Sirius and XM to merge

[TowPro]

Guess we will not be hearing "XM or Sirius, which is best?"

I Just heard on the news they are going to merge, expect an anouncment today.

Not sure if the FCC would allow this to happen, kind of stops competition.

 

[mazdarotary]

Oh man I thought this would end up happening,but I didn't want it to. I hope Sirius gets control of the business as it seems they are better suited for it in my opinion. I hope this doesn't raise the price per month.



Baba Booey to y'all

 

[scootergmc]

The merger has been announced, and I imagine the Sirius name will be kept, since they have the major contracts, NFL, Nascar, etc. The FCC has to approve, and I can't imagine them letting this happen without some $$ changing hands in a dark room somewhere.

 

[Stake Man]

Oh man I thought this would end up happening,but I didn't want it to. I hope Sirius gets control of the business as it seems they are better suited for it in my opinion. I hope this doesn't raise the price per month.



Baba Booey to y'all

I'm the other way, I've listened to Sirius and like XM better. And I don't exactly like paying Howard Stern's salary. I've tried listening to him, just can't do it.

 

[DPellegrin]

I agree with stake man I sort of dont like howard stern his time is over he was great 10-15 years ago im an XM guy im not all that happy bout this.

 

[biggieou]

I'm not really happy because I don't want GM's trash (XM) now diluting my Sirius. I figured it was going to happen eventually, but don't be surprised if the FCC blocks this merger. We shall see.

 

[RGardner]

I am wondering if this will be the end of my free lifetime subscription to Sirius?

 

[TowPro]

Sirius is buying XM. They will give XM shareholders 4. ? stocks for each 1 they own. But my bets are the FCC and Feds "anti trust" group will not let this happen.

They say they will keep both XM and Sirius transmitters going, but new equipment will receive both signals.



I would bet they honer both XM and Sirius lifetime supscriptions. Keep in mine that is the life time of the receiver, not your lifetime. Buy a new truck (or receiver) and you lost your life time subscription.

 

[RGardner]

Or even if the receiver craps out early I am afraid you are out of luck!

 

[klenger]

If your receiver craps out, Sirius won't know it, so you could add your replacement receiver to your account for $6 / month forever. Also, if you sell a vehicle with a lifetime subscription to Sirius, again, Sirius will not know the vehicle was sold, so you can negotiate with the buyer of the vehicle to allow them to use the account. If they don't want to pay for it, you can threaten to cancel it.

 

[Headshot zod]

I've been puking on the whole thing since I have both services. I still have another year and a half on my 3 yr w/XM and I am on my brother Sirius account as a second. So I have been paying about 15 a month for both.



I am not happy about this... ... . although, after it goes through I'll be down to 2 remote controls instead of the three I have now.



And they said cell phones were distracting

 

[DPellegrin]

First of all its a merge between two equal companies Sirius is not buying XM. Second of all no changes will take place until early 2008 if it goes through the thing is the FCC needs to approve it first and it is not looking very likely they will.

 

[hintonJ]

For what it's worth, the merger is listed on the Sirius website.

 

[Headshot zod]

This is the email I received from XM







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, www.xmradio.com.



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

 

[Holysmokes]

[QUOTEand I imagine the Sirius name will be kept, since they have the major contracts, NFL, Nascar, etc][/QUOTE]



XM has Nascar (including Dale Earnhart's own show),Baseball,3 ESPN's,Opra,NHL,College football,world cup soccor,Bob Edwards,and no Howard Stern. Those are "major contracts".

 

[mazdarotary]

[QUOTEand I imagine the Sirius name will be kept, since they have the major contracts, NFL, Nascar, etc]

XM has Nascar (including Dale Earnhart's own show),Baseball,3 ESPN's,Opra,NHL,College football,world cup soccor,Bob Edwards,and no Howard Stern. Those are "major contracts". [/QUOTE]



But the NFL,Nascar race broadcasts,and Howard Stern are far more "major" than all of those,with maybe the MLB being the best XM has to offer.



ESPN channels are no big deal as it can be had on free radio(in the Boston area atleast),Oprah is another that can be had on TV everyday for free,The NHL is not a factor,and it pains me to say that as Hockey is my favorite sport,College football is a pretty decent package,but I wouldn't think it has the draw that the MLB,and for certain the NFL has,and the NCAA football is not huge everywhere in the country,world cup soccer is a joke in this country,and you know that. Especially as it is only played every 4 years,and I will be honest I have no idea who Bob Edwards is so maybe he is a major draw,but I doubt it.



Like him or not Stern is the major draw here,and we all know that. I have no doubt in my mind that he has sold more radios by himself than any other feature/talent on either system,and that includes NASCAR. I am a Stern Fan,and will not deny my liking Sirius better(I have both,with XM through my Directv),but I think this hurts both consumers of XM,and Sirius as it cuts down on competition which as we all know means more technology growth,and lower prices.





Chris

 

[DPellegrin]

I disagree I am a non stern fan I used to be back 15 years ago but he just seems a bit washed up and I think he made the wrong move going to sirius of course im an opie and anthony fan so I will always be against stern:-laf

 

[scootergmc]

XM has Nascar (including Dale Earnhart's own show),Baseball,3 ESPN's,Opra,NHL,College football,world cup soccor,Bob Edwards,and no Howard Stern. Those are "major contracts".

Huh??? Are you being sarcastic? Sirius now has Nascar effective this season--- the Daytona 500 was on sunday, and did you see all the Siruis sponsorship logos during the TV broadcast? Sirius has NHL, I just listened last night to the Sharks vs. Capitals... ESPN is all over Sirius, Countless College football and basketball games. Howard Stern is all over Sirius, but I didn't get it for him. I hate him. And Soccer? Who cares... well, nobody in the USA.



I got Sirius because I can listen to stuff when I'm out in the middle of Nevada. And based on their programming, they looked like they would be around a little longer than XM should something come up.

 

[DPellegrin]

Scotter you are right effective this year Sirius won over Nascar XM didnt want tot pay for it anymore as far as the NHL Sirius airs just a handful of games a year while XM has content rights to every game.

 

[biggieou]

[QUOTEand I imagine the Sirius name will be kept, since they have the major contracts, NFL, Nascar, etc]

XM has Nascar (including Dale Earnhart's own show),Baseball,3 ESPN's,Opra,NHL,College football,world cup soccor,Bob Edwards,and no Howard Stern. Those are "major contracts". [/QUOTE]





Dale Earnhardt???? I thought he was off the air :-laf