XM/Sirius merger? [Archive] - Page 2 - RonFez.net Messageboard

fillourenco

02-19-2007, 06:56 PM

if the merger even goes through the FCC this is what will happenno lineup changes at allits going to be like cable where you subsribe to certain packages such as all sports package, or news, talk and more package, rock package, or pick your favourite channels packages, all for differnet prices. so there will be a virus package and a hoo hoo package so that fans can chose either one or bother. nothing major will happen

rookie

02-19-2007, 06:59 PM

i predict Mel will let Earl go and replace him with the rider.

FUNKMAN

02-19-2007, 07:00 PM

XM and Sirius merge today - what happens to R&F? more juggling and comedy pyramids <img src="http://www.math.purdue.edu/~bell/Juggle/juggle.gif" border="0" width="182" height="200" />

HBox

02-19-2007, 07:26 PM

Recyclerz wrote: To my thinking, the scariest scenario is that, in order to get FCC approval for one company to own both licenses (& I'm in agreement with the people calling anti-trust here) Mel agrees to give the FCC regulatory authority over content. Also, with Mel in charge (& I disagree with Tenbats - Mel comes out on top in this deal) we can expect more commercials if the deal gets the `ole from the authorities.Bottom line for me - as long as I can hear all the R&F and some of O&A everyday I don't really care who owns the company.  As far as FCC regulation goes that's one good thing about having Howard Stern on our "side." He won't be happy at all if he has to be under those rules again. Hopefully he makes use of his Karamzin leash on that issue and that issue only.

NortonRules

02-19-2007, 07:35 PM

I think Earl and Robin (Hoo Hoo) and Artie would do a show together.  They can all 100% agree with whichever guest host is in studio at the time...Earl: "I agree"Robin: "Right-o!"Artie: "You're right, boss, sooo right"They can call it 'Spineless Radio'.

ruggedo

02-19-2007, 07:38 PM

There are a whole bunch of roadblocks in the way of this merger, and with two years between now and the time its supposed to take place, I think that I won't worry about it til then. However I dont think I will be able to stop the dopey grin I have on my face when the stock market opens tomorrow and the whole world jumps on the band wagon of this news.

This message was edited by ruggedo on 2-19-07 @ 11:39 PM

mikeyboy

02-19-2007, 07:40 PM

Bulldogcakes wrote: For the employees who it affects, I'm sure it sucks. But its better to lose 10% of the jobs now than to lose 100% of them later.   10% is probably lowballing it.  There are a lot of redundant channels on the two services, so I would think, for instance, that half of the personnel from the 80s channels and modern country channels would get the boot.

Marc with a c

02-19-2007, 07:44 PM

mikeyboy wrote: Bulldogcakes wrote: For the employees who it affects, I'm sure it sucks. But its better to lose 10% of the jobs now than to lose 100% of them later.   10% is probably lowballing it.  There are a lot of redundant channels on the two services, so I would think, for instance, that half of the personnel from the 80s channels and modern country channels would get the boot.it will probably 50/50.  which means earl or robin.

Tenbatsuzen

02-19-2007, 07:48 PM

Doctor_Z wrote: Here's what I said in the other thread before realizing that this thread exists: Remember when WWE bought WCW & ECW? Simple economics. One choice = No competition. No competition = Crap product. Crap product = Slow & painful death. Unless someone VERY ambitious steps in, XM/Sirius is the only choice out there, and satellite radio has officially killed itself.I've been against this move all along, but hoping against hope that it would never happen. Unfortunately, my fears for satellite radio actually became reality today. I love satellite radio. Not just XM. As someone who loves radio, especially talk radio, I've been a big advocate of satellite radio, as I feel it is the future of radio. But competition is NECESSARY for the progression and growth of any industry. Not just in business, but it's human nature. What would happen if there was ONE political party?Look at the computer industry (Microsoft/Apple). Look at the video game console industry (Nintendo, Sony, Microsoft). Having two (or more) companies duke it out creates an environment where everyone tries to one-up each other. No matter who you subscribe to, or which company's products you support, everyone reaps the benefits in the end. Ultimately, the result is progress and innovation.When there's only one game in town, things plateau. They become stagnant. Satellite radio is still in its infancy, so to end competition now is a very dangerous move. But all this boring shit I'm rambling about is why the term "monopoly" exists and why anti-trust laws exist. But let's face it. The government is as much a business as the oil industry. So as soon as Mel argues that Satellite is in "direct" competition with cell phones and terrestrial radio, congress will let this deal go through and the rich will get richer, and the people will be gypped out of a once-bright future for satellite radio.And the FCC better lay the FUCK off satellite content. It's the only safe haven for freedom of speech in the mass media right now, and it needs to stay that way.  On a somewhat unrelated sidenote, I can't fucking believe O&A have found themselves under Mel Karmazin again. And even though they'll be working in the same company as Howard, Hoo-Hoo's probably gonna needlessly make every attempt to have Papa Mel put another gag order on them. It never ends.  Doc, I have to disagree, and here's why.The WWE implosion is because it has internal forces on it's creative product.  However, radio relies mainly on external creative forces.  Essentially, between the two companies, it was the same product that sold units - commercial free music, an alternative to pay radio.  Say what you want about O&A, and Howard, but I would daresay a large majority of people who listen to satellite are there for the music, not the personalities. Secondly... the reason why Mel is one of the smartest men in radio is just that - he's not an idiot.  He knows that O&A have a powerful brand.  He's not going to cater to Stern.  Plus, Mel is NOT the one who is calling the shots - Gary Parsons is still the chairman. In two to three years, wi-fis will get to the point where listening to any station on the internet will be possible.  THAT'S where the competition will come in.  This will be XM/Sirius's version of WSX/TNA.  They will have to compete with that.  Personally, I hope this lights a fire under O&A's ass.  They are finally in the shit, for real, and this is where they rule.

hotshot70

02-19-2007, 08:22 PM

As long as R&F and O&A stay where they are, its good. If Howard fucks it up, I will quit XM and hope that someone beats that no talent Stern and that house-n***** that agrees with everything he says, no matter how fucked up it is.

BoondockSaint

02-19-2007, 08:28 PM

The asterisks don't make it o.k.

mikeyboy

02-19-2007, 08:30 PM

BoondockSaint wrote: The asterisks don't make it o.k. That's pretty much right.

Tenbatsuzen

02-19-2007, 08:52 PM

You're talking to a guy who's got two different epithets in his sig.Mikey, can we have a moratorium on this witless card-holder shit of acronyms that make up deragatory terms? It's not work-safe, for what it's worth.   

This message was edited by Tenbatsuzen on 2-20-07 @ 12:59 AM

Doctor Z

02-19-2007, 10:31 PM

Tenbatsuzen wrote: Doc, I have to disagree, and here's why.The WWE implosion is because it has internal forces on it's creative product. However, radio relies mainly on external creative forces. That's a valid point, but it doesn't discount the fact that a complete monopoly on a good or service stunts the growth of that industry.  Competition feeds the motivation and creativity needed to take a product to the next level.   Would XM have a portable live unit as soon as they did if they didn't have Sirius on their tails?Additionally, XM/Sirius can ultimately start to dick over their customers and you'll never be able to say "Fuck you guys, I'm going across the street."

Reynolds

02-20-2007, 02:21 AM

WizWith wrote: I think there is a good chance they will keep each company separate. After all, stock holders don’t care what you listen to, as long as you pay for your subscriptions. If O&A and Howard go head to head in the mornings, it doesn’t matter, the cash all goes into the same pockets. Television networks have been consolidating for years.<pre class="pre-list">From the xm website:</pre><pre class="pre-list"> 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.</pre><pre class="pre-list">In order to keep this merger from being called a monopoly, I would guess they would have to argue</pre><pre class="pre-list">that they are in competition with terrestrial and internet radio. Therefore they would being going after</pre><pre class="pre-list">the best talent possible, in order to compete, so why wouldn't they keep all four shows at different time </pre><pre class="pre-list">slots and since they are doing the "a la carte" thing, would be nice if an add on would be giving all four </pre><pre class="pre-list">shows their own channel for replays, and razzle dazzle type shit. I say all four since I guess Bubba has</pre><pre class="pre-list">to stay. </pre><pre class="pre-list"> </pre>

This message was edited by mudeater on 2-20-07 @ 6:21 AM

Dan 'Hampton

02-20-2007, 02:29 AM

Dear Mod,    How's it going.  I'm doing fine.  I'm wondering if it wouldn't be too much to ask of you to combine all these xm/sirius threads and turn them into one holy Official XM/Sirius Merger thread.  Thanks bunches.  I think this will help my head from spinning.Signed   BAC  18201

Gvac

02-20-2007, 02:50 AM

Don't forget...live conference call today at 8:30 AM on XM channel 200.

Dan 'Hampton

02-20-2007, 04:38 AM

My chick tells me that the local husband/wife morning show dj's (Echkk!) are on bashing Sat radio and pushing the idea of HD radio.  Say what you will about XM or Sirius but i've heard NOTHING about HD radio.  Why would I pay $400 for better sounding commercials and censored hacks?

Soupy_Dreck

02-20-2007, 04:53 AM

8:51 am - Mel discusses advertising revenue for AM/FM radio($20 Bil) and how satellite wants a piece of it. 

Tenbatsuzen

02-20-2007, 04:54 AM

dschef wrote: My chick tells me that the local husband/wife morning show dj's (Echkk!) are on bashing Sat radio and pushing the idea of HD radio.  Say what you will about XM or Sirius but i've heard NOTHING about HD radio.  Why would I pay $400 for better sounding commercials and censored hacks? Mainly because HD radio is commercial free and on a lot of HD-2 stations, personality free.   Is it really 400 bucks for an HD car stereo?  I thought the price had come down dramatically.

JimBeam

02-20-2007, 04:54 AM

Here's the email I received from Sirius regarding the subject :February 19, 2007To: SIRIUS Subscribers Today is a very exciting day for SIRIUS customers. As you may have heard, SIRIUS Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio are merging to form the nation's premier audio entertainment provider. This combination of our two offerings will benefit you - our loyal listeners. As a single company, we'll provide superior programming to you every day with the best of both SIRIUS and XM. Currently, XM and SIRIUS broadcast a wide range of commercial-free music channels, exclusive sports coverage, news, talk, and entertainment programming. Howard Stern. Oprah and Friends. The NFL. MLB. NBA. ESPN. CNBC. Fox News. Additionally, the combined company will be able to improve existing services such as real-time traffic information and rear-seat video as well as introduce new ones. After shareholder and regulatory approvals, we anticipate that the combination will be finalized by the end of 2007. Until then, both companies will continue to operate independently. We will continue to provide you with the uninterrupted service - as well as the outstanding customer support - that you have come to expect and enjoy from SIRIUS. We do not anticipate any changes in your service during the merger process, however, please call our customer care team on 1- 888-539-7474 should you have any questions.We look forward to the many benefits this combination will offer and continuing to make your listening experience an enjoyable one - offering more of the Very Best Radio on Radio. Stay tuned,Mel Karmazin, CEOForward Looking StatementsThis letter 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

Tenbatsuzen

02-20-2007, 04:57 AM

Soupy_Dreck wrote: 8:51 am - Mel discusses advertising revenue for AM/FM radio($20 Bil) and how satellite wants a piece of it.  tell them about the discount, harry

Dan 'Hampton

02-20-2007, 05:06 AM

Tenbatsuzen wrote: dschef wrote: My chick tells me that the local husband/wife morning show dj's (Echkk!) are on bashing Sat radio and pushing the idea of HD radio. Say what you will about XM or Sirius but i've heard NOTHING about HD radio. Why would I pay $400 for better sounding commercials and censored hacks? Mainly because HD radio is commercial free and on a lot of HD-2 stations, personality free.  Is it really 400 bucks for an HD car stereo? I thought the price had come down dramatically.  The funny thing is that they are clear channel hacks who's channel programs a portion of XM programming

Don Stugots

02-20-2007, 05:07 AM

any chance of a RAMONE call?

yomudder21

02-20-2007, 05:15 AM

reillyluck wrote: I HEARD "THE NOTHING" WILL GET TO THEM<img src="http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m80/amberrmarshall/labrynth.jpg" border="0" /> I don't remeber Bowie being in "The Never Ending Story"

Earlshog

02-20-2007, 05:20 AM

Don Stugots wrote: any chance of a RAMONE call? haha... Fedirica from KPMG has a question...

Don Stugots

02-20-2007, 05:25 AM

XM's stock is up a dollar but Sirius stock is showing at being down 3.60 and is at zero.  how can that be?  or did i do something wrong.

Don Stugots

02-20-2007, 05:30 AM

Don Stugots wrote: XM's stock is up a dollar but Sirius stock is showing at being down 3.60 and is at zero. how can that be? or did i do something wrong.  nevermind, i am stupid.

Golfman

02-20-2007, 05:37 AM

You think anything will happen with the buddies over this merger Stugots?  I can only get them XM style and I would "flip out man" if I can't get my daily dose.

Golfman

02-20-2007, 05:37 AM

You think anything will happen with the buddies over this merger Stugots?  I can only get them XM style and I would "flip out man" if I can't get my daily dose.

Rockvillejoe

02-20-2007, 05:39 AM

As is everything else in business, it's about the money. Viability is key.1) By the way, I predicted this happening in a post on this site a long time ago. Okay enough about me. It's all about making money. On cable TV, are there only one "fox news" or "CNN" ? No, because variety and quality content are  essential for the viability of a monthly fee service.2) Do you actually think that O&A and Howard actually hate or really hated each other?  They hated each other like any competitors trying to win against each other. Haven't you noticed a different tone lately when they have spoken about each other? For the past 3 months their approach has been that they are "So over"  ranting against each other, and that they have both moved onto a different place. Of course that different place is now the same place. HS and O&A  are no longer in a ratings war, so the nastiness is unnecessary. They will both be on at the same time, listen to whomever you please, just like you do when you watch the Today show over GMA.3) It's not even satellite vs free fm. Satellite radio is here to stay, they will peacefully co-exist with free fm, as many shows will be heard on each othes venues.  4) R&F will be fine. The biggest challenge to  satellite radio is  filling it's channels with quality entertainment.   A good sign was when they got their own radio gig on free fm like the other 2 jabronis. Karmazin is no dummy. He knows talent. I hope and agree that they do get their own channel now.Why not the buddays?5) Having to deal with 2 sets of wires and units for both services, I for one am happy that they will merge. The sooner the better, it's a win-win especially for  us buddays!

This message was edited by Rockvillejoe on 2-20-07 @ 9:45 AM

Tenbatsuzen

02-20-2007, 05:46 AM

Some news outlets are reporting this as Sirius is buying XM.  I've seen it on Cnet and Bloomberg, but it's mainly in opinion pieces.  Has anyone seen this, or is it still the "merger of equals" that I've been seeing?

DuckFat

02-20-2007, 05:50 AM

O&A will be safe because of all the fans that will bolt if they get canceled or screwed with too much.  R&F fans have to be united to make sure they get the message that canceling R&F would result in your cancelation of the service as well (whether you are serious or not.At the first hint that they are messing with the show (unexplained absence or R&F saying they "can't talk") we need a massiv letter writing campaign.  The admins of this board should message everyone that ever signed up when the time comes.

FezsAssistant

02-20-2007, 05:53 AM

Rockville Joe:O&A and HS weren't competing in the past when O&A were on WNEW (same company, different times).  He still did everything he could to hold them down.

Tenbatsuzen

02-20-2007, 05:55 AM

DuckFat wrote: O&A will be safe because of all the fans that will bolt if they get canceled or screwed with too much.  R&F fans have to be united to make sure they get the message that canceling R&F would result in your cancelation of the service as well (whether you are serious or not.At the first hint that they are messing with the show (unexplained absence or R&F saying they "can't talk") we need a massiv letter writing campaign.  The admins of this board should message everyone that ever signed up when the time comes.  because as well all know, it worked so well the last time   I think this is just the opposite.  Ron and Fez isn't the problem.  They have shown, time and time again, they are team players.  Plus they are cheaper to keep than O&A.

FezsAssistant

02-20-2007, 05:56 AM

After re-reading Rockville Joe's post, I realized he's completely clueless on all counts.

Zorro

02-20-2007, 05:57 AM

Rockvillejoe wrote: As is everything else in business, it's about the money. Viability is key.1) By the way, I predicted this happening in a post on this site a long time ago. Okay enough about me. It's all about making money. On cable TV, are there only one "fox news" or "CNN" ? No, because variety and quality content are  essential for the viability of a monthly fee service.2) Do you actually think that O&A and Howard actually hate or really hated each other?  They hated each other like any competitors trying to win against each other. Haven't you noticed a different tone lately when they have spoken about each other? For the past 3 months their approach has been that they are "So over"  ranting against each other, and that they have both moved onto a different place. Of course that different place is now the same place. HS and O&A  are no longer in a ratings war, so the nastiness is unnecessary. They will both be on at the same time, listen to whomever you please, just like you do when you watch the Today show over GMA.3) It's not even satellite vs free fm. Satellite radio is here to stay, they will peacefully co-exist with free fm, as many shows will be heard on each othes venues.  4) R&F will be fine. The biggest challenge to  satellite radio is  filling it's channels with quality entertainment.   A good sign was when they got their own radio gig on free fm like the other 2 jabronis. Karmazin is no dummy. He knows talent. I hope and agree that they do get their own channel now.Why not the buddays?5) Having to deal with 2 sets of wires and units for both services, I for one am happy that they will merge. The sooner the better, it's a win-win especially for  us buddays!This message was edited by Rockvillejoe on 2-20-07 @ 9:45 AM I very much disagree with this one. Satellite technology is being eclipsed by other delivery options. If the industry were viable and successful there would be no merger.

Tenbatsuzen

02-20-2007, 06:00 AM

Do you guys mind if I put my speculation hat on for a minute? Mel Karmazin may be an ass, but he's not stupid.  He wants to maintain as many subscribers as possible to keep this viable.  He knows that O&A is one of XM's top properties, and R&F is probably not that far behind. O&A will not be on the same station as Howard.  O&A doesn't want that, and Howard doesn't want that.I think the Virus maintains its current lineup into the merger.The whole idea of this is cutting costs by eliminating redundancy.  That means getting rid of a lot of channels that have the same material (decades channels, etc.) but keeping the unique flavors of each service to make one superservice. Sadly, what I think is probably going to happen is that you will probably have to pay an extra dollar or two a month as a "premium a la carte service" to get O&A and R&F.  I don't see that happening until Mid-2008 to ease the change, though.

Blackstarj

02-20-2007, 06:49 AM

The new company is going to give you packages to choose from and channels to choose from. if you want O&A you get O&A. If you want Howie, you pay for Howie. If you want both, you will have to pay for a premium package for both.I really don;t think that we'll get all 300 channels. Some channels will go away to open up more bandwith. I'll take all of the Rock and Baseball channels plus RNF. O&A are good but I need my RNF.

angelinad128

02-20-2007, 06:55 AM

I say nothing will happen. They will keep everything the same.

Earlshog

02-20-2007, 07:05 AM

Blackstarj wrote: The new company is going to give you packages to choose from and channels to choose from. if you want O&A you get O&A. If you want Howie, you pay for Howie. If you want both, you will have to pay for a premium package for both.I really don;t think that we'll get all 300 channels. Some channels will go away to open up more bandwith. I'll take all of the Rock and Baseball channels plus RNF. O&A are good but I need my RNF.Its a long way off, but when / if this comes to fruition that makes sense. Just like cable you would have basic programming for lets say $10 dollars a month and you could add baseball / football / O & A for say $2 a piece.

SinA

02-20-2007, 07:32 AM

I know this is long, and a lot of you got (or will get) this email, but for the rest: [quote]February 20, 2007 Dear XM Radio Subscriber: We want to share with you some exciting news:  Yesterday, in Washington DC, we announced XM Radio will be merging with Sirius Satellite Radio to form the premier digital audio service. The merger will create a satellite radio company that will provide consumers across the country with more and better premium radio programming. The combined company will be able to compete better in what has become a very complex and dynamic entertainment market. Where today our exclusive contracts mean you had to choose between baseball and football or Oprah and Martha Stewart, the new company will seek to ensure that in the future, you will be able to access both companies' programming.  And, once we are fully integrated, those of you who have factory-installed satellite radio will no longer be limited to the programming provided by the exclusive satellite radio service chosen by their car manufacturer. This merger should be completed in late 2007 or early in 2008.  Throughout the year, we will provide updates on how the merger is progressing and information will be available at our website, <a href="http://www.xmradio.com/" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)">www.xmradio.com</a>. Between today and the merger date, as well as during the period immediately after the merger date, all of your services will remain the same.  The channel lineup, the customer service number, the great music technology, and the XM Radio web site will all remain unchanged and there will be no disruption to service.  But, if you have questions, information will be available and maintained on our website, and you can contact our Listener Care team at 800-XMRADIO, with questions and concerns. XM Radio continues to be committed to providing you the highest quality audio entertainment and customer service available today.  After the merger, our new company will be able to offer you the most exciting listening experience in radio. Sincerely, Hugh Panero CEO, XM Satellite Radio Forward Looking Statements This letter 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 realiz

MrMarcus

02-20-2007, 07:39 AM

Does anyone know if this mean that the Black Rock Coalition channel will finally get its chance?

Blackstarj

02-20-2007, 07:49 AM

Black Rock Coalition? Isn't that the King's X/Living Colour channel?

Earlshog

02-20-2007, 07:53 AM

Blackstarj wrote: Black Rock Coalition? Isn't that the King's X/Living Colour channel? dont' forget thin lizzy... the lead singer was 1/36 Kenyan

FezsAssistant

02-20-2007, 08:13 AM

MrMarcus wrote: Does anyone know if this mean that the Black Rock Coalition channel will finally get its chance?     Yes, but Robin Quivers will host it.  Earl will be the board op and do a bad job.

Soupy_Dreck

02-20-2007, 08:31 AM

MrMarcus wrote: Does anyone know if this mean that the Black Rock Coalition channel will finally get its chance?     No, but the Black Ron Channel will start up

Earlshog

02-20-2007, 08:38 AM

Fez'sAssistant wrote: MrMarcus wrote: Does anyone know if this mean that the Black Rock Coalition channel will finally get its chance?     Yes, but Robin Quivers will host it.  Earl will be the board op and do a bad job.  Earl "Frozen Mouse" Douglas on the one and twos

Rockvillejoe

02-20-2007, 11:22 AM

Zorro wrote: Rockvillejoe wrote: As is everything else in business, it's about the money. Viability is key.3) It's not even satellite vs free fm. Satellite radio is here to stay, ...... I very much disagree with this one. Satellite technology is being eclipsed by other delivery options. If the industry were viable and successful there would be no merger.Such as? To me, my car is nothing but a big radio. The overwhelming numbers of listeners are sitting in their car, listening to their xm radio. Cell phones? Direct TV? What other delivery options?

sniperscrubb

02-20-2007, 11:23 AM

I read in the past that the FTC has ALREADY said if XM and Sirius wanted to merge, they would approve of it. This was before SIRIUS and XM started talks, the FTC and the GOVERNMENT asked back then said, it is ok.

Snacks

02-20-2007, 11:43 AM

has anyone noticed all these press releases and news talk have all mentioned Oprah, Howard Stern and all the Sports being part of the merge. that with the new sirius/xm you will get the best of both worlds? The one thing I have noticed when they discuss the merger and how great all the talent is that will be all together they never mention O&A. That could be for 2 reasons, 1 O&A arent a big selling point or as big as they think they are to companies or #2 they will not be part of it?

Blackstarj

02-20-2007, 01:21 PM

O&A are not as big of a product name as Stern is. Stern probably sells more tickets but O&A sell a respectable amount. I wonder how many subs would be on XM if RNF weren't there. RNF are the only reason I became a sub. I think people underestimate how popular RNF are. Now with the FreeFM show, their popularity will only continue to skyrocket. The Buddayz have a good following that grew when they went national with XM. They've hit primetime and deserve to be a part of XM/Sirius' future.Here's probably how it will work.Basic: $9.99Basic + Howard: $9.99 + $2.99Basic + O&A + RNF: $9.99 + 2.99Basic + Stern + O&A + RNF = $9.99 + $5.98

PapaBear

02-20-2007, 01:25 PM

I can't see that happening. When XM tried to charge extra for 202, it failed miserably.

Dieseldog

02-20-2007, 01:52 PM

Snacks, maybe you should go on a howie board so you could lick his ass there.  I don't know what press releases you've been reading, but the ones I've seen made no mention of howard, one mentioned Oprah and Martha Stewart, but I did not see Hoo Hoos name once.  Maybe howard is not as big as he thinks he is.

Snacks

02-20-2007, 02:02 PM

Dieseldog wrote: Snacks, maybe you should go on a howie board so you could lick his ass there.  I don't know what press releases you've been reading, but the ones I've seen made no mention of howard, one mentioned Oprah and Martha Stewart, but I did not see Hoo Hoos name once.  Maybe howard is not as big as he thinks he is. Watch some TV or read a little more and you will see that Howard and Oprah are talked about a lot. Yet no one speaks of your O&A. Dont get all mad at me b/c O&A arent as big as they try to say they are. Yes I still like Stern and I love R&F.  Just b/c I like R&F doesnt mean I have to hate Stern or like O&A. Your boys have talked a lot of shit about Stern, now they may have to make nicey nice. Atleast R&F stay neutral and are the class of talk radio. I look forward to this merge. I can then listen to both R&F and Stern.

Marc with a c

02-20-2007, 08:19 PM

12-3pm, 6-9pm, & 12-3am

tele7

02-20-2007, 08:24 PM

Blackstarj wrote: O&A are not as big of a product name as Stern is. Stern probably sells more tickets but O&A sell a respectable amount. I wonder how many subs would be on XM if RNF weren't there. RNF are the only reason I became a sub. I think people underestimate how popular RNF are. Now with the FreeFM show, their popularity will only continue to skyrocket. The Buddayz have a good following that grew when they went national with XM. They've hit primetime and deserve to be a part of XM/Sirius' future.Here's probably how it will work.Basic: $9.99Basic + Howard: $9.99 + $2.99Basic + O&A + RNF: $9.99 + 2.99Basic + Stern + O&A + RNF = $9.99 + $5.98  Basic+Minnie Pearl=9.99+1.98<img src="http://img.search.com/thumb/f/f8/Minniepearl.jpg/180px-Minniepearl.jpg" border="0" width="180" height="216" />

BLZBUBBA

02-20-2007, 08:42 PM

A couple of things worry me about this deal.  First there is the fact that O&A and R&F have gone back to having regular radio shows.  Were they hedging?  Did they or someone else see something coming? I hope they're going to remain. Who knows?   And I'm also bothered about how they're already talking about having new radios which can provide complete channel coverage for both XM and Sirius.  Hey.  I've bought my third XM Receiver (Inno) and I really don't want to have to buy another anytime soon. I guess I like things the way they are.  But I gotta say.  Anyone paying Howard that kinda dough... or Oprah on the XM side...should be the first ones out the door. Are there any execs running companies in this country that have any common sense?  And they've certainly left the door open for future price hikes on subs.  Think about it.  How many channels on your XM radio do you actually listen to?  It's like TV.  Like wading through a ton of shit to find a few gems.  I wish they'd make it ala carte.  Pay for each channel.  I could narrow it down pretty quick.

Badinia

02-20-2007, 09:10 PM

You're all ignoring the obvious answer to what happens now that XM and Sirius have merged. We're all gonna die.

Leticia

02-20-2007, 09:40 PM

I've missed some points that were probably made earlier...so what about the staement that said that sirius and xm weren't allowed to merge?? Isn't it a law or something(i have obviously not been following this) How has this changed??  I have to say... (sorry to Stern fans) I have never like Stern. Ever. It's absolutely incredible what a sell out he is. ... This post will cause problems... <img src="http://www.ronfez.net/messageboard/tiny_mce/plugins/emotions/images/help.gif" border="0" />

PapaBear

02-20-2007, 09:58 PM

Badinia wrote: You're all ignoring the obvious answer to what happens now that XM and Sirius have merged. We're all gonna die.This would solve any hardware issues.

Dan 'Hampton

02-21-2007, 01:46 AM

Blackstarj wrote: O&A are not as big of a product name as Stern is. Stern probably sells more tickets but O&A sell a respectable amount. I wonder how many subs would be on XM if RNF weren't there. RNF are the only reason I became a sub. I think people underestimate how popular RNF are. Now with the FreeFM show, their popularity will only continue to skyrocket. The Buddayz have a good following that grew when they went national with XM. They've hit primetime and deserve to be a part of XM/Sirius' future.Here's probably how it will work.Basic: $9.99Basic + Howard: $9.99 + $2.99Basic + O&A + RNF: $9.99 + 2.99Basic + Stern + O&A + RNF = $9.99 + $5.98   Hey i'm wondering if you could give me a quote on the  upcoming pricing...Okay I want  Basic, O& A, R & F, and the sports package. Thanks a bunchdschef

Johnny4

02-21-2007, 02:54 AM

Boy, what a bunch of Poly Panicers over here. As the official hated Stern fan (RF Fan as well) here is my take. Stern will declare victory, well, because he won. Wasn't he just the "little doggie company" a year ago? Now everyone is talking like he the the great and powerful OZ, because he is the single most influencial  (and highest paid) personality on the new combined network. Sure sounds like winning to me. Believe me, I'm sure part of XM is glad to not have to be his competion anymore.                            Now for the good news! I'm not sure about O and A's or R and F's XM contract status, but they aren't going anywhere. The only negative is that at some point Mel will make them choose between XM/SIRIUS or FreeFM. He thought that deal was the dumbest thing he ever heard of. His evaluation was that"if you have something of value and it is bringing in subscriptions, why would you give it away for free on regular radio?". Let's face it, he's right. I'm sure many have contemplated dumping your XM since the Free FM deal. So either way a R and F will make extra loot when the combined company and CBS are competing for their EXCLUSIVE services in a couple of years. Actually the loser in this deal will be FREE FM who will have to pay talent big bucks to retain them. Like I said a long time ago, don't be surprised if at the end of their current contract O and A are just on FreeFM. It will be a better money deal for them(unless their ratings still suck next year) to position yourself as the Howard alternative. It will be interesting when  shows will have to make the choice between creative freedom or cash. Personally, I think the best move would be for R and F to stay on Sat. If Stern's audience got a chance to hear them and interact with their show(plus Stern doing his best to put them over, like he has done for Bubba) they will grow like you have never seen. Another plus is that Bubba loves R and F as does Brent(his producer), the only bad blood is on the O and A side. Howard has said he could care less about them and would welcome them to Sirius if they had no other place to go. O and A have spent so much effort painting  him as a bad guy, they would have to eat ALOT of shit.  N

Soupy_Dreck

02-21-2007, 04:44 AM

Johnny4 wrote: Boy, what a bunch of Poly Panicers over here. As the official hated Stern fan (RF Fan as well) here is my take. Stern will declare victory, well, because he won. Wasn't he just the "little doggie company" a year ago? Now everyone is talking like he the the great and powerful OZ, because he is the single most influencial  (and highest paid) personality on the new combined network. Sure sounds like winning to me. Believe me, I'm sure part of XM is glad to not have to be his competion anymore.                            Now for the good news! I'm not sure about O and A's or R and F's XM contract status, but they aren't going anywhere. The only negative is that at some point Mel will make them choose between XM/SIRIUS or FreeFM. He thought that deal was the dumbest thing he ever heard of. His evaluation was that"if you have something of value and it is bringing in subscriptions, why would you give it away for free on regular radio?". Let's face it, he's right. I'm sure many have contemplated dumping your XM since the Free FM deal. So either way a R and F will make extra loot when the combined company and CBS are competing for their EXCLUSIVE services in a couple of years. Actually the loser in this deal will be FREE FM who will have to pay talent big bucks to retain them. Like I said a long time ago, don't be surprised if at the end of their current contract O and A are just on FreeFM. It will be a better money deal for them(unless their ratings still suck next year) to position yourself as the Howard alternative. It will be interesting when  shows will have to make the choice between creative freedom or cash. Personally, I think the best move would be for R and F to stay on Sat. If Stern's audience got a chance to hear them and interact with their show(plus Stern doing his best to put them over, like he has done for Bubba) they will grow like you have never seen. Another plus is that Bubba loves R and F as does Brent(his producer), the only bad blood is on the O and A side. Howard has said he could care less about them and would welcome them to Sirius if they had no other place to go. O and A have spent so much effort painting  him as a bad guy, they would have to eat ALOT of shit.  NYeah, He'd welcome them.  Just like he "welcomed" John DiBella back to radio by making him beg to be let back on the air.  Stern stinks.  Every interview is the same:  "what celebrities have you slept with?", "what about anal?", "how about you get naked for us?".  It's all just recycled material.

crb1

02-21-2007, 05:04 AM

Blackstarj wrote: O&A are not as big of a product name as Stern is. Stern probably sells more tickets but O&A sell a respectable amount. I wonder how many subs would be on XM if RNF weren't there. RNF are the only reason I became a sub. I think people underestimate how popular RNF are. Now with the FreeFM show, their popularity will only continue to skyrocket. The Buddayz have a good following that grew when they went national with XM. They've hit primetime and deserve to be a part of XM/Sirius' future.Here's probably how it will work.Basic: $9.99Basic + Howard: $9.99 + $2.99Basic + O&A + RNF: $9.99 + 2.99Basic + Stern + O&A + RNF = $9.99 + $5.98   If anything, a "basic" package would cost AT LEAST as much as the current monthly fee of $12.95. Remember, no two companies have ever merged because they thought it was in the best interests of its customers. They do it to save money (mainly by firing people). These are two companies that are basically floundering with sagging sales numbers, and there's no reason to believe sales/subs will increase dramatically because of this deal.It doesn't have anything to do with the actual talent either. Regardless of what happens to satellite radio, Stern, O&A, and R&F will always find radio work because they have a proven fan base. The satellite radio industry is what's in trouble here, and there's no real reason to think this will turn it around. It may save both companies money, but it doesn't do anything to ensure increased growth of satellite radio as an industry.

Dan 'Hampton

02-21-2007, 05:47 AM

crb1 wrote: Blackstarj wrote: O&A are not as big of a product name as Stern is. Stern probably sells more tickets but O&A sell a respectable amount. I wonder how many subs would be on XM if RNF weren't there. RNF are the only reason I became a sub. I think people underestimate how popular RNF are. Now with the FreeFM show, their popularity will only continue to skyrocket. The Buddayz have a good following that grew when they went national with XM. They've hit primetime and deserve to be a part of XM/Sirius' future.Here's probably how it will work.Basic: $9.99Basic + Howard: $9.99 + $2.99Basic + O&A + RNF: $9.99 + 2.99Basic + Stern + O&A + RNF = $9.99 + $5.98   If anything, a "basic" package would cost AT LEAST as much as the current monthly fee of $12.95. Remember, no two companies have ever merged because they thought it was in the best interests of its customers. They do it to save money (mainly by firing people). These are two companies that are basically floundering with sagging sales numbers, and there's no reason to believe sales/subs will increase dramatically because of this deal.It doesn't have anything to do with the actual talent either. Regardless of what happens to satellite radio, Stern, O&A, and R&F will always find radio work because they have a proven fan base. The satellite radio industry is what's in trouble here, and there's no real reason to think this will turn it around. It may save both companies money, but it doesn't do anything to ensure increased growth of satellite radio as an industry.  Isn't this what the justice department and FCC or whomever will be investigating before this all goes down?

crb1

02-21-2007, 05:58 AM

dschef wrote: crb1 wrote: Blackstarj wrote: O&A are not as big of a product name as Stern is. Stern probably sells more tickets but O&A sell a respectable amount. I wonder how many subs would be on XM if RNF weren't there. RNF are the only reason I became a sub. I think people underestimate how popular RNF are. Now with the FreeFM show, their popularity will only continue to skyrocket. The Buddayz have a good following that grew when they went national with XM. They've hit primetime and deserve to be a part of XM/Sirius' future.Here's probably how it will work.Basic: $9.99Basic + Howard: $9.99 + $2.99Basic + O&A + RNF: $9.99 + 2.99Basic + Stern + O&A + RNF = $9.99 + $5.98   If anything, a "basic" package would cost AT LEAST as much as the current monthly fee of $12.95. Remember, no two companies have ever merged because they thought it was in the best interests of its customers. They do it to save money (mainly by firing people). These are two companies that are basically floundering with sagging sales numbers, and there's no reason to believe sales/subs will increase dramatically because of this deal.It doesn't have anything to do with the actual talent either. Regardless of what happens to satellite radio, Stern, O&A, and R&F will always find radio work because they have a proven fan base. The satellite radio industry is what's in trouble here, and there's no real reason to think this will turn it around. It may save both companies money, but it doesn't do anything to ensure increased growth of satellite radio as an industry. Isn't this what the justice department and FCC or whomever will be investigating before this all goes down?Yes, although the don't care if it costs employees their jobs. They're concerned with the merger creating a monopoly, thus giving XM/Sirius an unfair advantage and the ability to screw its customers. It sounds like they're going to allow it, although it will be months (or more) before we know for certain. Legal and regulatory BS tends to proceed at an ungodly slow pace.

sailor

02-21-2007, 06:02 AM

dschef wrote: crb1 wrote: Blackstarj wrote: O&A are not as big of a product name as Stern is. Stern probably sells more tickets but O&A sell a respectable amount. I wonder how many subs would be on XM if RNF weren't there. RNF are the only reason I became a sub. I think people underestimate how popular RNF are. Now with the FreeFM show, their popularity will only continue to skyrocket. The Buddayz have a good following that grew when they went national with XM. They've hit primetime and deserve to be a part of XM/Sirius' future.Here's probably how it will work.Basic: $9.99Basic + Howard: $9.99 + $2.99Basic + O&A + RNF: $9.99 + 2.99Basic + Stern + O&A + RNF = $9.99 + $5.98   If anything, a "basic" package would cost AT LEAST as much as the current monthly fee of $12.95. Remember, no two companies have ever merged because they thought it was in the best interests of its customers. They do it to save money (mainly by firing people). These are two companies that are basically floundering with sagging sales numbers, and there's no reason to believe sales/subs will increase dramatically because of this deal.It doesn't have anything to do with the actual talent either. Regardless of what happens to satellite radio, Stern, O&A, and R&F will always find radio work because they have a proven fan base. The satellite radio industry is what's in trouble here, and there's no real reason to think this will turn it around. It may save both companies money, but it doesn't do anything to ensure increased growth of satellite radio as an industry. Isn't this what the justice department and FCC or whomever will be investigating before this all goes down? what, firing a few thousand people?  the fcc couldn't care less.  it's other issues they're looking into.

Dan 'Hampton

02-21-2007, 07:09 AM

Weren't both companys forbiden to merge about 2 months ago?  Why is the thread talking like the'yre all for it?

BLZBUBBA

02-21-2007, 07:25 AM

The best chance of this thing going through that I've seen put it at 55%.  DirecTV and Dish Network have been trying to pull off a deal since 2002.  The feds have nixed it.  They're aleady considering cracking down on recording from satellite radio broadcasts.

Marc with a c

02-21-2007, 07:26 AM

this is opies fault

JokesaboutPants

02-21-2007, 06:14 PM

If Ron and Fez are to leave the new super duper xm sirius mega radio thing, then I will say good day sir.  Free FM it will be.But getting rid of the buddy's would be dumb.  Business men don't make dumb decesions.  Right?<img src="http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/333545/2/istockphoto_333545_businessmen_blinders.jpg" border="0" width="380" height="219" />

Snacks

02-21-2007, 08:42 PM

Johnny4 wrote: Boy, what a bunch of Poly Panicers over here. As the official hated Stern fan (RF Fan as well) here is my take. Stern will declare victory, well, because he won. Wasn't he just the "little doggie company" a year ago? Now everyone is talking like he the the great and powerful OZ, because he is the single most influencial  (and highest paid) personality on the new combined network. Sure sounds like winning to me. Believe me, I'm sure part of XM is glad to not have to be his competion anymore.                            Now for the good news! I'm not sure about O and A's or R and F's XM contract status, but they aren't going anywhere. The only negative is that at some point Mel will make them choose between XM/SIRIUS or FreeFM. He thought that deal was the dumbest thing he ever heard of. His evaluation was that"if you have something of value and it is bringing in subscriptions, why would you give it away for free on regular radio?". Let's face it, he's right. I'm sure many have contemplated dumping your XM since the Free FM deal. So either way a R and F will make extra loot when the combined company and CBS are competing for their EXCLUSIVE services in a couple of years. Actually the loser in this deal will be FREE FM who will have to pay talent big bucks to retain them. Like I said a long time ago, don't be surprised if at the end of their current contract O and A are just on FreeFM. It will be a better money deal for them(unless their ratings still suck next year) to position yourself as the Howard alternative. It will be interesting when  shows will have to make the choice between creative freedom or cash. Personally, I think the best move would be for R and F to stay on Sat. If Stern's audience got a chance to hear them and interact with their show(plus Stern doing his best to put them over, like he has done for Bubba) they will grow like you have never seen. Another plus is that Bubba loves R and F as does Brent(his producer), the only bad blood is on the O and A side. Howard has said he could care less about them and would welcome them to Sirius if they had no other place to go. O and A have spent so much effort painting  him as a bad guy, they would have to eat ALOT of shit.  NI have to agree with you on all your points. Especially the part about why have 2 shos one on free fm and one on satelite? I think your right that if this merger goes through and with Sirius being the controling party they will have any show doing both make a decision one or the other. I hope this merger goes through I want to be able to hear howard and R&F without having to buy 2 different services.

OrangeBOF

02-21-2007, 09:22 PM

dschef wrote: Weren't both companys forbiden to merge about 2 months ago?  Why is the thread talking like the'yre all for it? actually the law forbidding the 2 satellite companies to merge was written just under a decade ago.  In terms of changes in technology and ways to listen to music and radio, I am not going to list them all again, just look in any story...its like the 10 years is in dog years (NO Sirius dog pun intended)so much has changed,it seems longer that 10 years has shown milestones in innovation.  Who 10 years ago would have thought that almost everyone you see listening to music has an IPOD around their neck  Whoever heard of HD radio?  I have, have no clue what it is, but I heard of it.  Just thing about it.  It is a different playing field now than their was 10 years ago when the FCC granted the 2 satellite licenses and the law that they couldn't merge. that being said, has nothing to do with the Department of Justice having to rule if it violates the anti-trust statute and is considered a monopoly.  I think the above scenario also applies here You know, when you are around lawyers enough, for ahem whatever reason, some of the jargon rubs off  Staples                 

This message was edited by OrangeBOF on 2-22-07 @ 1:25 AM

norzef

02-22-2007, 12:45 AM

<img src="/messageboard/tiny_mce/plugins/emotions/images/down.gif" border="0" width="20" height="20" />I get sad when I read this stuff

crb1

02-22-2007, 04:09 AM

Snacks wrote:I have to agree with you on all your points. Especially the part about why have 2 shos one on free fm and one on satelite? I think your right that if this merger goes through and with Sirius being the controling party they will have any show doing both make a decision one or the other. I hope this merger goes through I want to be able to hear howard and R&F without having to buy 2 different services.This will be, if and when it's completed, an equal merger. They have said that repeatedly. And why does anyone think any show will go away? You have two services that need more subs, yet so many are convinced they will cut shows that already generated subs. That makes no business sense. I just can't see them getting rid of any shows that Stern may not like, especially considering Stern's inability to bring in huge sub numbers (like he said he would) is a big reason Sirius is still not making money. I think all the talk stations will ultimately stay the same (again, IF this deal happens), since they can only help each company. It's the music stations that will probably change when they start cutting all the redundant channels.Personally, I'm hoping this finally leads to a reduction in the amount of f-ing Nickleback I have to avoid. They even played them on Squizz the other day. How do they have any fans??? I just don't understand. 

This message was edited by crb1 on 2-22-07 @ 8:10 AM

AirJordanJoe

02-22-2007, 03:30 PM

I would like to think that since O&A and R&F are hugely popular on XM that any merger with Sirius wouldn't impact them, but I will not discount the vindictiveness of the likes of Stern and Karmazin. Although financially it makes sense to keep them around, when these guy's egos get bruised it's the one thing that trumps the bottom line. The most greedy people in the world will lose money just to get even with their perceived enemies. I hope I'm wrong.

nwm

02-22-2007, 04:00 PM

your wrong

JimBeam

02-22-2007, 04:11 PM

I dont know much about mergers and how and when they are approved but nothing is ever out of the question.When Pepsi purchased Quaker, for mostly the sole purpose of obtaining gatorade, it was scrutinized because Pepsi would then own like 90%+ of the isotonic market ( I think Gatorade is 80%+ and AllSport was like 5%-8%maybe ).That never made sense to me because whoever owned Gatorade owned 80%+ of that market. Whether it be Quaker who did own it, Coke or Pepsi. Just by the fact that the brand itself was the overwhelming leader.Pepsi had to make a lot of concessions ( one being that they wouldnt sell all other aspects of Quaker and just hold Gatorade. A strategy that actaully has helped Pepsi become a much bigger comapny than Coke in a food service sense. ). They also can not have their bottlers deliver Gatorade on the same trucks that deliver their soda/water products.I posted this question before but say there are only 2 satelllite companies and one is doing it completely wrong ( hypothetically ) and should go out of business how do you keep it alive so that the other company doesnt become the sole provider ?Does the gov't subsidize it just to keep it alive or do they make the company continue to lose money ?I can see the gov't regulating the price, to a point, but not making sure that there has to be 2 companies.We dont have to have satellite radio so we could always refuse to buy it if the price went too high.And personally I'm not an O&A fan, and I dont blast them much on here but I have mentioned my dislike, but to think that nationally they rate with Stern ( who I also detest at times ) is silly.The O&A audience is mostly East Coast, from what I can tell, but Stern is clearly a national/international audience.No reason they can't both be offered on the same combined service, on different channels either at the same time or scheduled differently, and coexist.

Johnny4

02-23-2007, 12:21 PM

Soupy_Dreck wrote: Johnny4 wrote: Boy, what a bunch of Poly Panicers over here. As the official hated Stern fan (RF Fan as well) here is my take. Stern will declare victory, well, because he won. Wasn't he just the "little doggie company" a year ago? Now everyone is talking like he the the great and powerful OZ, because he is the single most influencialÿ (and highest paid) personality on the new combined network. Sure sounds like winning to me. Believe me, I'm sure part of XM is glad to not have to be his competion anymore.ÿÿÿÿÿÿ                      Now for the good news! I'm not sure about O and A's or R and F's XM contract status, but they aren't going anywhere. The only negative is that at some point Mel will make them choose between XM/SIRIUS or FreeFM. He thought that deal was the dumbest thing he ever heard of. His evaluation was that"if you have something of value and it is bringing in subscriptions, why would you give it away for free on regular radio?". Let's face it, he's right. I'm sure many have contemplated dumping your XM since the Free FM deal. So either way a R and F will make extra loot when the combined company and CBS are competing for their EXCLUSIVE services in a couple of years. Actually the loser in this deal will be FREE FM who will have to pay talent big bucks to retain them. Like I said a long time ago, don't be surprised if at the end of their current contract O and A are just on FreeFM. It will be a better money deal for them(unless their ratings still suck next year) to position yourself as the Howard alternative. It will be interesting whenÿ shows will have to make the choice between creative freedom or cash. Personally, I think the best move would be for R and F to stay on Sat. If Stern's audience got a chance to hear them and interact with their show(plus Stern doing his best to put them over, like he has done for Bubba) they will grow like you have never seen. Another plus is that Bubba loves R and F as does Brent(his producer), the only bad blood is on the O and A side. Howard has said he could care less about them and would welcome them to Sirius if they had no other place to go. O and A have spent so much effort paintingÿ him as a bad guy, they would have to eat ALOT of shit.  NYeah, He'd welcome them.ÿ Just like he "welcomed" John DiBella back to radio by making him beg to be let back on the air.ÿ Stern stinks.ÿ Every interview is the same:ÿ "what celebrities have you slept with?", "what about anal?", "how about you get naked for us?".ÿ It's all just recycled material. Since he has been on Satelite Stern has promoted Jay Thomas(former enemy) and had him on as a guest a few times. He also gave Bonaducci a show and promoted him(former enemy) and gave Bubba a show and now Friday mornings. Yeah, what an unforgiving creep. Stop letting O and A hypnotize you into some stupid shit by saying it over and over again. He could care less about them. Honestly, in 3 years he will never have to think about working again.

Bulldogcakes

02-23-2007, 07:14 PM

• <a href="http://www.yahoo.com/s/515435">XM, Sirius merger may not help ailing business model</a>

okterrificsk

02-23-2007, 10:01 PM

Since he has been on Satelite Stern has promoted Jay Thomas(former enemy) and had him on as a guest a few times. He also gave Bonaducci a show and promoted him(former enemy) and gave Bubba a show and now Friday mornings. Yeah, what an unforgiving creep. Stop letting O and A hypnotize you into some stupid shit by saying it over and over again. He could care less about them. Honestly, in 3 years he will never have to think about working again.Yeah its not like Stern has ever tried to fuck the OnA show.  Its not like Stern has ever used his influence with Mel to fuck the OnA show. right????  right???? right??? YOu sound like the "hypnotized" one there fella.  Brush up on your OnA stern History( the factual history mind you). Im not saying any BS will happen b/c of Stern but because ive been paying attention for the last 9 years i wouldnt be shocked if it does.

This message was edited by okterrificsk on 2-24-07 @ 2:02 AM

Johnny4

02-24-2007, 03:32 AM

okterrificsk wrote:  Since he has been on Satelite Stern has promoted Jay Thomas(former enemy) and had him on as a guest a few times. He also gave Bonaducci a show and promoted him(former enemy) and gave Bubba a show and now Friday mornings. Yeah, what an unforgiving creep. Stop letting O and A hypnotize you into some stupid shit by saying it over and over again. He could care less about them. Honestly, in 3 years he will never have to think about working again.Yeah its not like Stern has ever tried to fuck the OnA show.ÿ Its not like Stern has ever used his influence with Mel to fuck the OnA show. right????ÿ right???? right??? YOu soundÿlike the "hypnotized" one there fella.ÿ Brush up on your OnA stern History( the factual history mind you). Im not saying any BS will happen b/c of Stern but because ive been paying attention for the last 9 years i wouldnt be shocked if it does. This message was edited by okterrificsk on 2-24-07 @ 2:02 AM I actually used to beÿ an fan of theirs. So yeah, I do know the history. Didn't they get the biggest contact of their lives(given by Mel) while Stern was supposedly fucking with them?Right? right? right? As a matter of fact the first words out of Anthony's mouth after they signed were "Howard Stern! Because we can say whatever we want now!"They have done NOTHING without him leading off the day for them. The greater point is, will they sell out there fans again when they have to hoose between XM or Free FM.

Dan 'Hampton

02-24-2007, 05:28 AM

I don't see how the new company would drop 202. It seems that they need as many listeners as possible and starting off by axing one of xm's more popular channels knowing that a rabid fan base will leave doesn't make sense.  "Mel Karmazi" is supposedly smart although it does seem to be more by reputation than by anything that he's actually done recently.  And the whole deal with 202 having to choose between SAT or CBS, how does that make sense?  I'm sure that XM gets some sort of kickback from having them do both shows( Probably O and A more) because of the free exposure that the show gives to SAT, and possibly monetary by allowing an under contract show to broadcast on another platform(ONA).  I'm sure things will change but I'd be alot more worried about the sense in Hoo HOo having the ability to have 3 channels.  I know he only does two now but even that much seems a bit indulgent on a combined platform.  Sorry if that doesn't make sense but it did when I first wrote it.

Dan 'Hampton

02-24-2007, 05:35 AM

Johnny4 wrote: I actually used to be an fan of theirs. So yeah, I do know the history. Didn't they get the biggest contact of their lives(given by Mel) while Stern was supposedly fucking with them?Right? right? right? As a matter of fact the first words out of Anthony's mouth after they signed were "Howard Stern! Because we can say whatever we want now!"They have done NOTHING without him leading off the day for them. The greater point is, will they sell out there fans again when they have to hoose between XM or Free FM. This is such a stupid argument. Do you realize that there are alot of fans in the country(Look at any of the location lines on any of the message boards to see what I mean) that don't have them in a market close by.  I live right outside the listening range of about 3 of their affiliates and it's much easier for me to tune them in in my car then it is to sit in front of the computer and listen to an internet stream.  If I didn't have them on XM i wouldn't have them at all and 2003-6/06 were bad radio years.  Whatever the boys need to do to get money i'm fine with it.  As long as the show is still on. And if they move on then fine, I have a life too you know.

Reynolds

02-24-2007, 11:49 PM

I hope the deal falls through, and xm and sirius find different partners to merge with, maybe xm with direct tv, sirius with dish network.  Would be better for the industry, and I think it would cause some interesting new gadgets to come out in the future

Johnny4

02-26-2007, 03:17 AM

dschef wrote: Johnny4 wrote: I actually used to be an fan of theirs. So yeah, I do know the history. Didn't they get the biggest contact of their lives(given by Mel) while Stern was supposedly fucking with them?Right? right? right? As a matter of fact the first words out of Anthony's mouth after they signed were "Howard Stern! Because we can say whatever we want now!"They have done NOTHING without him leading off the day for them. The greater point is, will they sell out there fans again when they have to hoose between XM or Free FM. This is such a stupid argument. Do you realize that there are alot of fans in the country(Look at any of the location lines on any of the message boards to see what I mean) that don't have them in a market close by.ÿ I live right outside the listening range of about 3 of their affiliates and it's much easier for me to tune them in in my car then it is to sit in front of the computer and listen to an internet stream.ÿ If I didn't have them on XM i wouldn't have them at all and 2003-6/06 were bad radio years.ÿ Whatever the boys need to do to get money i'm fine with it.ÿ As long as the show is still on. And if they move on then fine, I have a life too you know.  Sorry.I didn't mean to come across like a dickhead. Everyone talks about how much Mel ans Stern hate O and A. But the truth is Mel and Stern hate CBS. They bounced Mel out in a power play and sued Howard for 200 million. Mel thinks the CBS radio deal that XM did was retarted, if he could blow it up, I guarantee he will.My point was, he will make them choose between XM or Free FM at some point(I'm not going to pretend to know any contract situations). He might do the same with R and F.

Johnny4

02-26-2007, 01:09 PM

Johnny4 wrote: dschef wrote: Johnny4 wrote: I actually used to be an fan of theirs. So yeah, I do know the history. Didn't they get the biggest contact of their lives(given by Mel) while Stern was supposedly fucking with them?Right? right? right? As a matter of fact the first words out of Anthony's mouth after they signed were "Howard Stern! Because we can say whatever we want now!"They have done NOTHING without him leading off the day for them. The greater point is, will they sell out there fans again when they have to hoose between XM or Free FM. This is such a stupid argument. Do you realize that there are alot of fans in the country(Look at any of the location lines on any of the message boards to see what I mean) that don't have them in a market close by.ÿ I live right outside the listening range of about 3 of their affiliates and it's much easier for me to tune them in in my car then it is to sit in front of the computer and listen to an internet stream.ÿ If I didn't have them on XM i wouldn't have them at all and 2003-6/06 were bad radio years.ÿ Whatever the boys need to do to get money i'm fine with it.ÿ As long as the show is still on. And if they move on then fine, I have a life too you know.  Sorry.I didn't mean to come across like a dickhead. Everyone talks about how much Mel ans Stern hate O and A. But the truth is Mel and Stern hate CBS. They bounced Mel out in a power play and sued Howard for 200 million. Mel thinks the CBS radio deal that XM did was retarted, if he could blow it up, I guarantee he will.My point was, he will make them choose between XM or Free FM at some point(I'm not going to pretend to know any contract situations). He might do the same with R and F. Mel was on Stern today and Robin asked him about shows that are both on sat and terr. radio. Mel said he thought it was a dumb idea. He also said contracts are in place that can't be broken, but deals like that won't happen in the future.

Dan 'Hampton

02-26-2007, 01:15 PM

Johnny4 wrote: Mel was on Stern today and Robin asked him about shows that are both on sat and terr. radio. Mel said he thought it was a dumb idea. He also said contracts are in place that can't be broken, but deals like that won't happen in the future. So is he saying that he won't sign progaming from sindication?  That should take out about half of their "talent".  I don't mean to sound like i'm attacking people but Mel is going to be the one who is held responsible by the stock holders.  Who says he's going to be the program director.  As i've said before 202 goes so do I.

boobieman

02-26-2007, 01:38 PM

I agree. If they loose O&A and R&F I am done. What just sucks is what was said on O&A today. That the FCC might approve the merger but the FCC might want to regulate satellite radio..this would make it suck. I like the total free speech..not a commercial break every 15 mins. What also will suck is if this merger goes through, Mel will sell the shit out of it and their would be more commercials. I hate regular radio, too many commercials and god for bid someone say piss, or orgasms.  I like R&F on free FM but they are so much better on XM. Same with O&A, can't listen on Free FM.  Whatever happens I just hope they remove the big  black hole in satellite radio....Oh Howie<img src="http://www.ronfez.net/messageboard/tiny_mce/plugins/emotions/images/wallbash.gif" border="0" />

Dan 'Hampton

02-26-2007, 01:44 PM

I think the heads realize that alot of fans feel this way and won't mess with what they have.

J.Clints

02-26-2007, 01:46 PM

dschef wrote: I think the heads realize that alot of fans feel this way and won't mess with what they have. I agree. I also Dout the fcc will Approve the merger. Of course they are thinking about it but I do not belive they will.

JimBeam

02-26-2007, 03:15 PM

But why wont they approve it ?There's no reason not to because nobody gets hurt.It's not like there's a 3rd compant that'd get squeezed out of the mix.It's not like they're dairy farmers or even phone companies that have a direct impact on day to day life.If you want satellite radio you'll pay for it and if you dont you wont.Its not a necessity.Stern of course as was mentioned above was back from his 100 th day off this year it seems and of course he's now responsible for the merger.It was all XMs losses that make then have to come to Sirius to bail them out. He makes no mention of the losses that Sirius itself has.As if only one of them is operating with a loss.Stern says that they are up to 6.7 million sunscribers and that they are still growing.Is that possible ?What I want to know is how many subscribers Sirius lost, as far as they did not renew, from last year and Stern's " big entrance ".There's no way they've kep every single subscriber.Anybody have an idea where those numbers would be ?I would not doubt that there is some shady record keeping, on both sides, with original subsciptions and current subscriptions.

Dan 'Hampton

02-26-2007, 03:36 PM

JimBeam wrote: But why wont they approve it ?There's no reason not to because nobody gets hurt.It's not like there's a 3rd compant that'd get squeezed out of the mix.It's not like they're dairy farmers or even phone companies that have a direct impact on day to day life.If you want satellite radio you'll pay for it and if you dont you wont.Its not a necessity.Stern of course as was mentioned above was back from his 100 th day off this year it seems and of course he's now responsible for the merger.It was all XMs losses that make then have to come to Sirius to bail them out. He makes no mention of the losses that Sirius itself has.As if only one of them is operating with a loss.Stern says that they are up to 6.7 million sunscribers and that they are still growing.Is that possible ?What I want to know is how many subscribers Sirius lost, as far as they did not renew, from last year and Stern's " big entrance ".There's no way they've kep every single subscriber.Anybody have an idea where those numbers would be ?I would not doubt that there is some shady record keeping, on both sides, with original subsciptions and current subscriptions.  I read a write-up about it in the Boston Globe last week and they had Sirius operating with almost 800million in debt while XM at only 300(like thats nothing right) Anyways you know Stern would say that he's responsible for it but honestly when was the last time you heard about howard stern?  Op's right "K" is the only Stern that matters right now.  I think that as it gets closer to being done if it ever does O & A will be at the top of their games cause they always do better when they are the underdog and if you listen to HOo HOo thats what they are.

Fezticle98

02-27-2007, 07:48 PM

Merger hearings before the Judiciary Committee:http://judiciary.house.gov/newscenter.aspx?A=769The hearing will be held on the afternoon of Wednesday, February 28, 2007 at 3 pm. Mel Karmazin, CEO of Sirius Satellite Radio, will testify. Additional witnesses are to be determined. Will e-lo be there? I will keep an eye out for Mel in the halls. Whatta ya say, Melllllll? <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="987"><tbody><tr><td rowspan="2" width="541" valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"><div align="right"><div id="contentstart"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="10" width="541"><tbody><tr><td class="tenptblack"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="520" class="content"><tbody><tr><td class="content"><div id="contentstart"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" class="content"><tbody><tr><td valign="top"> </td></tr></tbody></table></div> </td></tr></tbody></table> </td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> </td></tr></tbody></table>

ChimneyFish

03-01-2007, 07:58 AM

Bulldogcakes wrote: • <a href="http://www.yahoo.com/s/515435">XM, Sirius merger may not help ailing business model</a> Probably along the same lines."Why Sirius Is Still Doomed"<a href="http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/SuperModels/WhySiriusIsStillDoomed.aspx">http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/SuperModels/WhySiriusIsStillDoomed.aspx</a>

Dan 'Hampton

03-04-2007, 04:30 AM

I happened to catch the replay on CSPAN yesterday of Mel Karmazin's apperance before some congressional comittee.  Some interesting stuff was said.  Alot of fodder for my continued hatred of politicians.  1. Mel said subscription rates will not rise.  2. Current recievers will not need to be scrapped for the new company.3.  All current channels will be availible on the new platform.His point in sayin all this was that whatever they do that could interfere with current customer satisfaction would be a major negative for a company that will do just about anything to get subscribers now.  The douche lawyer who was representing terrestrial radio fought hard that they had to compete with sattelite but sattelite did NOT compete with them. That made no sense.  Another consumer advocate lawyer was trying to convince people that even if what Mel had said, (Points above) that it would be bad for the consumer.  Then again that guy had 1/2" thick lenses and a cheap wrinkled suit.I guess in the end I came out feeling good about my chances of still having what I want out of the new company.  Then again if 202 goes so do I.

Johnny4

03-05-2007, 09:31 AM

It's like everyone says. If 202 is making them money, it'll stay. If it's not it'll go. I'm not an XM subscriber, are RandF still on 202 or a seperate channel.

Johnny4

03-05-2007, 10:00 AM

dschef wrote: Johnny4 wrote: Mel was on Stern today and Robin asked him about shows that are both on sat and terr. radio. Mel said he thought it was a dumb idea. He also said contracts are in place that can't be broken, but deals like that won't happen in the future. So is he saying that he won't sign progaming from sindication? That should take out about half of their "talent". I don't mean to sound like i'm attacking people but Mel is going to be the one who is held responsible by the stock holders. Who says he's going to be the program director. As i've said before 202 goes so do I.   No, there is a difference between sydicated programming and what RF and oa are. They are sattelite programming that has been syndicated to terrestrial. Its the complete opposite. Mel's contention is that if you are on sat. and have exclusive and attractive entertainment, why would you give it to Free radio where the customer won't have to pay a dime for exactly the same thing. It would be like opening up a bottled water vending machine next to a water fountain, just not the ideal situation.

RogerPodacter

03-06-2007, 02:58 PM

Johnny4 wrote: dschef wrote: Johnny4 wrote: Mel was on Stern today and Robin asked him about shows that are both on sat and terr. radio. Mel said he thought it was a dumb idea. He also said contracts are in place that can't be broken, but deals like that won't happen in the future. So is he saying that he won't sign progaming from sindication? That should take out about half of their "talent". I don't mean to sound like i'm attacking people but Mel is going to be the one who is held responsible by the stock holders. Who says he's going to be the program director. As i've said before 202 goes so do I.   No, there is a difference between sydicated programming and what RF and oa are. They are sattelite programming that has been syndicated to terrestrial. Its the complete opposite. Mel's contention is that if you are on sat. and have exclusive and attractive entertainment, why would you give it to Free radio where the customer won't have to pay a dime for exactly the same thing. It would be like opening up a bottled water vending machine next to a water fountain, just not the ideal situation.  That analogy only makes sense if the XM and FM shows are the same.  But they're not!  The XM show is easily better.  Its more like have a free water fountain next to a flavored water vending machine.  Its worth paying for the better stuff.   Or maybe more like a beer vending machine.  lmao

davidb72

03-06-2007, 05:27 PM

RogerPodacter wrote: Johnny4 wrote: dschef wrote: Johnny4 wrote: Mel was on Stern today and Robin asked him about shows that are both on sat and terr. radio. Mel said he thought it was a dumb idea. He also said contracts are in place that can't be broken, but deals like that won't happen in the future. So is he saying that he won't sign progaming from sindication? That should take out about half of their "talent". I don't mean to sound like i'm attacking people but Mel is going to be the one who is held responsible by the stock holders. Who says he's going to be the program director. As i've said before 202 goes so do I.   No, there is a difference between sydicated programming and what RF and oa are. They are sattelite programming that has been syndicated to terrestrial. Its the complete opposite. Mel's contention is that if you are on sat. and have exclusive and attractive entertainment, why would you give it to Free radio where the customer won't have to pay a dime for exactly the same thing. It would be like opening up a bottled water vending machine next to a water fountain, just not the ideal situation. That analogy only makes sense if the XM and FM shows are the same. But they're not! The XM show is easily better. Its more like have a free water fountain next to a flavored water vending machine. Its worth paying for the better stuff.  Or maybe more like a beer vending machine. lmao  Brawndo has electrolytes!

Doctor Z

03-06-2007, 05:30 PM

Flavored water is digusting.

Turtle

03-06-2007, 05:56 PM

I pray to God that Ron & Fez get to stay on XM.  LONG TERM

high fly

03-06-2007, 06:05 PM

Johnny4 wrote: okterrificsk wrote:  Since he has been on Satelite Stern has promoted Jay Thomas(former enemy) and had him on as a guest a few times. He also gave Bonaducci a show and promoted him(former enemy) and gave Bubba a show and now Friday mornings. Yeah, what an unforgiving creep. Stop letting O and A hypnotize you into some stupid shit by saying it over and over again. He could care less about them. Honestly, in 3 years he will never have to think about working again.Yeah its not like Stern has ever tried to fuck the OnA show.  Its not like Stern has ever used his influence with Mel to fuck the OnA show. right????  right???? right??? YOu sound like the "hypnotized" one there fella.  Brush up on your OnA stern History( the factual history mind you). Im not saying any BS will happen b/c of Stern but because ive been paying attention for the last 9 years i wouldnt be shocked if it does.This message was edited by okterrificsk on 2-24-07 @ 2:02 AM  I actually used to be  an fan of theirs. So yeah, I do know the history. Didn't they get the biggest contact of their lives(given by Mel) while Stern was supposedly fucking with them?Right? right? right? As a matter of fact the first words out of Anthony's mouth after they signed were "Howard Stern! Because we can say whatever we want now!"They have done NOTHING without him leading off the day for them. The greater point is, will they sell out there fans again when they have to hoose between XM or Free FM.  Oh, I just love these little tiffs...

Dan 'Hampton

03-07-2007, 02:12 AM

New York Times article on Mel's new allegations of what will go on on XMSirius.<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/07/business/media/07radio.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin">http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/07/business/media/07radio.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin</a>I hate change.

pittphantoms

03-07-2007, 05:47 AM

<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/07/business/media/07radio.html?ei=5065&en=6f4b29133688863d&ex=117393 4800&partner=MYWAY&pagewanted=print">http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/07/business/media/07radio.html?ei=5065&en=6f4b29133688863d&ex=117393 4800&partner=MYWAY&pagewanted=print</a>Sounds like the wonderful Mel is using his slight of hand already.  The deal sounds in jeopardy because Mel blantantly tried to fool the SEC the other day with his statement price wouldn't go up.I watched the entire testimony on cspan - and I left with the impression prices wouldn't increase.  I can't imagine how scummy this guy is to work for.At this point, I would rather the two companys do not merge.  I want it to stay the same.

Dan 'Hampton

03-07-2007, 06:22 AM

Yeah I posted this in the other thread this morning.  Any idea if his testimony today is going to be televised as well?

Bulldogcakes

03-20-2007, 03:00 PM

<a href="http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/070320/satellite_radio_merger.html?.v=2">Senate panel chief skeptical of SIRIUS/XM deal...</a>If this deal falls through, you may end up kissing both companies goodbye. They're both losing truckloads of cash annually. THis merger is one of the only things that gives the Wall Street types that are loaning them the money hope.

Don Stugots

03-20-2007, 03:05 PM

Bulldogcakes wrote: <a href="http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/070320/satellite_radio_merger.html?.v=2">Senate panel chief skeptical of SIRIUS/XM deal...</a>If this deal falls through, you may end up kissing both companies goodbye. They're both losing truckloads of cash annually. THis merger is one of the only things that gives the Wall Street types that are loaning them the money hope.  i would think that Sirius would be in worse $$$ shape given the fact that they gave away all thier money.

boeman

03-20-2007, 03:07 PM

Bulldogcakes wrote: <a href="http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/070320/satellite_radio_merger.html?.v=2">Senate panel chief skeptical of SIRIUS/XM deal...</a>If this deal falls through, you may end up kissing both companies goodbye. They're both losing truckloads of cash annually. THis merger is one of the only things that gives the Wall Street types that are loaning them the money hope. I'm willing to bet that companies like CBS and Citadel would buy them up and add commercials to some of the channels if they tanked

ralphbxny

03-20-2007, 03:14 PM

boeman wrote: Bulldogcakes wrote: <a href="http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/070320/satellite_radio_merger.html?.v=2">Senate panel chief skeptical of SIRIUS/XM deal...</a>If this deal falls through, you may end up kissing both companies goodbye. They're both losing truckloads of cash annually. THis merger is one of the only things that gives the Wall Street types that are loaning them the money hope. I'm willing to bet that companies like CBS and Citadel would buy them up and add commercials to some of the channels if they tankedyeah It sounds right. They would do that.

Bulldogcakes

03-20-2007, 03:47 PM

Don Stugots wrote: Bulldogcakes wrote: <a href="http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/070320/satellite_radio_merger.html?.v=2">Senate panel chief skeptical of SIRIUS/XM deal...</a>If this deal falls through, you may end up kissing both companies goodbye. They're both losing truckloads of cash annually. THis merger is one of the only things that gives the Wall Street types that are loaning them the money hope. i would think that Sirius would be in worse $$$ shape given the fact that they gave away all thier money.  The merger is a stock swap. Technically, it doesn't cost either company money outside of legal fees. But at the rate both companies are losing money, the only way they can stay afloat is with a big line of credit from the Wall St bankers. The merger is a way of keeping the wolves at bay, its a sign that they're losing patience. The merger could mean both save money by consolidating operations. Without it . . . . it could get ugly. The stock would plummet, cash would evaporate and they could be looking at Chapter 11 within months.

Brad_Rush

04-26-2007, 06:20 PM

...It is unlikely that federal regulators will give a thumbs-up to a proposed merger between the XM and Sirius satellite radio (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/related-topics.html?tid=informline&subject=Sirius+Satellite+Radio+Inc.) companies, according to three analysts' reports issued this week....

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/25/AR2007042502590.html?hpid=sec-tech

I am not sure if I am happy about this or not. I like XM the way it is now and would like it to stay that way as long as possible, but if the merger doesn't go through who knows how long the company will be able to stay afloat. Then again, I have no idea how they've been able to keep going now seeing as how they've never turned a profit. Maybe I should have listened better in economics.

Edit: Could a mod please move this for me, I posted in the wrong forum.

ShelleBink

04-26-2007, 06:40 PM

While it is true that the satellite companies are losing money hand over fist ((since they haven't turned over one red penny for profit)) I have noticed a lot more commercials on XM... maybe that's how they're going to attempt to make a turn around...

Little A

04-26-2007, 06:40 PM

It will never happen. I use to be a dish network rep and years ago they tried to take over direct tv and it was blocked. This is the exact same situation. Personally I am glad if I wanted Sirius I would subscribe to it.

Bulldogcakes

04-26-2007, 06:53 PM

Be careful what you wish for. Both companies are losing money like crazy. A merger could save BOTH companies, without it both will be forced to make MUCH deeper cuts. Expect both companies to go Chapter 11 (reorganization) expect to pay more for less service, and expect see some shows dropped for cheaper alternatives.
If you dont like that, expect both companies to be out of business when the Wall Street banks stop giving them operating cash. The fact that they were doing this merger tells me the banks were leaning on them already, so they may be very near or at that point already.

ruggedo

04-27-2007, 12:59 AM

XM reported today that they made a major cut in their loses,and that they expect to be profitable this year without the merger. They went over 8 million subscribers and the repeat rate for subscription from new car buyers was higher. Looks like they will have 9 million by 08.
I agree I subscribed to XM before 202 and really didnt like much of what Serious was doing. I'd rather not have them running things.
This whole sat radio reminds me a lot of the early days of cable tv, people thought that was a big failure for years when it first appeared. Guess we'll see how it all turns out. We've got seats in the front row.

sailor

04-27-2007, 04:53 AM

XM reported today that they made a major cut in their loses,and that they expect to be profitable this year without the merger. They went over 8 million subscribers and the repeat rate for subscription from new car buyers was higher. Looks like they will have 9 million by 08.
I agree I subscribed to XM before 202 and really didnt like much of what Serious was doing. I'd rather not have them running things.
This whole sat radio reminds me a lot of the early days of cable tv, people thought that was a big failure for years when it first appeared. Guess we'll see how it all turns out. We've got seats in the front row.

good point about how often there are slow starts for new industries and it takes a while for it to turn around...then they're huge. um, amazon?

hexy68

04-27-2007, 05:20 AM

i love watching sirius go down the tubes while XM rises..screw the merger, let sirius fail!

Death Metal Moe

04-27-2007, 05:32 AM

I really don't know a lot about this merger. I'm sure that Sirius has a lot of the same channels that XM offers. One thing I have noticed listening to Sirius music channels on the Dish we have in my store is WAY more DJ interruptions, which is about as gay as it gets.

But I don't want Sirius. I didn't ask for it, I don't think anything over there sounds better than XM and I won't pay a penny more for any of it.

If XM fucks with the one channel I paid to hear, I'm out. Period.

Death Metal Moe

04-27-2007, 05:35 AM

i love watching sirius go down the tubes while XM rises..screw the merger, let sirius fail!

I used to feel like that. I fucking hate Howie's stupid lying ass, so I loved seeing XM beat them. Then Sirius came back in a BIG way and I was kinda upset.

But then all that shit passed. In the end, I don't care if Sirius overtakes XM in subs as long as I can get O&A and Ron and Fez on channel 202 for the same price and NO ONE in the back office is fucking with either show.

Plus, the bigger picture of sticking it to FCC regulated commercial radio is important to me. Having XM and Sirius both working to pressure FM to do more is great.

And don't forget what happens when you're competition disappears. Like the WWF buying WCW, companies can get lazy when they're the only game in town. I think having Sirius and XM competing to keep our interests is a good thing. Monopolies are for the gays.

cupcakelove

04-27-2007, 06:07 AM

I really don't know a lot about this merger. I'm sure that Sirius has a lot of the same channels that XM offers. One thing I have noticed listening to Sirius music channels on the Dish we have in my store is WAY more DJ interruptions, which is about as gay as it gets.

But I don't want Sirius. I didn't ask for it, I don't think anything over there sounds better than XM and I won't pay a penny more for any of it.

If XM fucks with the one channel I paid to hear, I'm out. Period.

I've read reviews where its said this is really biggest difference between XM and Sirius (besides the talk shows). I have even heard people argue that this makes Sirius better because you get more of a radio station feel from them, I couldn't disagree more. Nothing pisses me off more on regular radio when a song starts playing and a DJ talks through the entire beginning of it. If they do merge and thats what the music stations turn into, I will go back to listening to my CDs/iPod. Having said that, I don't think the government will let them merge.

sailor

04-27-2007, 06:17 AM

I've read reviews where its said this is really biggest difference between XM and Sirius (besides the talk shows). I have even heard people argue that this makes Sirius better because you get more of a radio station feel from them, I couldn't disagree more. Nothing pisses me off more on regular radio when a song starts playing and a DJ talks through the entire beginning of it. If they do merge and thats what the music stations turn into, I will go back to listening to my CDs/iPod. Having said that, I don't think the government will let them merge.

you don't like them hitting the post?

Death Metal Moe

04-27-2007, 06:21 AM

I've read reviews where its said this is really biggest difference between XM and Sirius (besides the talk shows). I have even heard people argue that this makes Sirius better because you get more of a radio station feel from them, I couldn't disagree more. Nothing pisses me off more on regular radio when a song starts playing and a DJ talks through the entire beginning of it. If they do merge and thats what the music stations turn into, I will go back to listening to my CDs/iPod. Having said that, I don't think the government will let them merge.

Thank you.

I want FUCKING MUSIC. I don't need a funny little story, an update on 'Birthdays in Rock today" or a bad joke up to "The post." I want MUSIC.

iPod 4 life nigga. XM is for Talk Radio and that's all.

sailor

04-27-2007, 06:22 AM

Thank you.

I want FUCKING MUSIC. I don't need a funny little story, an update on 'Birthdays in Rock today" or a bad joke up to "The post." I want MUSIC.

iPod 4 life nigga. XM is for Talk Radio and that's all.

barry white?

Earlshog

04-27-2007, 06:24 AM

Thank you.

I want FUCKING MUSIC. I don't need a funny little story, an update on 'Birthdays in Rock today" or a bad joke up to "The post." I want MUSIC.

iPod 4 life nigga. XM is for Talk Radio and that's all.

come on... who dosen't love the five o'clock funny....

BoxyBrown

04-27-2007, 06:25 AM

barry white?

Oooooh yea baby. Boxy sez, when you got yourself a fine, foxy hoochie mama, that's the kind a shit you want on. Playin' softly in the background.

Works everytime for Boxy baby.

King Hippos Bandaid

04-27-2007, 06:39 AM

I like my Xm, Chose it over Sirius, if they Merge so be it, if not

Ill continue to listen to my XM and pay no mind to Sirius

:king:

Tenbatsuzen

04-27-2007, 06:53 AM

Are these the same analysts who said a merge wouldn't happen in the first place?

El Mudo

04-27-2007, 07:07 AM

Oooooh yea baby. Boxy sez, when you got yourself a fine, foxy hoochie mama, that's the kind a shit you want on. Playin' softly in the background.

Works everytime for Boxy baby.

All right! A Boxy Brown sighting!!

angrymissy

04-27-2007, 08:32 AM

I had a rental car for almost 2 weeks, and I never realized how much I love XM until I did my drive to NJ and back without it. Holy crap. I ended up listening to a barely audible AM hayseed talk show channel for 2 hours and almost fell asleep

myfilth

04-30-2007, 05:33 AM

Sirius is awful. The only plus to it for me is NFL Radio. Their music channels annoy the shit out of me. I love XM’s music channels. That’s why I subscribed in 2004 after listening to the three day free trial online. If the merger goes through and they change or drop any of the channels I listen to in the slightest I’m out. I'm not so worried though because I think it will not pass.

sailor

04-30-2007, 06:28 AM

Sirius is awful. The only plus to it for me is NFL Radio. Their music channels annoy the shit out of me. I love XM’s music channels. That’s why I subscribed in 2004 after listening to the three day free trial online. If the merger goes through and they change or drop any of the channels I listen to in the slightest I’m out. I'm not so worried though because I think it will not pass.

i thought aboot the nfl, but that game doesn't translate nearly as well to radio as baseball does. plus, who can't go to a bar for a few hours to watch out-of-market games? and other than sunday most games (except nfl-tv games) are on the majority of cable packages.

Midkiff

04-30-2007, 06:35 AM

I bought a Jeep a couple years back that came with a year of free Sirius. The only thing I would listen to was the world music channel, 99. Then they replaced that channel with a "temporary" 24/7 Rolling Stones channel. I called to complain, and finally got the explanation that it was oly for 2 or 3 months, then back to regular programming. That time came and went, so I called them back and this time they said it would permanently be a Stones channel. I did not renew, and told them why. Then I came to XM when i saw they had "World Zone," but after purchasing, I discovered it was "online only." That really pissed me off and I was ready to kill, until I accidentally discovered O&A and R&F. Now I'm happy, but still disappointed about that channel. They even have it on DirecTV, why can't they make it a radio channel?!?

myfilth

04-30-2007, 08:14 PM

i thought aboot the nfl, but that game doesn't translate nearly as well to radio as baseball does. plus, who can't go to a bar for a few hours to watch out-of-market games? and other than sunday most games (except nfl-tv games) are on the majority of cable packages.

I just like constant NFL talk. I have DirecTV so I could watch every game and have no need to listen on the radio.

brookzy

05-01-2007, 06:38 PM

Does Sirius Really Need XM?
By Rick Aristotle Munarriz
May 1, 2007
There's been so much talk about the regulatory hurdles that Sirius (Nasdaq: SIRI) and XM (Nasdaq: XMSR) face to get their merger approved that we've almost forgotten to wonder whether the deal is in each party's best interest.

More to the point, is Sirius overpaying for XM?

It could be. This morning's quarterly earnings report shows Sirius once again growing substantially quicker than rival XM. It landed 556,490 net new subscribers for the March quarter, nearly twice as many as the 285,000 that XM netted over the same three months. With 6.6 million subscribers, Sirius is sticking to its guidance, which calls for more than 8 million accounts by the end of the year. That's a milestone XM passed in April. In other words, Sirius is now less than nine months away from XM. If growth rates continue, Sirius will lap XM in less than two years.

Some Sirius math
The first-quarter report finds revenue at Sirius soaring 61% to hit $204 million. Net loss narrowed by 68% -- to $0.10 on a per share basis -- but that doesn't account for a huge bottom-line hit that Sirius took last year on stock-based compensation. Back that out, and the net loss narrowed by a still-respectable 31%, rising to a deficit of $0.08 per share from a $0.13-per-share loss a year earlier.

Wall Street is likely to warm up to the lower-than-expected loss, even though analysts were also looking for the top line to grow at a more robust 67% clip during the quarter.

There are some trouble spots, of course. Churn rate is up, and advertising revenue is down. That last point is surprising, because Sirius has been pitching its ad revenue potential. It's unusual to see the overall ad revenue shrink, as the subscriber count rate has grown by 61% over the past year.

Sirius is also looking to add fewer subscribers this year than it did in 2006. It started off that way, with 204,697 fewer net subscribers than the 761,187 it tacked on during the March quarter of 2006. That was expected, too, but the underlying metrics are a bit ominous. A surge in factory-installed automaker deals is masking a steep drop in Sirius's popularity at the retail level.

The retail market has typically been where Sirius shines. XM may have been the top dog in the carmaker market -- moving more than 5 million in-dash receivers through General Motors (NYSE: GM) alone -- but Sirius was the people's choice. Most car buyers stick with the dealer satellite radio option, but in the consumer electronics superstore trenches, Sirius has been winning the battle, with Howard Stern, Martha Stewart, NFL, and now NASCAR on its side.

XM isn't necessarily gaining ground on Sirius in retail, but Sirius is slipping in its own vacuum. Net subscriber additions at the retail level fell by a staggering 64%. Yes, that isn't the gross subscriber number. Sirius is working off a larger base of subscribers, especially those who came on board with one-year subscriptions a year ago when Stern came aboard in mid-January of 2006. It's still not a pretty thing to see.

The future of satellite radio
What's eating satellite radio at the retail level? Apple's (Nasdaq: AAPL) moving of 100 million iPods isn't helping, especially now that many new model cars are rolling off the assembly line with radio inputs for portable media devices.

And it won't get any easier. Slacker hits stores next month. It's an economical media player designed by digital music pioneers. With Wi-Fi functionality and an in-car satellite option, a free ad-supported music discovery subscription service could eat into Sirius and XM subscribers who are there for the long haul.

On a limited scale but with bigger names, Yahoo! (Nasdaq: YHOO) recently teamed up with SanDisk (Nasdaq: SNDK) to introduce a Wi-Fi-based player. There is no satellite beaming option, though those iPod inputs will fill in admirably after the players are pre-loaded through Wi-Fi at home or work.

All of this technological innovation, nibbling away at your commuting entertainment experience, is important. Gary Numan had it wrong. "Here in my car, I feel safest of all," he sang. XM and Sirius felt that way too, but that's changing. Now there's the risk of being exposed as a retail-level laggard if the OEM market sputters.

It's already happening. Last week, XM reported that just 51.5% of car buyers are paying for their XM subscriptions after the free trials run out. That's down from a still-disappointing 54.3% clip a year ago. New competition won't help that value proposition, leaving more rolling cars with inactive satellite receivers to worry about.

That would be the easiest argument for a Sirius-XM merger. They need one another at this point. In fact, rival announcements may be what finally clears the deal through those regulatory hurdles.

It's true, but Sirius is billing this as "a merger of equals" at a time when it is the faster grower. XM hosed down its full-year subscriber targets three times last year. If XM is also being naively optimistic in 2007, it may be just a few quarters before Sirius overtakes XM. A more attractive price -- or, at the very least, a more attractive ratio -- could then be had.

However, Sirius is smitten with the economies of scale. It sees it in its own financials, where programming costs and customer service expenses are growing much slower than its top line. The overhead savings of a combined XM and Sirius (with 14.5 million subscribers) is too rich to ignore. In that sense, overpaying for XM today may make more sense than underpaying in a potentially bleaker future.

Sometimes, it's OK to overpay.

XM is a former recommendation of the Rule Breakers growth stock subscription service. The newsletter has a pretty decent singing voice, besting the S&P 500 since its inception. Want to take it to the karaoke bar for a few weeks? Go for it with a free 30-day trial subscription.

Longtime Fool contributor Rick Munarriz is such a big satellite radio fan that he subscribes to both XM and Sirius. He does not own shares in any of the companies in this story. He is also a member of the Rule Breakers analytical team, seeking out the next great growth stock early in its defiance. Yahoo! is a Motley Fool Stock Advisor newsletter selection. The Fool has a disclosure policy.

epo

05-27-2007, 09:52 PM

One of my senators, Herb Kohl who is the chairman of the anti-trust subcommittee came out against the XM/Sirius merger on the grounds that it would cause "substantial harm to competition & consumers".

Link to Kohl's letter to the Senate here. (http://kohl.senate.gov/~kohl/press/07/03/2007523A15.html)

sailor

05-27-2007, 10:59 PM

I just like constant NFL talk. I have DirecTV so I could watch every game and have no need to listen on the radio.

if i wanted sports i'd listen to mike and the mad dog long before any nfl network (or mlb or espn) show.

KnoxHarrington

05-28-2007, 07:36 AM

Sirius is still better than terrestrial radio, but XM is definitely better than Sirius. Sirius really does seem to program their music channels like FM, with narrower playlists, and, as noted, those annoying-ass DJ's.

I think something like this (http://www.slacker.com/) will be a far bigger long-term threat to XM and Sirius anyway.

Midkiff

05-28-2007, 08:05 AM

I think something like this (http://www.slacker.com/) will be a far bigger long-term threat to XM and Sirius anyway.

That's cool. Not much help in the car, though.

LilLibra

05-28-2007, 08:36 AM

I used to feel like that. I fucking hate Howie's stupid lying ass, so I loved seeing XM beat them. Then Sirius came back in a BIG way and I was kinda upset.

But then all that shit passed. In the end, I don't care if Sirius overtakes XM in subs as long as I can get O&A and Ron and Fez on channel 202 for the same price and NO ONE in the back office is fucking with either show.

Plus, the bigger picture of sticking it to FCC regulated commercial radio is important to me. Having XM and Sirius both working to pressure FM to do more is great.

And don't forget what happens when you're competition disappears. Like the WWF buying WCW, companies can get lazy when they're the only game in town. I think having Sirius and XM competing to keep our interests is a good thing. Monopolies are for the gays.

Couldn't have put it better. I wouldn't have minded the merger but Moe brings up an excellent point.

lleeder

05-28-2007, 12:10 PM

if i wanted sports i'd listen to mike and the mad dog long before any nfl network (or mlb or espn) show.

I agree it always feels like network type sports shows are holding back. Very rarely will they attack a team or individual like Mike and The Mad dog are capable of doing.

davidb72

05-28-2007, 02:18 PM

I agree it always feels like network type sports shows are holding back. Very rarely will they attack a team or individual like Mike and The Mad dog are capable of doing.

Gotta give them a lot of credit.

furie

05-28-2007, 03:07 PM

Sirius is still better than terrestrial radio, but XM is definitely better than Sirius. Sirius really does seem to program their music channels like FM, with narrower playlists, and, as noted, those annoying-ass DJ's.

I think something like this (http://www.slacker.com/) will be a far bigger long-term threat to XM and Sirius anyway.

is slacker a satellite company? how does it work?

Tenbatsuzen

05-28-2007, 03:16 PM

The comparison between WWE and WCW merging being an example for XM and Sirius merging being bad is like comparing apples and oranges.

WWE and WCW is based on internal creative forces... if the product wasn't good internally, the people wouldn't come.

Radio is based on external creative forces - music and content from external vendors. Like it or not, A lot of the stations on XM and Sirius are the same as regular radio, just without commercials. You can see a lot of similarities between Ethel and Lucy and K-Rock. It's just that there's no commercials.

Here's the simple issue: with the two companies together, it'll stop one from failing and going out of business. Might be sirius; might be XM. But no matter what, one of the companies is going to go out of business, and the Government has to recognize that.

lleeder

05-28-2007, 03:22 PM

I think there are internal creative forces at work in picking the external creative forces. If XM or Sirius is making channels or playlists that don't appeal to their subsribers it has an impact on their success. With both companies merged decisions will be made that will impact listeners. Channels will be dropped or changed that will either please or anger listeners. Like WWE and WCW certain talents will get a "push" while others will just play out their contracts and eventually get released.

Dougie Brootal

05-28-2007, 05:03 PM

"XM-Sirius Merger not expected by analysts "

http://images.allposters.com/images/ATA/24805BP.jpg

Freitag

07-23-2007, 09:04 AM

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200707231200DOWJONESDJONLINE000444_FORTUNE5.htm

WASHINGTON -(Dow Jones)- A merged Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. (SIRI) and XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. (XMSR) would offer so-called a la carte pricing options, with packages starting as low as $6.99 a month, the companies said Monday.

In a statement, the rivals fleshed out the details of what choices subscribers would have if the federal government allows them to complete their tie-up.

Listeners could choose from a package of 50 radio channels for $6.99 a month, compared with the current standard rate of $12.95 a month. They also could opt for a 100-channel package that includes selecting channels from the other service's range for $14.99 a month.

A so-called 'Family-Friendly' tier, which would enable listeners to block out channels they found offensive, would be offered as well. The companies say this option would cost $1 less a month than the standard $12.95 monthly charge.

So as I read this...

1) The low-cost tier is 7.00

2) The full boat is 15.00 where you can pick what you want.

3) There is still a 13 dollar package. I think.

HBox

07-23-2007, 09:06 AM

XM and Sirius announced their new A La Carte pricing structure today, assuming the merger goes through. These new packages require next generation receivers.

A La Carte 1 - Customers can choose 50 channels from either XM or Sirius, for $6.99/month. That's a 46% reduction from the current price of $12.95. Additional channels will cost you only $0.25/each, but no one choosing this package will pay over the $12.95 price.
A La Carte 2 - Allows subscribers to choose 100 channels for $14.99/month. Will let Sirius customers select from some of "the best" of XM's programming and vice versa. "Best of Both" packages will be available on existing radios.

Best of Both package - Continue to receive your current existing Sirius or XM programming, plus get the option to add the "best of" channels from Sirius or XM, for only $16.95/month. That's a 34% savings to subscribing to both services today.
Two Family-Friendly packages:
An "XM Everything" or "Sirius Everything" family-friendly package - but with adult content filtered out - comes in at $11.95/month. This also allows you to block adult-themed programming and, for the first time, receive a price credit as a result.
Add on a "Best of" package from either Sirius or XM, and the price goes up to only $14.95/month (a $2 savings from the regular "best of" package).
Several other new programming packages:
Sirius Mostly Music, or XM Mostly Music - $9.99/month for, well, mostly music.
Sirius News, Sports and Talk programming or XM News, Sports and Talk programming - again, also $9.99/month and pretty self-explanatory.
XM Everything or Sirius Everything - $12.99/month gets you a similar package to what you're receiving today. The current $6.99 multi-receiver packages will still continue.Orbitcast link here. (http://www.orbitcast.com/archives/xm-and-sirius-detail-their-a-la-carte-offering.html)

These will supposedly go into effect 6 months to a year after the merger is approved, if it is.

HBox

07-23-2007, 09:08 AM

Damn it. You beat me to this by two minutes.

Mine's better because I list all the packages.

Freitag

07-23-2007, 09:17 AM

1) I demand a merge.

2) I wonder if free online will continue. It's apparently from these price structures that they have the consumers' interests in mind.

The really cheap A La Carte pricing might be very dangerous, if Howard or O&A are offered in the channels you can select. I doubt it. I don't think Mel is gonna give up his cash cows for 7/month.

ScottFromGA

07-23-2007, 09:20 AM

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200707231200DOWJONESDJONLINE000444_FORTUNE5.htm

WASHINGTON -(Dow Jones)- A merged Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. (SIRI) and XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. (XMSR) would offer so-called a la carte pricing options, with packages starting as low as $6.99 a month, the companies said Monday.

In a statement, the rivals fleshed out the details of what choices subscribers would have if the federal government allows them to complete their tie-up.

Listeners could choose from a package of 50 radio channels for $6.99 a month, compared with the current standard rate of $12.95 a month. They also could opt for a 100-channel package that includes selecting channels from the other service's range for $14.99 a month.

A so-called 'Family-Friendly' tier, which would enable listeners to block out channels they found offensive, would be offered as well. The companies say this option would cost $1 less a month than the standard $12.95 monthly charge.

So as I read this...

1) The low-cost tier is 7.00

2) The full boat is 15.00 where you can pick what you want.

3) There is still a 13 dollar package. I think.

I like the pick what you want package. I'll get the Hoo-Hoo channel so I can listen to Bubba on the way home in the evenings. I like the merger idea.

BeltOfScotch

07-23-2007, 09:23 AM

There's got to be a catch, because this looks really good.

HBox

07-23-2007, 09:28 AM

As I think this over more and more in my mind one thing keeps on rearing its ugly head: commercials. I have a feeling this means more commercials. We'll see. I hope I'm wrong.

Reephdweller

07-23-2007, 09:32 AM

This sounds good. I'd like to be able to hear NASCAR again without firing up my Sirius receiver.

DolaMight

07-23-2007, 09:33 AM

XM and Sirius announced their new A La Carte pricing structure today, assuming the merger goes through. These new packages require next generation receivers.

[/LIST][/LIST]Orbitcast link here. (http://www.orbitcast.com/archives/xm-and-sirius-detail-their-a-la-carte-offering.html)

These will supposedly go into effect 6 months to a year after the merger is approved, if it is.

I read both dueling threads and I chose to reply in the HBOX thread because of the pretty quote boxes.

I think that 6.99 package might work for me if I get a choice of any channel. I think I can easily find just 50 I'd like to have.

IMSlacker

07-23-2007, 09:36 AM

n/m wrong thread.

topless_mike

07-23-2007, 09:39 AM

as a sirius subscriber, i'd love to have xm202, maybe 1 or 2 other channels, and the rest being sirius music.

might not be a bad idea.
but looking the pricing, i knew the moment i heard the word "merger" that prices were going to go up.

S0S

07-23-2007, 11:04 AM

They must be very desperate to sell down their subscription asking price for listening to basic channels. They can already do this but this shows their desperation to jump through the FCC's hoops.
It looks like they will be raising rates if any combo units every become produced and those units eventually will be the only new ones produced. I predict eventually your unit will be marginally supported.
Government controlled monopoly where the FCC choses the subscription fees. Possible content rules?
Family friendly plans means less people will listen to Ron&Fez/Opie & Anthony by accident. XM 202 is an XL channel if you forgot.
We can already control content on XM receivers.
A non-merger would be better for XM . http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/070718/satellite_radio_mover.html?.v=2 Jacoby favors XM if the merger fails, as he thinks the company is likely to gather a 60 percent share of the original equipment manufacturer subscriber market over the next several years.

I predict XM-Sirius subscribers eventually will be paying cable-ish rates for satellite radio if the merger goes through in just a few years with fewer channels on the unit you already own.

BeltOfScotch

07-23-2007, 11:16 AM

They must be very desperate to sell down their subscription asking price for listening to basic channels. They can already do this but this shows their desperation to jump through the FCC's hoops.
It looks like they will be raising rates if any combo units every become produced and those units eventually will be the only new ones produced. I predict eventually your unit will be marginally supported.
Government controlled monopoly where the FCC choses the subscription fees. Possible content rules?
Family friendly plans means less people will listen to Ron&Fez/Opie & Anthony by accident. XM 202 is an XL channel if you forgot.
We can already control content on XM receivers.
A non-merger would be better for XM . http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/070718/satellite_radio_mover.html?.v=2

I predict XM-Sirius subscribers eventually will be paying cable-ish rates for satellite radio if the merger goes through in just a few years with fewer channels on the unit you already own.

Use more colors next time.

drjoek

07-23-2007, 11:20 AM

Use more colors next time.

I like the color coding
ALOT

ScottFromGA

07-23-2007, 11:28 AM

Use more colors next time.

monopoly

IT BLINDED ME!!

Freitag

07-23-2007, 11:28 AM

They must be very desperate to sell down their subscription asking price for listening to basic channels. They can already do this but this shows their desperation to jump through the FCC's hoops.
It looks like they will be raising rates if any combo units every become produced and those units eventually will be the only new ones produced. I predict eventually your unit will be marginally supported.
Government controlled monopoly where the FCC choses the subscription fees. Possible content rules?
Family friendly plans means less people will listen to Ron&Fez/Opie & Anthony by accident. XM 202 is an XL channel if you forgot.
We can already control content on XM receivers.
A non-merger would be better for XM . http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/070718/satellite_radio_mover.html?.v=2

I predict XM-Sirius subscribers eventually will be paying cable-ish rates for satellite radio if the merger goes through in just a few years with fewer channels on the unit you already own.

Ugh. Why did I know you were gonna post this?

Here's the point that stuck out - People who get the Family Friendly package do so for a REASON. They don't want to hear O&A. Period. And they don't want their kids to hear O&A. Hence no "accidents". I'm guessing you don't have kids or a family.

It's not like you're automatically suibscribed to Family Friendly package.

boobieman

07-23-2007, 11:39 AM

Am I the only one totally fuckin confused by this plan? Pick this but not that..take this but take some of that....I think the merger is going to suck. Seams to me Sirius will be running things and that will not be good news for O&A or R&F. Also don't forget Mel likes to sell commercials...let a fuckin whore selling cunt...More commercials more HOO HOO..and more Gag on 202. FUCK the Merger.....I really hope this does not go through.

SEE YAA!!

Also, what if the FCC wants to control Satilight radio. It will be come regular radio..it will suck. Just keep the 2 companies seperate and let the consumer decide what to do and who to use. Screw the merger.

SEE YAAY FOR REAL LATER

S0S

07-23-2007, 11:48 AM

Ugh. Why did I know you were gonna post this?

Here's the point that stuck out - People who get the Family Friendly package do so for a REASON. They don't want to hear O&A. Period. And they don't want their kids to hear O&A. Hence no "accidents". I'm guessing you don't have kids or a family.

It's not like you're automatically suibscribed to Family Friendly package.

XM 202 is an XL channel Chanel blocking is available...

There will be less chance of a person stumbling upon XM 202 if they don't get that channel. FYI: before XM 202 became part of the standard XM line-up, it cost $2 to listen to it as a premium channel and therefore fewer people were able to listen or even explore XM 202 to make a decision to listen. There will be much less people listening to XM 202 as a premium channel than as a standard channel.

And If you thought the "Welcome backs" were prevalent on Free FM, think about how many people won't make the change when a la carte plans go into effect.

Am I the only one totally fuckin confused by this plan? Pick this but not that..take this but take some of that....I think the merger is going to suck. Seams to me Sirius will be running things and that will not be good news for O&A or R&F. Also don't forget Mel likes to sell commercials...let a fuckin whore selling cunt...More commercials more HOO HOO..and more Gag on 202. FUCK the Merger.....I really hope this does not go through.

SEE YAA!!

I am not confused. It will suck. Possibly more commercials and Mel as well!

Freitag

07-23-2007, 12:06 PM

SOS, I'm leaving. I'll deal with you later.

(wait for it)

BeltOfScotch

07-23-2007, 12:20 PM

XM 202 is an XL channel Chanel blocking is available...

There will be less chance of a person stumbling upon XM 202 if they don't get that channel. FYI: before XM 202 became part of the standard XM line-up, it cost $2 to listen to it as a premium channel and therefore fewer people were able to listen or even explore XM 202 to make a decision to listen. There will be much less people listening to XM 202 as a premium channel than as a standard channel.

And If you thought the "Welcome backs" were prevalent on Free FM, think about how many people won't make the change when a la carte plans go into effect.

I am not confused. It will suck. Possibly more commercials and Mel as well!

And what person that is going to voluntarily choose a family friendly plan that they know eliminates all XL channels will turn out to be a big O&A fan? You do realize what the point of those plans are? It's to placate those interest groups that want regulation. It's a simple trade-off, you back off on asking for regulation, we'll prominently advertise a family friendly plan AND make it cheaper for people to subscribe to that plan.

S0S

07-23-2007, 12:29 PM

Not everyone listening to Ron&Fez/Opie&Anthony is hardcore enough to pay for premium content. Ron&Fez/Opie&Anthony will loose listeners from XM. We don't even know if 202 will be simulcast on the Sirius network.

topless_mike

07-23-2007, 12:51 PM

I like the color coding
ALOT

are all the colors some kind of encrypted gay pride rainbow?

do i need to get my cracker jacks prize glasses to decode it?

Tenbatsuzen

07-23-2007, 12:56 PM

Not everyone listening to Ron&Fez/Opie&Anthony is hardcore enough to pay for premium content. Ron&Fez/Opie&Anthony will loose listeners from XM. We don't even know if 202 will be simulcast on the Sirius network.

First, the entire basis of O&A on XM in the first place was people paying for premium content.

Secondly, show me one price plan that is without O&A that is different than what we are already paying? There is going to be no "premium" content fee.

Third, THERE WILL BE NO SIRIUS NETWORK. That's the whole point of merging stuff.

Basically what they are saying is this:

1) If you continue paying what you're paying, for at least a year or more, you're going to get XM or Sirius only content.

2) If you only want to pay for certain channels, here's a list, make your pick. Chances are, Howard or O&A won't be on that list.

3) Family Friendly plan: No Howard, No O&A, no Rap channels.

4) If you're on XM and want the NFL and/or NASCAR, or if you're on Sirius and want MLB/Dylan/etc, that's where you pay the premium, because those are the big money deals.

O&A run at a major discount compared to Howard. Who's to say that Howard will be at the top tier so-called "premium content" for former XM listeners, but the same won't be said for former SIRI listeners and O&A?

The fact is, you don't have all your facts. No one does. You're opposed to this merger, but using one analyst's opinion that XM will come out on top if the merger fails is grasping at straws at best.

If you're only listening to specific channels (and I'm guessing, from a business model sense, these channels will NOT include Howard or Virus)

lleeder

07-23-2007, 01:06 PM

If they have family friendly plans then they should also have degenerate friendly plans. Fair is fair.

MobCounty

07-23-2007, 01:13 PM

*Post from the future*

Haha, remember when sat radio said it was gonna only be $14.99..

drjoek

07-23-2007, 01:15 PM

are all the colors some kind of encrypted gay pride rainbow?

do i need to get my cracker jacks prize glasses to decode it?

DOH !!!!!

S0S

07-23-2007, 01:26 PM

First, the entire basis of O&A on XM in the first place was people paying for premium content.
I know it sounds ridiculous but $2 was a big deal for some people, including many hardcores when XM 202 was a Premium Channel.

Secondly, show me one price plan that is without O&A that is different than what we are already paying? There is going to be no "premium" content fee.By offering less channels for less money, in effect the current channels not covered by the basic a la carte are premium channels by not in name.

Will new cars be on the basic a la carte plan?

Third, THERE WILL BE NO SIRIUS NETWORK. That's the whole point of merging stuff. I meant the satellites in space with their different bandwidths.

Basically what they are saying is this:

1) If you continue paying what you're paying, for at least a year or more, you're going to get XM or Sirius only content.Yea. But not everyone, including companies, is going to be as generous with their subscription fee

2) If you only want to pay for certain channels, here's a list, make your pick. Chances are, Howard or O&A won't be on that list.UPDATE: Note that the A La Carte packages will only be available to people who buy the next-generation satellite radio receivers. This is why the timing is set to further out than the other packages.http://www.orbitcast.com/archives/xm-and-sirius-detail-their-a-la-carte-offering.html

3) Family Friendly plan: No Howard, No O&A, no Rap channels.No Ron and Fezzz.

4) If you're on XM and want the NFL and/or NASCAR, or if you're on Sirius and want MLB/Dylan/etc, that's where you pay the premium, because those are the big money deals.People will have to buy another receiver for certain programming.

O&A run at a major discount compared to Howard. Who's to say that Howard will be at the top tier so-called "premium content" for former XM listeners, but the same won't be said for former SIRI listeners and O&A?Howard Stern Show is Sirius' flagship show; if you buy a Sirius you will probably be listening to Howard Stern. That is not the case with Opie and Anthony on XM where XM has a hodge podge of shows that they promote before them..

The fact is, you don't have all your facts. No one does. You're opposed to this merger, but using one analyst's opinion that XM will come out on top if the merger fails is grasping at straws at best.No one knows everything but we can try to make accurate guesses of what will happen. I just didn't spend the time for it to be more precise.

If you're only listening to specific channels (and I'm guessing, from a business model sense, these channels will NOT include Howard or Virus)

Tenbatsuzen

07-23-2007, 02:15 PM

I know it sounds ridiculous but $2 was a big deal for some people, including many hardcores when XM 202 was a Premium Channel.

If two bucks a month is a big deal, then you have bigger problems than a fucking merger.

By offering less channels for less money, in effect the current channels not covered by the basic a la carte are premium channels by not in name.

I'm sorry, I don't speak Wackbag. English, please.

I meant the satellites in space with their different bandwidths.

Content isn't network exclusive. That's only regarding the receivers. You flip two switches and Howard can be on 202 and O&A can be on Howard 100.

Yea. But not everyone, including companies, is going to be as generous with their subscription fee

Babble

http://www.orbitcast.com/archives/xm-and-sirius-detail-their-a-la-carte-offering.html

Yeah, and? Most people update their equipment every few years or so. This isn't a big shock. Stop making mountains out of molehills.

No Ron and Fezzz.

Ron and Fez is family friendly entertainment? They aren't shock jocks, but no way in hell are they family friendly.

People will have to buy another receiver for certain programming.

And? The cheapest receivers are 30-40 bucks. I'm sure that XM and Siri will take into consideration people's current connections so you don't have to rewire everything if you have to buy a new receiver.

No one knows everything but we can try to make accurate guesses of what will happen. I just didn't spend the time for it to be more precise.

Oh, wait, I do speak wackbag: "I'm talking out of my ass trying to skew facts so people will be anti-merger".

You still didn't answer my question.

I'll bold it for you:

With XM failing as a company (and with te money they are bleeding, they are a failing company), what, to you, is the ultimate positive outcome if the merger fails? Do you think that if the Merger fails, XM suddenly becomes a profitable company and it'll be all roses and handjobs?

silas

07-23-2007, 02:41 PM

*Post from the future*

Haha, remember when sat radio said it was gonna only be $14.99..

Yoikes- my guess is you will probably be right, at least a couple of years downstream.

...personally tho; i'm hoping that the a la carte options will include 202 as part of a "choose a limited number of other channels in addition to 202."

If there are choices along those lines, for example, 25 stations including 202; i would be ok with that.

One of the unfortunate realities is that either satellite service alone (gross mismanagement included) wasn't working out.

drjoek

07-23-2007, 02:58 PM

*Post from the future*

Haha, remember when sat radio said it was gonna only be $14.99..

My New York Times just went to

125 days
400 Sundays

Everything goes up

rotorhead

07-23-2007, 04:00 PM

At this point, I just want the buddays to continue on sat. radio....the show is so damn good.

RENFIELD

07-23-2007, 04:04 PM

let me pay $5 a month and just give me RON & FEZ
and i'll be happy...
(i'd also like their appearances on O & A)

outside of that...
i have no use for paid radio....

i'd even go for a $12 / 12 hour combo...
4 hours of O & A, 4 hours of RON & FEZ, 4 hours of STERN

and 12 hours of replay...

i fell off the stern bandwagon in 94
but as the filler for the last 4 hours of 12...
i'd go for it...

BUT BOTTOM LINE..... NO RON & FEZ... AND NO NEED FOR XM or SIRIUS !!!

cougarjake13

07-23-2007, 04:25 PM

i'd love to pay 6.99 and get 50 channels

i mean beyond o and a, ron fez, some heavy metal channels and i guess howard, bubba, and ferrall what other channels would i need

IMSlacker

07-23-2007, 04:33 PM

i'd love to pay 6.99 and get 50 channels

i mean beyond o and a, ron fez, some heavy metal channels and i guess howard, bubba, and ferrall what other channels would i need

The MLB channels?

Tenbatsuzen

07-23-2007, 04:44 PM

I'd be willing to bet posting for a week that O&A, Howard, etc. will not be a part of the 6.99 a la carte deal.

They might be a part of the more expensive a la carte deal, but no way on the 6.99 deal.

IMSlacker

07-23-2007, 05:01 PM

I'd be willing to bet posting for a week that O&A, Howard, etc. will not be a part of the 6.99 a la carte deal.

They might be a part of the more expensive a la carte deal, but no way on the 6.99 deal.

Yeah, seems unlikely.

silas

07-23-2007, 05:04 PM

let me pay $5 a month and just give me RON & FEZ
and i'll be happy...
(i'd also like their appearances on O & A)

outside of that...
i have no use for paid radio....

As at least 1 or 2 posts touched on earlier, i would unfortunately guess that the low price& just 202 option is not likely;

Also as already noted here + elsewhere, 202 (+ the serius counterparts) are too much of a draw (and relatively costly- someone has to pay for trump condos and helipads); "bundling" with other channels, even tho they may have less value to the average 202er, is my prediction.

I also assume that many R+F/O+A listeners are like me, and don't mind a few/prefer also having a few other stations...and many (?) will even be willing to absorb some extra cost to get their O+A/R+F stuff.

Of those who listen virtually exclusively to 202 (and already pay full $sub), aren't most of them fairly core listeners?, and many wouldn't cancel if they are obliged (albeit unhappily) to pay a few extra $ even tho still just listening to 1 station?.

The balance may be in how many they can retain while increasing subs a bit. I can't imagine that 202, in what ever pkge (whether alone or 50 channels or merged), would be more than ballpark $20 per month?

However, the a la carte system DOES probably mean that the more you are exclusively a 202 listener, the more you will be absorbing extra costs (again, i'm assuming getting JUST 202 for a limited price won't be an option)

S0S

07-23-2007, 05:09 PM

They sure did.

* A La Carte 1 - Customers can choose 50 channels from either XM or Sirius, for $6.99/month. That's a 46% reduction from the current price of $12.95. Additional channels will cost you only $0.25/each, but no one choosing this package will pay over the $12.95 price.
* A La Carte 2 - Allows subscribers to choose 100 channels for $14.99/month. Will let Sirius customers select from some of "the best" of XM's programming and vice versa. "Best of Both" packages will be available on existing radios.
Just like in Basic Cable, any extras paid for are premium channels.
Many People and companies will try to save money.
And less people will listen to O&A/Ron and Fez on XM.

With XM failing as a company (and with te money they are bleeding, they are a failing company), what, to you, is the ultimate positive outcome if the merger fails?

Sirius will fail before XM does if there is no merger if any company is really going to fail at all. Without a la carte pricing of the merger, more people will find XM 202 than if there was a merger. XM 202 will remain one of the most popular channels. XM will need Opie and Anthony/Ron & Fez and show them some respect unlike in a merger. I do not have a rosy image to returning to a WNEW-ish style arrangement with Mel Karmazin as their president of the merger and The Howard Stern Show being the prodigal show of the merger. I also do not not trust monopolies to care about their customers or their employees.

I found this compelling:
I'm getting 170 channels now for $13.

So my choices now will be: either less than 1/3 of the channels I'm getting now for slightly more than half the current price, or 2/3 of the channels I'm getting now for $2 more than the current price.

Not to mention that I would have to buy a new, more expensive, dual-system radio to hear both services. A dual-system radio that, by the way, they still haven't even invented yet.

But this is supposedly good news.

Fuck Mel Karmazin in his stupid price-gouging asshole.

What is the positive outcome of the merger?

Higher prices.
Less chance that people will find XM 202.
Sirius doesn't fail.
Mel Karmazin as president.
Hoo Hoo gets his way.
Less channels for more.
Possible change of timeslots.
People will get fired.
FCC regulations.
Sirius/XM becomes a monopoly
Uncompetitive price increases.

Zorro

07-23-2007, 05:28 PM

I doubt all this hand wringing about price matters. It's a cunard to divert you from realizing that the merger will cause a consolidation of stations which will probably leave Ron and Fez in the cold. Enjoy 'em while you got 'em

Tenbatsuzen

07-23-2007, 05:32 PM

They sure did.

Just like in Basic Cable, any extras paid for are premium channels.
Many People and companies will try to save money.
And less people will listen to O&A/Ron and Fez on XM.

YOU ARE USING THE GODDAMN ALACARTE PRICES AS THE FUCKING STANDARD! YOU CAN STILL PAY WHAT YOU'RE PAYING NOW FOR AT LEAST A YEAR BEFORE YOU HAVE TO CHANGE YOUR PLAN, IF YOU EVEN HAVE TO CHANGE YOUR PLAN AT ALL!

Using "cable pricing" as an example is stupid.

Sirius will fail before XM does if there is no merger if any company is really going to fail at all.

Do you have a 7th grade grasp of the English language? What does this even MEAN?

I do not have a rosy image to returning to a WNEW-ish style arrangement with Mel Karmazin as their president of the merger and The Howard Stern Show being the prodigal show of the merger. I also do not not trust monopolies to care about their customers or their employees.

That's great. Those are your opinions and you are entitled to them. But you are SEVERELY skewing the facts and distorting them to better serve your purpose. Now I'm beginning to realize why Mikey gets so goddamn pissed at me sometimes.

I found this compelling:

idiot babble I'm getting 170 channels now for $13.

So my choices now will be: either less than 1/3 of the channels I'm getting now for slightly more than half the current price, or 2/3 of the channels I'm getting now for $2 more than the current price.

Not to mention that I would have to buy a new, more expensive, dual-system radio to hear both services. A dual-system radio that, by the way, they still haven't even invented yet.

But this is supposedly good news.

Fuck Mel Karmazin in his stupid price-gouging asshole.

This being a prime example of your fact-distorting,

These prices are ONLY for the Ala carte pricing. You can still continue to get the programming you get today FOR THE SAME FUCKING PRICE and pay TWO EXTRA DOLLARS to get everything you want on Sirius.

Mascan, whoever he is, is a misinformed douche.

STOP FUCKING PRESENTING ONE SIDE OF THE STORY AND USING SCARE TACTICS TO GET YOUR POINT ACROSS. YOU FUCKING FAIL.

What is the positive outcome of the merger?

Higher prices.
Less chance that people will find XM 202.
Sirius doesn't fail.
Mel Karmazin as president.
Hoo Hoo gets his way.
Less channels for more.
Possible change of timeslots.
People will get fired.
FCC regulations.
Sirius/XM becomes a monopoly
Uncompetitive price increases.

How the fuck will LESS people find XM 202 if you're rolling Sirius' audience into XM's? And even though Mel Karmazin is president, SOMEONE FROM XM WILL BE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD. YOU KEEP MISSING THIS FACT WHICH IS WHY I HAVE TO USE CAPITAL FUCKING LETTERS.

People get fired in radio all the time. People get fired in mergers all the time. It's a fact of life.

Less Channels for more? Do we really need six classic rock channels? There is a LOT of redundancy.

How is a timeslot change for Ron and Fez and/or O&A a bad thing? What if O&A were moved to afternoons and R&F to nights? HOW IS THIS A BAD THING? HOW IS THIS A BAD THING? HOW IS THIS A BAD THING?

I need to cut back on the coffee.

O&A have noted they want this merger to happen on their show several times.

Zorro

07-23-2007, 06:05 PM

YOU ARE USING THE GODDAMN ALACARTE PRICES AS THE FUCKING STANDARD! YOU CAN STILL PAY WHAT YOU'RE PAYING NOW FOR AT LEAST A YEAR BEFORE YOU HAVE TO CHANGE YOUR PLAN, IF YOU EVEN HAVE TO CHANGE YOUR PLAN AT ALL!

Using "cable pricing" as an example is stupid.

Do you have a 7th grade grasp of the English language? What does this even MEAN?

That's great. Those are your opinions and you are entitled to them. But you are SEVERELY skewing the facts and distorting them to better serve your purpose. Now I'm beginning to realize why Mikey gets so goddamn pissed at me sometimes.

This being a prime example of your fact-distorting,

These prices are ONLY for the Ala carte pricing. You can still continue to get the programming you get today FOR THE SAME FUCKING PRICE and pay TWO EXTRA DOLLARS to get everything you want on Sirius.

Mascan, whoever he is, is a misinformed douche.

STOP FUCKING PRESENTING ONE SIDE OF THE STORY AND USING SCARE TACTICS TO GET YOUR POINT ACROSS. YOU FUCKING FAIL.

How the fuck will LESS people find XM 202 if you're rolling Sirius' audience into XM's? And even though Mel Karmazin is president, SOMEONE FROM XM WILL BE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD. YOU KEEP MISSING THIS FACT WHICH IS WHY I HAVE TO USE CAPITAL FUCKING LETTERS.

People get fired in radio all the time. People get fired in mergers all the time. It's a fact of life.

Less Channels for more? Do we really need six classic rock channels? There is a LOT of redundancy.

How is a timeslot change for Ron and Fez and/or O&A a bad thing? What if O&A were moved to afternoons and R&F to nights? HOW IS THIS A BAD THING? HOW IS THIS A BAD THING? HOW IS THIS A BAD THING?

I need to cut back on the coffee.

O&A have noted they want this merger to happen on their show several times.

Dude...why are you so angry?

silas

07-23-2007, 06:09 PM

[QUOTE=Tenbatsuzen;1403079]
How the fuck will LESS people find XM 202 if you're rolling Sirius' audience into XM's? And even though Mel Karmazin is president, SOMEONE FROM XM WILL BE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD. YOU KEEP MISSING THIS FACT WHICH IS WHY I HAVE TO USE CAPITAL FUCKING LETTERS.

People get fired in radio all the time. People get fired in mergers all the time. It's a fact of life.

At the least, wouldn't powers-that-be influence promotion bias? Examples include # ads on other stations, promo budgets and content, how they "participate" in the shows -their content and restrictions .....etc..etc...?

I am admittedly w/o any background here: Just cuz XM legacy will chair board, that doesn't ensure XM influence and/or Serius downplay. If anything, serius's at-least-perceived alph-dog position suggests they (and Karmazin) will ~get their way (that follows much corp history)

Less Channels for more? Do we really need six classic rock channels? There is a LOT of redundancy.

I agree with this, and like most any other XMer, can list other examples; maybe it's more that O+A, or R+F ( or Ethel...) will get "less" than now?

Otherwise, i agree with your trenchant post- sorry for this newbie's messy reply to "quote"

Snacks

07-23-2007, 06:12 PM

They sure did.

Just like in Basic Cable, any extras paid for are premium channels.
Many People and companies will try to save money.
And less people will listen to O&A/Ron and Fez on XM.

Sirius will fail before XM does if there is no merger if any company is really going to fail at all. Without a la carte pricing of the merger, more people will find XM 202 than if there was a merger. XM 202 will remain one of the most popular channels. XM will need Opie and Anthony/Ron & Fez and show them some respect unlike in a merger. I do not have a rosy image to returning to a WNEW-ish style arrangement with Mel Karmazin as their president of the merger and The Howard Stern Show being the prodigal show of the merger. I also do not not trust monopolies to care about their customers or their employees.

I found this compelling:

What is the positive outcome of the merger?

Higher prices.
Less chance that people will find XM 202.
Sirius doesn't fail.
Mel Karmazin as president.
Hoo Hoo gets his way.
Less channels for more.
Possible change of timeslots.
People will get fired.
FCC regulations.
Sirius/XM becomes a monopoly
Uncompetitive price increases.

you seem to think that xm/sirius should only care about is your beloved 202. They care about making a profit and both companies are not. Your also dead wrong about xm lasting longer then sirius. Sirius has more working capital right now and the buyout is sirius buying out xm not the other way around. I dont care what station RnF are on I just want to be able to listen to them and Stern and not pay for 2 services. I think the only show that would be worried about the merger is OnA b/c of their relationship with Stern. Stern might have been a dick towards them years ago but wow OnA have made a 2nd career out of bashing and attacking Stern. I wouldnt care if they got shit canned and I dont think the merger will be based on what good for them. If it did come down to one show it would have to come down to Stern simply b/c of his contract (the amount they would have to pay him compared to the amount OnA get)

BeltOfScotch

07-23-2007, 06:23 PM

Dude...why are you so angry?

Have you read an S0S post? It's easy.

This message is hidden because S0S is on your ignore list.

All of a sudden, I feel so much better. It's like I'm getting a handjob in a room full of roses.

drjoek

07-23-2007, 06:30 PM

I wouldnt mind picking up the all Grateful Dead Channel which comes on line in the late summer and Radio Margaritaville over there at the dog system. I like having the MLB channels but don't need NFL Im either at the games or watching my local team on TV So really no added value there.
Not sure who this Howard guy is they tout so much on that system. Most everything else seems redundant so if I have one or the other so be it. Its nice to have clear channel reception and no commercials on most channels
No Ron and Fez and I'm out though.

What will they do with my long term paid account?
I think Ive paid for three years on my office account

silas

07-23-2007, 06:36 PM

you seem to think that xm/sirius should only care about is your beloved 202. They care about making a profit and both companies are not. Your also dead wrong about xm lasting longer then sirius. Sirius has more working capital right now and the buyout is sirius buying out xm not the other way around. I dont care what station RnF are on I just want to be able to listen to them and Stern and not pay for 2 services. I think the only show that would be worried about the merger is OnA b/c of their relationship with Stern. Stern might have been a dick towards them years ago but wow OnA have made a 2nd career out of bashing and attacking Stern. I wouldnt care if they got shit canned and I dont think the merger will be based on what good for them. If it did come down to one show it would have to come down to Stern simply b/c of his contract (the amount they would have to pay him compared to the amount OnA get)

I do agree that Sirius is by far in the drivers seat....and that all sub's may eventually have to decide whether to pay for hoo's contract and ego.

I'm primarily an R+F fan, but still, if i keep them via satellite, tho lose O+A and get Stern instead, even i might bail and go internet etc....and even then, i'm in a small minority of 202 listeners, who would leave satellite and follow O+A instead...plus alternate R+F

Even with the admitted bias of the current power and incurred costs balance, the longer-term survival and profitability of satellite probably necessitates N+O+A , and admittedlly, the like, but not 80's Letterman guy.

mikeyboy

07-23-2007, 06:42 PM

YOU ARE USING THE GODDAMN ALACARTE PRICES AS THE FUCKING STANDARD! YOU CAN STILL PAY WHAT YOU'RE PAYING NOW FOR AT LEAST A YEAR BEFORE YOU HAVE TO CHANGE YOUR PLAN, IF YOU EVEN HAVE TO CHANGE YOUR PLAN AT ALL!

Using "cable pricing" as an example is stupid.

Do you have a 7th grade grasp of the English language? What does this even MEAN?

That's great. Those are your opinions and you are entitled to them. But you are SEVERELY skewing the facts and distorting them to better serve your purpose. Now I'm beginning to realize why Mikey gets so goddamn pissed at me sometimes.

This being a prime example of your fact-distorting,

These prices are ONLY for the Ala carte pricing. You can still continue to get the programming you get today FOR THE SAME FUCKING PRICE and pay TWO EXTRA DOLLARS to get everything you want on Sirius.

Mascan, whoever he is, is a misinformed douche.

STOP FUCKING PRESENTING ONE SIDE OF THE STORY AND USING SCARE TACTICS TO GET YOUR POINT ACROSS. YOU FUCKING FAIL.

How the fuck will LESS people find XM 202 if you're rolling Sirius' audience into XM's? And even though Mel Karmazin is president, SOMEONE FROM XM WILL BE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD. YOU KEEP MISSING THIS FACT WHICH IS WHY I HAVE TO USE CAPITAL FUCKING LETTERS.

People get fired in radio all the time. People get fired in mergers all the time. It's a fact of life.

Less Channels for more? Do we really need six classic rock channels? There is a LOT of redundancy.

How is a timeslot change for Ron and Fez and/or O&A a bad thing? What if O&A were moved to afternoons and R&F to nights? HOW IS THIS A BAD THING? HOW IS THIS A BAD THING? HOW IS THIS A BAD THING?

I need to cut back on the coffee.

O&A have noted they want this merger to happen on their show several times.

I don't agree with S0S's argument, but if I chose to argue with him, I could choose to do it without making it personal. Knock it off!

midwestjeff

07-23-2007, 06:42 PM

[QUOTE=Snacks;1403132] Stern might have been a dick towards them years ago but wow OnA have made a 2nd career out of bashing and attacking Stern. /QUOTE]

Did they?

Tenbatsuzen

07-23-2007, 06:50 PM

Have you read an S0S post? It's easy.

This message is hidden because S0S is on your ignore list.

All of a sudden, I feel so much better. It's like I'm getting a handjob in a room full of roses.

Too bad it's with Blowjob Man!

Tenbatsuzen

07-23-2007, 06:52 PM

I don't agree with S0S's argument, but if I chose to argue with him, I could choose to do it without making it personal. Knock it off!

The only part I made it personal is where I questioned his English skills. Everything else wasn't personal; it's how he's been posting here. Scare tactics, skewed arguments, and evading the tough questions.

BeltOfScotch

07-23-2007, 06:53 PM

I don't agree with S0S's argument, but if I chose to argue with him, I could choose to do it without making it personal. Knock it off!

When mikeyboy uses exclamation points, I get scared and babies cry.

silas

07-23-2007, 07:09 PM

[QUOTE=Snacks;1403132] Stern might have been a dick towards them years ago but wow OnA have made a 2nd career out of bashing and attacking Stern. /QUOTE]

Did they?

Agreed that they have not; certainly not in my ~1.5 year fannish following on XM.

In my earliest listenings back in winter '06; any refs or rifs on HS were mostly limited to his relatively less air-time (to be fair, there was some pointless, but quickly ended rating rants) ; and even then, these occasionnal asides were told in the context (that even a newbie like me understood) that they and O+A fans were long over this, and these were old-school fan fun asides.

ps-saw movie "Troy" on tv this past weekend; why didn't Capt.Sparrow help lotr guy?

PapaBear

07-23-2007, 07:23 PM

The tv news report I saw about this didn't make any sense at all. First they said it wouldn't cost the subscribers more, then they said it would be $16.95 a month. THAT'S MORE!!! They also didn't say anthing about what the family rates would be. We have 3 radios. That could get pretty costly.

Tenbatsuzen

07-23-2007, 07:31 PM

The tv news report I saw about this didn't make any sense at all. First they said it wouldn't cost the subscribers more, then they said it would be $16.95 a month. THAT'S MORE!!! They also didn't say anthing about what the family rates would be. We have 3 radios. That could get pretty costly.

*clunk*.

That's my head hitting the wall.

16.95 is the top-of-the-line package. Everything XM and Sirius.

Multiple radios is still the same price, 7 dollars per.

If you want the same XM lineup you have now, it'll still be the same what you're paying now for a while.

PapaBear

07-23-2007, 07:33 PM

That's a relief. The NBC station in DC always does a shitty job of giving details.

watson

07-23-2007, 07:38 PM

There's got to be a catch, because this looks really good.

catch is probably if you have more than one radio, each additional radio will cost you full price or something

PapaBear

07-23-2007, 07:39 PM

catch is probably if you have more than one radio, each additional radio will cost you full price or something
Read Tenbat's post 3 posts up.

Tenbatsuzen

07-23-2007, 09:01 PM

Let me bottom line this, and SOS, listen up.

1) "A La Carte" is only going to be available for the next gen of receivers, that are capable of getting a signal from both the XM and SIRI birds. The satellites aren't going anywhere for a while, so the merge necessitated the technology.

2) It's my understanding, to get the combination XM/Siri content, that the company would set up two streams of identical content and send them to the birds, one for XM, one for Siri. How this would affect bandwidth, I have no idea.

3) If you just want XM content, or if you just want Siri content, the prices will remain the same for the forseeable future. Let me repeat:

If you are happy with your XM as it is now and don't want it to change, it won't for the 18 month foreseeable future. It also means that the multiple radio deal won't be more expensive either.

So if you're paying 13 + 7 for two radios, you're still gonna pay 13 + 7. These other prices you are hearing about are for:

1) Ala Carte
2) Family Friendly
3) Best of XM and Sirius.

led37zep

07-23-2007, 11:48 PM

I'm actually really happy with my XM service and haven't ever really been that curious about what Sirius has to offer. Everyone over there talks about how much better their music channels are...I'm sure if the merger happens they'll have a "sample" period where you can check out the other service for free. Till then I'm happy staying with my XM line up.

IMSlacker

07-24-2007, 03:20 AM

I'm actually really happy with my XM service and haven't ever really been that curious about what Sirius has to offer. Everyone over there talks about how much better their music channels are...I'm sure if the merger happens they'll have a "sample" period where you can check out the other service for free. Till then I'm happy staying with my XM line up.

That would be nice, but I don't know how you'd get the Sirius channels without a Sirius receiver. Maybe, they'll make the internet stream available.

Death Metal Moe

07-24-2007, 04:12 AM

Having been Kenny Kneejerk in the past, I will wait.

But it just seems too good to be true, and too easy to explain away.

Vidaroke Hayashida

07-24-2007, 04:46 AM

honestly i think ill keep my current programming for 12.99 a month... i like having access to everything xm has to offer and ive seen what sirius has had to offer there music isnt that impressive in my opinion and theres no way i would get mr. sterns channel... and they have football on the radio... but id much rather watch the game on tv than listen to it on the radio

Kris10

07-24-2007, 07:13 AM

I have XM in my 07 Elantra and Sirius in my 03 Elantra, it would be cool if the merger went thru only for the reason that I'd be able to listen to R&F in BOTH cars but I'm never in the 03!!! So I could careless. I'm happy with what I have. If the merger went thru and I had to pay more for R&F/O&A I would do so because thats what I WANT to hear. Yeah, it would suck but with everything else in life prices go up, nothing I can do about it.

Grumpy Young Man

07-24-2007, 08:36 AM

I thought the a la carte option was interesting... until I read this:

Both the a la carte packages would require the purchase of a new radio, the companies said.

joethebartender

07-24-2007, 08:50 AM

This sounds good. I'd like to be able to hear NASCAR again without firing up my Sirius receiver.

I'm thinking the same thing, reeph.

topless_mike

07-24-2007, 10:03 AM

(smelling all the posts)
this entire thread reeks of "supposed inside info not being true yet causing forum chaos" part deux.

orbitcast could announce that mikeybackground whacked jfk, but until sirius and xm merge and present their new $ plans, i dont believe nor care about the pricing plan.

besides.. its funny to sit in my chair and watch people lose their mind and argue with one another for no reason.

JustJon

07-24-2007, 10:21 AM

mikeybackground whacked jfk,

mikeybackground whacked jfk? Why all the conspiracies make sense now!

RENFIELD

07-24-2007, 03:12 PM

how does this sound ?
(sounded great to me and alternately thinking co-workers)

it will never happen of course...

in the merger...
4 hours a day of O&A --- gives them a lighter schedule
4 hours a day of R&F --- the guys can do 12 well....4 no prob.
4 hours a day of STERN... the guy barely shows up as it is..
more time off? he'll jump at it..

then replay the 12 hours... and you have an entire day of programming...

who gets morning drive time ?
THEY ALL DO...
although i'd rather keep R&F mid-days...

either create 2 or 3 premium channels...

both O&A and Stern on simultaneously...
catch the other show on the replay... your choice of 'live'...

R&F do mid-days... you only need 2 channels...
make R&F one of the morning players..?
make it 3 channels... so you can get any of the 3 at any time of the day...

they'll have a powerhouse..
and no one will have to deal with the other shows
if they choose not to...

NOW THAT'S SOMETHING THEY COULD MAKE SOME MONEY ON...

Jubjubs

07-24-2007, 06:24 PM

I made it about half way through page 2 of this when I realized I would pay whatever the hell they want for R&F and to a lesser extent O&A. Satellite radio to me is a great deal, and adding content isn't something I think will hurt that. Between the MLB package and the 100 hours of LIVE Ron and Fez alone It tends to cover most of my monthly entertainment time whether at home, work, car, boat etc... Considering it costs less to keep 3 units active for a year than 2 months of my cable bill. Honestly, it's the one stupid little thing I don't feel like I'm getting gouged on.

Zorro

07-24-2007, 06:34 PM

The problem with predicting prices and service is that once the merger is approved XM/Sirius can charge whatever they want for whatever they want. All the promises being made now are being done strictly to get the merger approved. Once its complete all bets are off.

SteveInAtl

07-24-2007, 07:09 PM

This sounds good. I'd like to be able to hear NASCAR again without firing up my Sirius receiver.

I just would like to hear NASCAR....i have no shitty Sirius

topless_mike

07-25-2007, 12:10 PM

no need to worry about the a la carte pricing.
the merger deal is dead, according to this.

http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=445869

edit: by dead, i mean it has no chance in hell of passing, unless some folk in Washington get greased...

Freitag

07-25-2007, 12:12 PM

no need to worry about the a la carte pricing.
the merger deal is dead, according to this.

http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=445869

Where does it say the deal is dead? The NAB has been bitching about this since Day 1. They are a bunch of blowhards who have attempting everything from distoring the facts to astroturfing to try and stop this.

topless_mike

07-25-2007, 12:15 PM

Where does it say the deal is dead? The NAB has been bitching about this since Day 1. They are a bunch of blowhards who have attempting everything from distoring the facts to astroturfing to try and stop this.

"There is no legal or factual basis upon which the Commission can approve the proposed merger between XM and Sirius... "

no approval = not allowed to merge.
sounds like a dead deal to me.

Freitag

07-25-2007, 12:17 PM

"There is no legal or factual basis upon which the Commission can approve the proposed merger between XM and Sirius... "

no approval = not allowed to merge.
sounds like a dead deal to me.

Uh... that's from the NAB's press release and a study that they paid for. Not from the FCC.

Death Metal Moe

07-25-2007, 12:22 PM

I just have this fucking sickening feeling I'm gonna get charged for the merged comany's "Extreme Talk" package, which includes O&A, R&F and the horrible Stern.

And that will be more than my current sub price.

But like I said, I will remain optimistic. Hope the merger fails.

Soupy_Dreck

07-25-2007, 12:58 PM

I just have this fucking sickening feeling I'm gonna get charged for the merged comany's "Extreme Talk" package, which includes O&A, R&F and the horrible Stern.

And that will be more than my current sub price.

But like I said, I will remain optimistic. Hope the merger fails.

I agree with DMM. I hope the merger fails. I have a problem with my sub money going to pay for stern. if i wanted to hear hoo hoo, i would have got sirius.

TONYTIGER

07-25-2007, 02:15 PM

Am I the only one totally fuckin confused by this plan? Pick this but not that..take this but take some of that....I think the merger is going to suck. Seams to me Sirius will be running things and that will not be good news for O&A or R&F. Also don't forget Mel likes to sell commercials...let a fuckin whore selling cunt...More commercials more HOO HOO..and more Gag on 202. FUCK the Merger.....I really hope this does not go through.

SEE YAA!!

Also, what if the FCC wants to control Satilight radio. It will be come regular radio..it will suck. Just keep the 2 companies seperate and let the consumer decide what to do and who to use. Screw the merger.

SEE YAAY FOR REAL LATERthere is no way mel cuts ron & fez !!!!!!!!

peace

topless_mike

07-25-2007, 04:34 PM

I agree with DMM. I hope the merger fails. I have a problem with my sub money going to pay for stern. if i wanted to hear hoo hoo, i would have got sirius.

i only turn on howard 101 for Ferrall.
and i like the music.

other than that, i could care less about the other channels that i have on sirius.
i'd much rather lose howard 100 and gain xm202.

mendyweiss

07-25-2007, 04:43 PM

If this goes through, Howard is going to announce that he has 14 million listeners !!

FreshJ

07-25-2007, 04:53 PM

If this goes through, Howard is going to announce that he has 14 million listeners !!

Radio Psychic....Howard will announce he is the Most Popular Channel Ever and that he is the WHOLE Reason that the Merger went through.

RENFIELD

07-28-2007, 04:01 PM

Hoo hoo hoo ROBIN...
it was MY idea for the merge....

i created the ONE satellite radio company....

yeah.. i can see it...

dragon

09-07-2007, 08:13 AM

Looks like the XM & Sirius merger is going ahead without problems:

XM SATELLITE RADIO HOLDINGS INC. (XMSR) rose for the seventh consecutive day, the longest winning streak since November 2005, gaining 45 cents, to $13.70. Its merger with Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. (SIRI) is likely to win Justice Department approval in 30 to 60 days, RBC Capital Markets analyst David Bank said in a note. Sirius advanced 7 cents, to $3.21.

How do you think this will affect listeners?
:unsure:

S0S

11-13-2007, 03:54 PM

Orbitcast (http://www.orbitcast.com/archives/xm-shareholders-approve-merger.html)
Forbes (http://www.forbes.com/markets/emergingmarkets/2007/11/13/xm-sirius-radio-markets-equity-cx_er_1113markets29.html)
Reuters (http://www.reuters.com/article/governmentFilingsNews/idUSWNAS225720071113)
FMQB (http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=512273)
The companies expect the deal, which has been challenged by terrestrial radio broadcasters as anti-competitive, to be completed this year. It must win approval from the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Communications Commission.

DOJ & FCC... :blink:

Midkiff

11-14-2007, 12:24 PM

If a merger means I finally get a World Music channel available other than just online, I'm all for it.

If not, fuck them all in their fuck-holes.

Don Stugots

11-14-2007, 01:22 PM

long as O&A and R&F dont get the boot. i could care less. I love the music channels and I know those are not going anywhere.

Dougie Brootal

11-14-2007, 01:24 PM

long as O&A and R&F dont get the boot. i could care less. I love the music channels and I know those are not going anywhere.

damn strait!

BoondockSaint

11-14-2007, 01:26 PM

Can't wait for even more hayseeds calling in.

patsopinion

11-14-2007, 01:28 PM

is this a good or bad thing

my dad thinks its awful because it will water down competition

it hink it will end up being a stuctured deal where ppl sign up for packages like with cable and will end up being good for the consumer and for the companies

zildjian361

11-14-2007, 01:52 PM

no problem maybe they move Ron & Fez to 6 pm so i can listen live. :drunk::smoke::thumbup:

Tenbatsuzen

11-14-2007, 01:56 PM

This merger is good for both companies, because sooner or later, if this didn't happen, the other would go out of business.

You want to take that risk with XM?

DO YOU?

lleeder

11-14-2007, 03:23 PM

This merger is good for both companies, because sooner or later, if this didn't happen, the other would go out of business.

You want to take that risk with XM?

DO YOU?

:ohmy:

Midkiff

11-14-2007, 05:04 PM

i like turtles

danner1515

11-14-2007, 05:08 PM

The main thing that worries me about the merger is the proposed idea of having different channel packages. Eh, I guess I should wait to see how they do it before I complain, but I HATE the way cable TV companies do package deals.

torker

11-14-2007, 05:15 PM

my dad thinks its awful because it will water down competition

patsopinionsdadsopinion

patsopinion

11-14-2007, 05:17 PM

patsopinionsdadsopinion

now thats just silly

cupcakelove

11-14-2007, 05:21 PM

The main thing that worries me about the merger is the proposed idea of having different channel packages. Eh, I guess I should wait to see how they do it before I complain, but I HATE the way cable TV companies do package deals.

Exactly. We're going to end up with a few cheap packages, full of shit nobody wants to listen to, and a few pricey ones, that will actually have stuff worth something. This merger will only be good for the people making money from satellite radio, not the ones spending money on satellite.

Don Stugots

11-14-2007, 05:37 PM

the man said:

DO YOU?

Clutch

11-14-2007, 07:12 PM

The main thing that worries me about the merger is the proposed idea of having different channel packages. Eh, I guess I should wait to see how they do it before I complain, but I HATE the way cable TV companies do package deals.

in the things I've read so far... there's been no mention of any ViRUS shows - which scares me. I got XM because of OA, was greatful when RF came back, and I've enjoyed the music channels....

S0S

11-14-2007, 07:43 PM

If a merger means I finally get a World Music channel available other than just online, I'm all for it.

If not, fuck them all in their fuck-holes.
1 < 2

long as O&A and R&F dont get the boot. i could care less. I love the music channels and I know those are not going anywhere.
with a monopoly, companies are less concerned with people's wants than pure profit

Can't wait for even more hayseeds calling in.
I can do without know-it-alls.

is this a good or bad thing

my dad thinks its awful because it will water down competition

it hink it will end up being a stuctured deal where ppl sign up for packages like with cable and will end up being good for the consumer and for the companies

You should take some basic economic classes.

no problem maybe they move Ron & Fez to 6 pm so i can listen live. :drunk::smoke::thumbup:

I doubt that. Selfish.

This merger is good for both companies, because sooner or later, if this didn't happen, the other would go out of business.

You want to take that risk with XM?

DO YOU?

Thanks for reinforcing my position. :thumbup:

:ohmy:
:tongue:

i like turtles

I like turtles too.

The main thing that worries me about the merger is the proposed idea of having different channel packages. Eh, I guess I should wait to see how they do it before I complain, but I HATE the way cable TV companies do package deals.

After the merger it is too late to complain. With monopolies the corporation in charge faces no competition so consumers are stuck with them.
And if they become a monopoly, the FCC will be the ones to regulate the company.

They can do the channel packages right now if they wanted. The merger does not add this.

patsopinionsdadsopinion

smart man.
Exactly. We're going to end up with a few cheap packages, full of shit nobody wants to listen to, and a few pricey ones, that will actually have stuff worth something. This merger will only be good for the people making money from satellite radio, not the ones spending money on satellite.

Will the cheap packages include R&F?

I don't see so.

Premium packages will include R&F.

the man said:

DO YOU?
I wouldn't call him the man.

Pure speculation by a consistently incorrect person.

in the things I've read so far... there's been no mention of any ViRUS shows - which scares me. I got XM because of OA, was greatful when RF came back, and I've enjoyed the music channels....

Why change what isn't broken when their is more costs than benefits?

waltermitty

11-14-2007, 08:08 PM

I don't know what this merger will do to R&F and O&A......
Provided that their jobs and programs are safe, I'm all for this merger.....

As long as I can keep my 202, I will embrace the changes.

I look forward to the al a carte programming.
I can lose the country channels, the christian channels, and the latin channels.....

If RnF or OnA get the boot, I'm out faster than Ol' Mel can say "Howard Stern"....
No question about it.....

Snoogans

11-14-2007, 08:10 PM

im pretty sure OnA and RnF are worth enough to the company to keep despite whatever personal problems may be there.

The best, and worst part of this is everyone will get stern and OnA. It might get to be alot of back and forth, maybe more then old days

conman823

11-14-2007, 08:23 PM

I think O&A have job security just because Stern won't be there past this contract (IMHO), so they will still want the O&A factor there to fill the void.

R&F is the prime example of a show that can adapt and work around any changes that may come. Plus I thought it was rumored awhile back that Stern wanted them as 1st choice not Bubba.

Biggest plus is Mel's comment about satelite radio should stay on satelite no more 90min commercials and watered down shows!!:thumbup: