consuming or costly to accomplish than expected; and operating costs and business disruption following the merger, including adverse effects on employee retention and on our business relationships with third parties, including manufacturers of radios, retailers, automakers and programming providers. Additional factors that could cause SIRIUS' and XM's results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in SIRIUS' and XM's Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2006, June 30, 2006 and September 30, 2006 which are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and available at the SEC's Internet site (http://www.sec.gov/). The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date hereof, and Sirius and XM disclaim any intention or obligation to update any forward looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release.

Important Additional Information Will be Filed with the SEC

This communication is being made in respect of the proposed business combination involving SIRIUS and XM. In connection with the proposed transaction, SIRIUS plans to file with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 containing a Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and each of SIRIUS and XM plan to file with the SEC other documents regarding the proposed transaction. The definitive Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus will be mailed to stockholders of SIRIUS and XM. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF SIRIUS AND XM ARE URGED TO READ THE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION.

Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the Registration Statement and the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus (when available) and other documents filed with the SEC by SIRIUS and XM through the web site maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov/. Free copies of the Registration Statement and the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus (when available) and other documents filed with the SEC can also be obtained by directing a request to Sirius Satellite Radio Inc., 1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020, Attention: Investor Relations or by directing a request to XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc., 1500 Eckington Place, NE Washington, DC 20002, Attention: Investor Relations.

SIRIUS, XM and their respective directors and executive officers and other persons may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed transaction. Information regarding SIRIUS' directors and executive officers is available in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, which was filed with the SEC on March 13, 2006, and its proxy statement for its 2006 annual meeting of stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 21, 2006, and information regarding XM's directors and executive officers is available in XM's Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2005, which was filed with the SEC on March 3, 2006 and its proxy statement for its 2006 annual meeting of shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 25, 2006. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC when they become available.

Contacts

SIRIUS
Media Relations
Patrick Reilly
212-901-6646
PReilly@siriusradio.com

Investor Relations
Paul Blalock
212-584-5174
PBlalock@siriusradio.com

Hooper Stevens
212-901-6718
HStevens@siriusradio.com

XM
Media Relations
Nathaniel Brown
212-708-6170
Nathaniel.Brown@xmradio.com

Chance Patterson
202-380-4318
Chance.Patterson@xmradio.com

Investor Relations
Joseph Wilkinson
202-380-4008
Joe.Wilkinson@xmradio.com

Richard Sloane
202-380-1439
Richard.Sloane@xmradio.com
SOURCE: SIRIUS Satellite Radio; XM Satellite Radio

CONTACT: Patrick Reilly, Media Relations, +1-212-901-6646,
PReilly@siriusradio.com, or Paul Blalock, Investor Relations,
+1-212-584-5174, PBlalock@siriusradio.com, or Hooper Stevens, Investors
Relations, +1-212-901-6718, HStevens@siriusradio.com, all of SIRIUS, or
Nathaniel Brown, Media Relations, +1-212-708-6170,
Nathaniel.Brown@xmradio.com, or Chance Patterson, Media Relations,
+1-202-380-4318, Chance.Patterson@xmradio.com, or Joseph Wilkinson, Investor
Relations, +1-202-380-4008, Joe.Wilkinson@xmradio.com, or Richard Sloane,
Investor Relations, +1-202-380-1439, Richard.Sloane@xmradio.com, all of XM

Web site: http://www.xmradio.com/
http://www.sirius.com/
http://shop.sirius.com/

[Bill100Proof]

None of this sounds to good to me. XM is the better and bigger company, why does it sound like Sirius will be the ones in charge? Or did i miss something in all that info NFP posted?

[Cpnthrfan]

NEW YORK - XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. and Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. have agreed to merge, the two companies said Monday.


The deal would consolidate the only two companies in the emerging business of subscription-only satellite radio, and is sure to face tough scrutiny from federal regulators. Investors and analysts have been speculating about a deal for months.

The two companies said in a statement that Mel Karmazin, the CEO of Sirius, would become chief executive of the new company while Gary Parsons, the chairman of XM, would remain in that role.
__________________

[tammzenn]

nah, that's what it sounded like to me, too... fortunately, these mergers take a while to complete (due diligence alone takes MONTHS...), so no worries yet!! :eek:

[Bill100Proof]

So whats gonna happen to OnA when it does happen? Carmezen and Stern wont work with the boys. This is my only concern about the whole thing.

[ringofhonor88]

First off I better not have to buy a new device. Next I better get some Sirus programing. I hope Stern doesnt brag about Sirius buying XM. But we no he will. Fuck Him!!!!

[machomike70]

this sounds like bullshit to me.how many times has E-LO said this was only a rumor and that xm and sirius would never merge.to be perfectly honest this merger thing scares the hell out of me.I dont like the idea of Hoo Hoo's daddy mel running the show.As much as Howie and the boys dont get along what will happen to O&A when Howie starts his bullshit again?We already know whos side Mel is on.I wonder what the boys will have to say about this whole thing?I dont think they are going to be happy with the situation at all.FUCK SIRIUS!!!!!!:ssj: :ssj: :ssj: :ssj: :ssj: :ssj: :ssj: :ssj: :ssj: :ssj:

[NoFilterPaul]

FACTS

1) The proposed merger has been announced but still has to get through many channels such as the FCC and the monopolys people - remember Dish/DirecTV didn't happen

2) If it DOES pass the above, it ain't happening for more than a year at least

3) Opie & Anthony CAN'T comment on anything except what has been made public in the XM Radio Press Release. We don't want the boys in trouble with the SEC do we?

4) We don't know if O&A want this to happen, so let's not go attacking anyone until they say how they feel (if they even do)

5) E-Lo is not a liar, he COULDN'T say anything about the merger until it was agreed upon, and made public.

6) Mel Karmazin is a cock

[socialdviant]

Stern will say it was all him, just wait and see. If I have to buy a new unit I will blow my fucking top, but still by one.

[Bill100Proof]

Stern will say it was all him, just wait and see. If I have to buy a new unit I will blow my fucking top, but still by one.

Its almost a given that new units will have to be made isnt it? Which signal would they end up using? Will Sirius's units pickup an XM signal? Or vise versa. I really hope this doesnt happen. But if it does, Im right there with ya SD. Ill be mad as hell, but still end up getting it.

[socialdviant]

So far they are saying we won't have to buy new units. I would think they would set thing up so they could transmit to both sirius and XM unit, the same way they transmit FM over XM. This may very well be a good thing for everyone. I just can't wait to what happens between the boys and hack overpaid has been.

[Bill100Proof]

Yeah, never thought of that. If it does happen, it should make for some good radio battles.

[socialdviant]

That it would. The boys have enough pull now that they wouldn't have to worry about the ass hoo hoo running behind their back to the bosses

[Bill100Proof]

Maybe Stern will just quit. Its not like he doesnt have enough money to live comfratably for 10 lifetimes. Hoo Hoo, I invented being rich Robin. It was me, all me! Homo!

[socialdviant]

Yea he got his bonus that he was promised 4 more years and he should leave. I think that is how much time is left on his contact

[Bill100Proof]

4 years huh? Cant wait.

[PhillyFan]

I just hope we don't lose Oprah ;)

[socialdviant]

I just hope we don't lose Oprah ;)

If Oprah goes, I Will rip my receiver out of my truck throw it against a wall, burn it then bury it.

[socialdviant]

XM and Sirius: The Clear Channel of the Internet? (http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/raskin/8747?comment_start=446&comment_count=20#see_comments)


XM and Sirius are now officially in merger discussions. Pending FCC approval, they'll bring their 14 million listeners together to create one big satellite radio station that you'll pay a monthly fee to listen to. Will you jump at the chance to belong or is this the ho-hum of the season? Satellite radio seemed pretty cool when it first launched, but the explosion of all sorts of Internet radio, podcasts, and other free listening channels has made satellite radio seem like a bit of a dinosaur.

Bob, Martha, or Howard?

First, the new merged station is likely to be the Clear Channel of the radio world. Lots of offerings, no character! XM and Sirius have really different styles. Bob Dylan, Oprah, and NPR are all featured on XM radio. Howard Stern, the NFL, and Martha Stewart head the Sirius lineup. Sirius has better sports; XM better talk.

Most people I know who subscribe to cable radio listen to only one or two of the hundreds of channels as it is. Many people I know don't subscribe because there's never been anything compelling enough to warrant spending another $10 a month for radio. My co-blogger, Tom Samiljan, was near prescient in his post that said "despite all the channels he couldn't find anything to listen to."

The alternatives to satellite radio get better and better. HD Radio lets traditional radio stations add a digital signal to their traditional AM and FM signals. Eleven hundred stations across the United States broadcast in HD. Car HD radios are now available; home HD radio continue to drop in price. The programming is free.

Regular radio stations also stream their content over the Internet. At Radio Locator you'll find 10,000 radio station web pages you can access and listen to over the Internet. I'm in Florida at the moment, but happily listening to my favorite NY radio station as I write this. Who needs satellite?

Most compelling is the thought of losing the DJs all together and playing music that you like over a streaming Internet connection. Radio designed by you. Streaming music from services like Yahoo!, Rhapsody, and Napster cost anywhere from $6 to $12 a month, but provide an almost ever-changing selection of music.

Two satellite radio companies are merging, in part because each could not find enough subscribers on its own. Will one big, more vanilla-flavored service lure more of us? I'm not so sure. Your thoughts?

This woman is a biased douche. :Beating_A_Dead_Hors

[PhillyFan]

hoo...hoo I invented mergers, tell em Robin!

[Cpnthrfan]

lawd

[TooDarkPark]

Well, I for one am hoping what they said is true about the radios. My car came with XM built in and I like that radio and don't want to replace it anytime soon.

[Cpnthrfan]

and i like my radios too

[Overnite]

My two cents... It will never happen...

[machomike70]

You know dviant I was really shocked by the article you posted there.At first I was thinking you were the one writng it.I was thinking holy sh*t.Here comes the beggining of the end.But then I realized that this was writen by some one else.So I am felling a bit foolish now so I appoligise for ever doubting you my friend.I shnould have known better.

[socialdviant]

You know dviant I was really shocked by the article you posted there.At first I was thinking you were the one writng it.I was thinking holy sh*t.Here comes the beggining of the end.But then I realized that this was writen by some one else.So I am felling a bit foolish now so I appoligise for ever doubting you my friend.I shnould have known better.

Hell If I would have pulled my head out. I forgot to add the author's name.
It infuriates me that the media continue to ignore the boys, and the fact that this chick did very little to no research before writing this article.

I am hoping that a few more XM/Opie and Anthony fans would comment on what this waste of space had to say.

[KAZhound]

I really doubt the merger will go through.. there are too many hurdles to have to jump though for the FCC to allow it... The only possibility is what the boys mentioned about the FCC regulating it... we all know Howie won't let that happen, and that means Mel won't except those terms.... hence no merger..

[crackaasscracka]

I sure will miss my xm when I cancel my subscription when the boys go away

[TooDarkPark]

I predict everything will be just like it is now.

[Overnite]

I predict everything will be just like it is now.

Never been truer words...

[machomike70]

Hey all what about the new promo's?Did you all hear the new XM promise promo?What do you think?

[socialdviant]

I think they better stick to their promise of no higher prices and not having to get a new receiver. The more I think about it the more I like it. Sirius has some really good music channels, plus NFL. I like a good pro game once on a while

[machomike70]

The only reason why I would want to get sirius is like you said for the NFL.I dont know what the difference between the two companies are when it come to the music channels.I pay for both I have XM in my truck and my worst half has sirius.