Sirius/XM Merger?

Question

I'm wondering. Will my Sirius Radio Still Work with the Merger and What will happen to the programing?

Answer 1

according to the joint XM Sirius press conference call today, for compatibility reasons, both XM and Sirius products will be able to work as-is and the programming for both "networks" will be consolidated into 1 uniform lineup, but will be distributed using each former companies' respective satellites. In other words, since you have a Sirius unit, you will still get your content from the Sirius satellite network but you will be able to recieve content that used to be XM-exclusive and vice-versa for the XM units. One difference you will notice is that in this new lineup, some of the channels will be dropped in favor of the one from the other network (e.g. Sirius Hits 1 vs XM's Top 20 on 20).

This will be the standard for many years to come. If you buy a new satellite radio, what will set it apart from the current radios is it will support recieving the broadcast from both satellite network systems instead of only 1.

Also, according to the conference again, the pricing will be around what it is now; unlike Cable and Satellite TV (which dominate the market), this new combined company will have to fight with free AM/FM/HD radio, so that doesn't leave them with much room to mess around and jack up prices. What might happen though is since both are designing mobile satellite TV services as well, that might be an optional additional tier you can subscribe to for more $.

Answer 2

Sirius bought out XM, the audio units used at this time will remain as is, the units have the capability to add more channels. The easiest way to do this merge is to combine the two and charge double. Close to $27 a month. The company(s) will eventually develop a new trim line of audio units that will provide all of the channels, even thought the FCC can strict the costs it will happen, just a matter of time. I work closely with XM, and they have been holding off on all major projects for the past two months, the merge was discussed mid last year and all auto manufactures that use the XM/Sirius in the vehicles will have to re-negotiate the service that is being provided. Ford/DC are using Sirius while GM/Honda use XM. Toyota is the only manufacture that offers both but it is still limits by different trim models. The idea behind the merge is to make money, if the cable companies can do it, why not radio? I don't like it any more any you but depending on the price it might be worth it. But unlike cable TV, you can only listen to one channel at a time. Let's sit back and see what happens.

Answer 3

Nothing Is FOR Sure yet. Mel From Sirius wants the price to be 26 Dollars a Month. Nothing is for sure for Radios yet. I've heard they will and wont work. Programing again Can' say until late 2007 and 2008. What I can say is there will be a lot of problems with this and one of them will be in trouble and end up going bankrupt. I also think that what will happen is all the XM and Sirius music channels will be history and they will make new channels that will be the same on both radios. For me if the price goes up and I have to get a new radio I'm Out!

Answer 4

Although not yet confirmed, the merger seems likely. What you will see immediately is combined programming transmitted to the Sirius and XM formats. Eventually, when technology advances in a major way they will become "one" format and a common receiver.

Answer 5

Talked this one over with my boss at Radio Shack today. The FCC will have the final decision, but we both agreed there is a lot of red tape that will follow because such a merger will be monopolistic.