[rickaren]

Pandora Merger Speculation with Sirius

Pandora (P) Surges on Merger Speculation with Sirius (SIRI)

12/05/2016


Merger May Turn Things Around

There is no denying the fact that Pandora holds a prime position in the online radio market. But even then the company has been struggling to make profits. Rising costs related to licensing, footprint expansion and higher operating expenses will continue to be a drag on profitability.

Also, competition is intense. The digital music streaming industry is expected to grow rapidly over the next few years, and hence all the players including Pandora, Apple, Spotify, and Amazon are striving to fortify their presence.

So, it will be a challenging task for Pandora to operate as a stand-alone company and turn things around. Therefore, in our opinion, a merger with Sirius may help it in reviving its business.

The combined company will be able to enhance their premium satellite receiver-based offerings. The merger will also enable Pandora to get a bigger foothold in cars and help Sirius to expand its Internet and mobile presence.

SOURCE

 

[rickaren]

The Turtles lose New York copyright case

The Turtles lose New York copyright case against SiriusXM
'Happy Together' band still suing satellite radio provider in California, Florida for playing music without permission

Wednesday, December 21, 2016



The state's highest court rejected a lawsuit brought by members of 1960s band The Turtles against SiriusXM claiming that the satellite radio provider committed copyright violations by playing the band's music, including hit "Happy Together," without permission.

In a majority decision that carefully settles the matter at hand but leaves it to the Legislature to address a major question about state copyright protections in the digital music age, four justices agreed that state law does not afford public performance rights to performers of music recorded before 1972. Had the Turtles' music in question been recorded after that year, however, federal protections would exist.

A fifth judge issued a concurring opinion. Two judges dissented.

The case was sent to the state Court of Appeals from a federal appeals court because in creating the federal Digital Performance Right in Sound Recordings Act in 1995, Congress allowed non-conflicting state copyright statutes to apply to songs recorded before Feb. 15, 1972.

In the majority decision, written by Judge Leslie Stein, the justices held that even if state law included a right to control public performance, "the copyright holders have gone decades without acting to enforce that right."

"Participants (in the music industry) have co-existed for many years and, until now, were apparently 'happy together,'" Stein wrote. "While changing technology may have rendered it more challenging for the record companies and performing artists to profit from the sales of recordings, these changes, alone, do not warrant the precipitous creation of a common-law right that has not previously existed."

"Simply stated," Stein continued, "New York's common-law copyright has never recognized a right of public performance for pre-1972 sound recordings."

The majority opinion puts it on the state Legislature to make changes to recognize a right of public performance for such recordings.

In the dissent, Judge Jenny Rivera wrote that state law best serves both the musician and the public by tracking federal public performance right for post-1972 recordings.

"Extending to pre-February, 15, 1972 sound recordings protection that is at least equivalent to the federal right recognized in the post-1972 works allows us to treat both classes of sound recordings equally and avoids enhanced rights for one based not on a considered reason but on an arbitrary date," she wrote.

The decision comes less than a month after Sirius settled — three, including the New York lawsuit, were filed — with Flo & Eddie Inc., a company run by two members of the Turtles, agreeing to pay $99 million. At the time, the New York Times reported that Sirius agreed to pay a minimum of $25 million for past unlicensed use of pre-1972 recordings and up to an additional $15 million depending on whether the Turtles prevailed in New York and Florida courts.

Sirius also agreed to pay royalties as part of a licensing agreement with owners of various recordings made before 1972.

The satellite radio provider's New York victory means it will not have to pay an additional $5 million toward the settlement, and the royalty payment rate will be reduced from 5.5 percent to 3.5 percent, Sirius attorney Daniel Petrocelli said.

He said that rate is subject to further reduction if Sirius also wins in California and Florida.

Fortune reported that the Turtles won the first round of their legal challenge in California, while Sirius appears to have the advantage in Florida.

An attorney for Flo & Eddie Inc. could not be reached Wednesday.

Flo & Eddie Inc. also has a similar lawsuit pending against internet radio provider Pandora.

SOURCE

 

[rickaren]

Pandora Finally Agrees to Deal With Sirius XM Satellite Radio

Jun 9, 2017

After months of bumpy courtship, SiriusXM Holdings (SIRI) , the satellite-radio operator, agreed to buy a minority stake in Pandora Media (P) , the world's largest internet radio platform for $480 million, the companies announced on Friday.

As a result of the deal, which isn't expect to close until the fourth quarter, money-losing Pandora called off its earlier agreement with Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) , the giant private-equity firm, for $150 million in financing. Pandora will pay KKR a $22.5 million break-up fee.

SOURCE

 

[rickaren]

SiriusXM Hits 32 Million Subscribers

SiriusXM Announces Quarterly Earnings Rise as Company Hits 32 Million Subscribers

 

[rickaren]

Sirius XM Price Increase

Sirius XM Price Increase Should Boost Revenue

Nov.21.17

Summary

Sirius bumps All Access price by $1 per month.

Also increases streaming add-on to $5.

Minimal immediate revenue impact.

Changes channel line-up.

Sirius XM Holdings (SIRI) raised some of its pricing plans. The company's most expensive plan - All Access (which includes Internet streaming) - was increased by 5% from $19.99 to $20.99, while its second most expensive plan - Select - was left unchanged at $15.99. Mostly Music at $10.99 was also left unchanged. The company has listed All Access, Select and Mostly Music as its most popular plans. Also increased was the Internet Streaming add-on which went from an extra $4.00 per month to an extra $5.00 per month.

Note that anyone that was interested in Select with the streaming add-on would pay the same amount as All Access, both before and after the price increases. And, it appears that there were simultaneous content changes to the pricing plans. For instance, All Access subscribers still get additional channels - Major League Baseball, the NBA and PGA Tour, but previously the three additional channels were NASCAR, Howard Stern and the NFL. These are now included in Select where previously one had to get all access to have these three channels.

For those only interested in music, the Mostly Music package is a cheaper alternative at $10.99. However, it excludes several of the more popular music channels, including The Beatles, E Street Radio, Grateful Dead, Garth Brooks and Tom Petty.

Sirius also publishes a chart showing the monthly Music Royalty Fees. There are a total of 40 different packages shown on the chart, and one can find that the All Access Music Royalty Fee has also been increased as of November 15th. This monthly rate also rose 5%, from $2.78 to $2.92. The total for All Access is now $23.91 plus taxes and fees, nearly double the pre-merger monthly rate of $12.95.

SOURCE

 

[rickaren]

SiriusXM Radio for iOS Now Compatible With Apple CarPlay

SiriusXM Radio for iOS Now Compatible With Apple CarPlay

Dec 4th, 2017

SiriusXM Radio on CarPlay

It’s been three years since CarPlay was introduced, and it’s still seeing slow, incremental features and adoption. But the SiriusXM Radio update is sure to please Apple customers. The iOS app version 4.2.0 version notes say:

We now support Apple CarPlay! Connect your phone in your car and tune to channels, on demand episodes, favorites, and more right from your built-in display.
Swipe to tune channels up and down
Bug fixes and performance enhancements

If your vehicle already has CarPlay, just download the app. If you don’t have it, you can fit your vehicle with a CarPlay receiver to get commercial-free radio. Download the Sirius app from the App Store.

SOURCE

 

[rickaren]

FCA US Unveil SiriusXM's Next Generation

SiriusXM and FCA US Unveil SiriusXM's Next Generation of In-Car Audio Entertainment - SiriusXM with 360L

The all-new Ram 1500 will be the first vehicle to offer SiriusXM's groundbreaking new platform

Now features thousands of hours of on-demand content and 200+ live channels

Variety, personalization and smart content recommendations combine to give listeners SiriusXM's critically-acclaimed hosts, shows, and channels in an easy to use way


Jan. 15, 2018


SiriusXM and FCA US LLC announced today that SiriusXM's next generation of in-car audio entertainment – delivering a personalized listening experience, with more variety, smart content recommendations and on-demand audio, all through a new best in class user experience in the vehicle – is available to customers for the first time ever, making its debut today in the all-new 2019 Ram 1500 truck.

Drivers of the all-new Ram 1500 are the first to have access to SiriusXM with 360L, a new platform that for the first time delivers a "360 degree listening" experience to drivers and their passengers via both satellite and streaming, and offers exciting new features and functionality in the vehicle and beyond. SiriusXM with 360L, which is available on the Ram 1500's Uconnect 4C NAV with 12-inch display with a SiriusXM All Access subscription, can also receive over the air updates to add features and functions that improve the user experience.

SiriusXM with 360L delivers SiriusXM's full lineup of more than 200 channels, while enabling the user to enjoy a more personalized "lean back" experience as SiriusXM serves them content recommendations on their touch screen, based on their listening preferences. Drivers and their passengers will find it easier to discover more of what SiriusXM offers, including exclusive SiriusXM On-Demand programming never before available in the dash. For example, a subscriber listening to one of Howard Stern's channels live may be presented with the option of tuning in to Howard's recent interview with Bono and The Edge of U2, which in turn may lead to a recommendation for SiriusXM's The Spectrum channel, and it is all available at their fingertips.

"We think SiriusXM with 360L will revolutionize the way you listen to audio in the car, and we are excited to launch it in the all-new Ram 1500, which once again is a leader in bringing the latest technological advancements to drivers," said Jim Cady, Executive Vice President of Products, Operations & Connected Vehicle Services at SiriusXM. "SiriusXM with 360L comes along at a time when embedded connectivity is enhancing the in-vehicle entertainment experience for more and more drivers and their passengers. We are using that connectivity to take a giant step forward with our platform, and SiriusXM with 360L improves both our consumer offering and our ability to understand and serve our subscribers. With a better, more adaptable user interface, it allows easy access to content on demand, more personalized programming and an improved display. It will also enable us to understand user behavior, and so over time be better at recommendations and discovery across our wide bundle of content."

Among the benefits of SiriusXM with 360L are…

More variety

More channels (now 200+) available to listeners on their in-dash Uconnect 4C NAV with 12-inch display, including many channels previously only available online.
Access to thousands of hours of recorded on-demand shows, interviews, and events in the car, giving the listener more of what they want, when they want to hear it.
Enhanced sports play-by-play offering that makes it easier to find the listener's favorite team when it is game time, and gives them access to the official broadcasts for more pro and college teams.

A more personalized experience

Smart content recommendations enable listeners to discover more of what they love, based on listening habits, and it is all served up on screen in an easy to use way.
Dynamic user interface allows for easy navigation between channels, shows, and both live and recorded content.
Individual listener profiles allow multiple drivers and passengers to customize and maintain their own presets and favorites.
Profiles can be synced with listener's mobile phone to seamlessly access their favorites and pick up listening where they left off in the car on select content.

Ease of use

Drivers and passengers can use their voice to search SiriusXM's extensive library of content, or they can sit back and let "For You" recommendations serve up great content choices.
Subscribers can manage their account, renew their subscription and contact SiriusXM through the touch screen on the dash when their vehicle is parked.
SiriusXM with 360L can receive over the air updates so users can conveniently get new features at any time.

Ram 1500 owners will receive a one-year subscription to SiriusXM All Access with the purchase of equipped 2019 model vehicles.

SiriusXM subscribers get a wide-range of exclusive music and entertainment, including Howard Stern's two exclusive channels and hundreds of hours of on-demand Howard Stern shows, interviews, classics and specials; more than 85 commercial-free music channels from multiple genres; an extensive schedule of live games and events from professional and college sports; sports talk from some of the biggest names in broadcasting; plus news from respected national outlets; exclusive talk and entertainment; and a broad range of comedy.

SiriusXM showcases exclusive artist branded music channels from The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, Eminem, Garth Brooks, Tom Petty, Pearl Jam, Kenny Chesney, Pitbull and many more. Its expertly curated channels play music from multiple decades and genres that span rock, pop, country, hip hop, dance, jazz and more. Subscribers can also access concept-based channels curated by SiriusXM's acclaimed programming team, such as The Coffee House, SiriusXM Chill, Road Trip Radio, Yacht Rock Radio, and The Covers Channel.

About SiriusXM

Sirius XM Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: SIRI) is the world's largest radio company measured by revenue and has approximately 32.7 million subscribers. SiriusXM creates and offers commercial-free music; premier sports talk and live events; comedy; news; exclusive talk and entertainment, and a wide-range of Latin music, sports and talk programming. SiriusXM is available in vehicles from every major car company and on smartphones and other connected devices as well as online at siriusxm.com. SiriusXM radios and accessories are available from retailers nationwide and online at SiriusXM. SiriusXM also provides premium traffic, weather, data and information services for subscribers through SiriusXM Traffic™, SiriusXM Travel Link, NavTraffic®, NavWeather™. SiriusXM delivers weather, data and information services to aircraft and boats through SiriusXM Aviation™ and SiriusXM Marine™. In addition, SiriusXM Music for Business provides commercial-free music to a variety of businesses. SiriusXM holds a minority interest in SiriusXM Canada which has approximately 2.8 million subscribers. SiriusXM is also a leading provider of connected vehicles services, giving customers access to a suite of safety, security, and convenience services including automatic crash notification, stolen vehicle recovery assistance, enhanced roadside assistance and turn-by-turn navigation.


Source: SiriusXM

 

[rickaren]

Sirius to acquire Pandora

Sirius XM to Buy Pandora in Bet on Streaming Music
The all-stock deal, valued at $3 billion, would create a company with a market value rivaling Spotify

Sept. 24, 2018

Sirius XM Holdings Inc. agreed to buy online-music firm Pandora Media Inc. for $3 billion, as the satellite-radio company looks to add streaming services in the increasingly competitive fight for listeners.

The all-stock deal would create an audio-entertainment company with a market value of around $30 billion, rivaling music-streaming market leader Spotify Technology SA.

LINK

 

[rickaren]

SiriusXM And Pandora Launch Shared Radio Station

SiriusXM And Pandora Launch Shared Radio Station

04/06/2019

When SiriusXM completed its $3.5 billion acquisition of Pandora in February, the satellite radio broadcaster promised to bring together the best of both services with "new, unique audio packages."

SiriusXM on Thursday announced the first of these hybrid products: Pandora NOW. The new Pandora station, which features some of the most popular new music on the internet radio service, is broadcast simultaneously on a SiriusXM satellite radio channel.

"We're excited to combine, for the first time, the wealth of Pandora listener data with the proven curation expertise of our SiriusXM team,” said Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer at SiriusXM.

Pandora listeners can find the new station by searching for “Pandora NOW,” and can skip and rate songs while listening. The station also appears as a continually-updated playlist on Pandora Premium, the company’s on-demand streaming music service.

SirusXM subscribers can tune in to Pandora NOW on Channel 3. Venus, the rhythmic pop station that previously occupied that frequency, has been bumped to Channel 303.

Some fans of Venus have taken to Twitter to lament its relegation to online streaming and select radio devices.

LINK

 

[rickaren]

The new SiriusXM Essential plan

The new SiriusXM Essential plan brings all the streaming music you could want for $8 a month

No Howard Stern, but just the best of music and entertainment the satellite radio company can bring you, at an affordable price.

22 Apr 2019

You've long been able to listen to SiriusXM — that is, satellite radio — outside of your car. But such streaming has always been part of a traditional satellite package.

SiriusXM now has a new "Essential" streaming-only plan that aims to give you exactly what you want, the way you want it — and at a comparable price.

The new Essential plan is just $1 for the first three months, and is $8 a month after that. That works out to about $75 for the first year. And that's not a bad price at all.

But if you're not listening in the car, what can you use for this new Essential service? Just about anything, really. There's the SiriusXM app on your phone or tablet. There's the web player. And there are all kinds of smart home devices, like Amazon Alexa and Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Apple TV, Smart TVs, Sonos, Xbox, PlayStation and more.

If you've got something that connects to the internet and does some kind of entertainment-type thing, there's a pretty good chance there's a SiriusXM app for it. And that means you'll be able to use this new Essential plan.

So what all do you get? More than 300 channels — two-thirds of which are music. You'll also get plenty other other entertainment channels, including a wealth of sports talk.

What's missing? Howard Stern's two full-time channels. You'll have to pay up for the full Premier plan for that.

But if all you want is the best of SiriusXM, wherever you want to listen to it, this isn't a bad deal to check out at all.

LINK

 

[rickaren]

Thousands of Music Fans Sign Petition

Published: 2019/06/18
Thousands of Music Fans Sign Petition to Bring Jam On Back to SiriusXM

Following the news that Phish Radio would replace SiriusXM’s Jam On, music fans have started a petition on Change.org to bring the station back to satellite radio. At the time of publishing this piece, the petition has over 3,000 signatures.

“When Sirius Announced the exciting launch of Phish radio on station 29, they also announced that the existing Jam On station would be losing DJ’s and moving to a station only available on the SiriusXM APP,” reads the petition. “Due to this, many young up and coming genre bands lose their national radio voice and millions of fans can no longer listen in their cars and find out about new talent.”

Phish Radio officially launched on June 14, to coincide with the band’s three headlining sets at Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival.

Currently, while Jam On is off satellite airwaves, it remains available on the SiriusXM app and online at siriusxm.com.

Check out the petition here.

SOURCE

 

[rickaren]

Sirius XM Radio Expands Video Offering

Sirius XM Radio Expands Video Offering

August 12, 2019

Sirius XM Aug. 12 announced it is expanding video content selections to the satellite radio platform’s 30 million subscribers.

Sirius XM Video, which bowed last year featuring content from “The Howard Stern Show,” is now offering interviews, clips and performances from a variety of performers, including Kevin Hart, Cardi B, Jonas Brothers, P!NK, Khalid, Florida Georgia Line, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Reba McEntire, Lady Antebellum, BTS, George Clooney, Tracy Morgan, Chelsea Handler, Ryan Reynolds, KISS, Halsey, Bruno Mars, Brooks Koepka and Dale Earnhardt Jr., among others.

Much of the content originates from subscription music service Pandora, which Sirius acquired in January for $3.5 billion.

This marks the next step in Sirius’ video ambitions on the platform and separate app. This fall Sirius will bow video content from platform personalities Jenny McCarthy, Michelle Collins, Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, Jeff Lewis, Emily Morse, Jim Norton & Sam Roberts, Jason Ellis, Karen Hunter and others.

“We have always been dedicated to delivering our customers great value for their subscriptions, and we have achieved remarkable growth and listener loyalty by delivering unrivaled and exclusive content in an easy-to-use way,” Jennifer Witz, president, sales, marketing and operations, said in a statement.

“We are also especially proud that only six months after completing the merger with Pandora, our teams have brought unique music personalization to the SiriusXM app using Pandora’s industry-leading technology for our millions of All Access and Premier Streaming customers.”

SOURCE

 

[rickaren]

Sirius XM Slashes Prices for Students

Sirius XM Slashes Prices for Students With a $4 Monthly Plan

August 21, 2019

Sirius XM has joined a bevy of other music streaming services offering cheaper prices to students.

The satellite radio provider has introduced a new ‘Student Premier’ subscription for its services, with the aim of keeping students subscribed after they leave the nest. The student plan allows access to 200 talk & music channels for a price tag of $4/month.

You’ll need to verify you’re a student to receive the discounted rate — though rest assured, some will attempt to game the system.

Sirius XM is trying to set itself apart in a sea of student plans. Spotify’s student plan is the most generous, including access to Hulu and Showtime for $5 a month. That plan is being abused to high heaven though, so how long it will last is anyone’s guess.

Sirius’ offer also doesn’t include any in-car listening, though you do get access to those Pandora-powered playlists. You can thumbs up or down songs to help tailor these playlists to your tastes. Subscribers can also skip songs or create their own personal channels.
Smartly, subscribers to the Student Premier Package also get access to a variety of sports channels, including a number of college-focused stations.

ESPNU Radio
SEC Radio
Big Ten radio
Big 12 Radio
Pac-12 Radio
ACC Radio
Barstool Radio
Fantasy Sports Radio
NBA Radio
NHL Radio

Sirius XM has had to adapt to the digital streaming age, and finally move beyond car-based satellite.

Last year Sirius bought Pandora in a deal worth $3.5 billion, which closed in February. Earlier in April, Sirius XM unveiled its first streaming service plan for the car-less among us.
MORE NEWS: A Definitive Louis Armstrong Documentary Is In the Works — With Ron Howard's Imagine Documentaries Leading the Effort

Unsurprisingly, the rise of smart speakers has fueled a rise in demand for in-home listening options. Accordingly, Sirius XM’s new $8/monthly streaming plan is aimed at those who rely on smart speakers for their music. It is supported on a wide variety of devices including Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Apple TV, PlayStation, Xbox, and various smart TVs.

Sirius XM VP Matt Epstein says the latest student plan is aimed at college kids who grew up with satellite radio.

“Our Student Premier Package enables students to have their own subscription and continue to enjoy the SiriusXM programming they love in their dorm room, at home or on the go.”

SOURCE

 

[rickaren]

Ram Truck Customers Receive Industry-first Listening Experience With SiriusXM’s New ‘Personalized Stations Powered by Pandora’

• • Starting in October, 2020 Ram trucks with Uconnect’s 12-inch touchscreen to offer SiriusXM’s newest feature ‘Personalized Stations Powered by Pandora,’ delivering an enhanced level of personalization to the SiriusXM experience
  • Part of the innovative SiriusXM with 360L platform available in Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 and Chassis Cab trucks
  • Owners of 2019 model-year Ram trucks with Uconnect 12-inch screen will receive a free over-the-air update in the fourth quarter of 2019 to access this new feature

September 24, 2019 , Auburn Hills, Mich.

- Ram and SiriusXM today announced another industry-first feature for Ram truck customers. 2020 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 and Chassis Cab trucks equipped with Ram’s class-leading Uconnect 12-inch touchscreen will offer SiriusXM’s new “Personalized Stations Powered by Pandora,” which deliver a combination of rich music curation and industry-leading personalization not found in any other audio entertainment service.

Ram truck owners with a SiriusXM All Access subscription, using the SiriusXM with 360L platform on their Uconnect 12-inch touchscreen, can create their own ad-free music stations based on the artist they are listening to. On their touchscreen, subscribers can then give songs a thumbs up or thumbs down within the SiriusXM service, or even skip songs, to create their own personal channel that plays more of what they want.

Previous model-year Ram truck owners aren’t left out. Via over-the-air software updates in the fourth quarter of this year, 2019 Ram trucks with Uconnect 12-inch screen will receive updates granting access to these features. Early-build 2020 Ram trucks equipped with Uconnect 12-inch touchscreen will receive the update in October.



Another new feature available to Ram customers using SiriusXM with 360L is Sports Notifications. This enables the subscriber to select their favorite teams and get an on-screen notification when their team’s game is on, then easily tune into that game with the touch of a button. The SiriusXM Sports Notification feature will be available next month on 2020 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 and Chassis Cab trucks and on 2019 Ram 1500 models with the fourth-quarter update.

SiriusXM subscribers will be notified of the update on their Uconnect 12-inch screen.

Ram trucks were the first to offer SiriusXM with 360L, SiriusXM’s groundbreaking next-generation platform, when it made its debut last year. SiriusXM with 360L delivers more SiriusXM channels and variety to the vehicle by delivering content via both satellite and streaming. It gives the user more choice at their fingertips and allows for a more personalized “lean back” experience as SiriusXM serves them content recommendations based on their listening preferences. Drivers and their passengers will find it easier to discover more of what SiriusXM offers, including exclusive SiriusXM On Demand programming. Ram customers can also manage their SiriusXM account, renew their subscription and contact SiriusXM through the touchscreen on the dash when their vehicle is parked.

About Uconnect
Launched in 2003, Uconnect systems are FCA’s in-vehicle connectivity centers, designed to keep consumers connected, entertained and, most importantly, focused on the road. FCA vehicles offer Uconnect systems that provide drivers with a range of available communication, navigation, entertainment features and connected services. FCA continues to enrich the easy-to-use Uconnect systems’ features and services by delivering various vehicle enhancements via over-the-air software update capability. This over-the-air software update capability, deployed automatically via wireless cellular networks, enables product enhancements, security updates and improved compatibility with mobile devices to be applied at no cost to FCA US vehicle owners and without a service appointment.

An included trial of connected services also is available on properly equipped vehicles. These real-time services include a monthly vehicle health report, vehicle health alert, a smartphone app that enables owners to remotely lock, unlock or start their vehicle, locate their vehicle and more; and SOS Call and Assist Buttons on the rearview mirror that will connect vehicle owners to help at the push of a button.

Vehicle owners can access and control their Uconnect systems’ features and services by using advanced voice recognition technology, convenient steering wheel controls and intuitive touchscreens or traditional knobs and buttons, as well as the Uconnect app and Vehicle Brand Owner Site to remotely deploy secure commands to the vehicle.

About SiriusXM All Access
Ram trucks equipped with SiriusXM receive a one-year subscription to the premium SiriusXM All Access package, providing customers with more than 200 channels of programming, featuring Howard Stern, ad-free music, plus live pro and college sports, entertainment, news and comedy. All Access subscribers also get access to SiriusXM content outside the vehicle on smartphones and other connected devices, as well as online at siriusxm.com. For more info on all that SiriusXM offers go to www.SiriusXM.com.

About Ram Truck Brand
In 2009, the Ram Truck brand launched as a stand-alone division, focused on meeting the demands of truck buyers and delivering benchmark-quality vehicles.

That focus leads Ram to design the industry’s most innovative, award-winning trucks, emphasizing durability, strength, technology and efficiency.

With a full lineup of trucks, including ProMaster and ProMaster City vans, the Ram brand builds trucks that get the hard work done and families where they need to go. From the no-compromise Ram 1500 that defines the future of pickup trucks with innovative design, the highest quality materials and class-exclusive technology, to the Ram Heavy Duty which combines the ability to out-power, out-tow and out-haul every single competitor with the segment’s most comfortable ride and handling, Ram is committed to product leadership.

Ram continues to outperform the competition and sets the benchmarks for:

• Most powerful: 1,000 lb.-ft of torque with Cummins Turbo Diesel
• Highest towing capacity: 35,100 lbs. with Ram 3500
• Heaviest payloads: 7,680 lbs. with Ram 3500
• Most luxurious: Ram Limited with real wood, real leather and 12-inch Uconnect touchscreen
• Best ride and handling with exclusive link coil rear and auto-level air suspensions
• Most interior space with Ram Mega Cab
• Most capable full-size off-road pickup – Ram Power Wagon
• Most-awarded light-duty truck in America
• Highest owner loyalty of any half-ton pickup
• Over the last 30 years, Ram has the highest percentage of pickups still on the road

Giving maximum effort all day, every day with confidence, the Ram Truck lineup steps forward with the full force of modern capability providing confidence-inspiring features and class-exclusive vehicle safety.

 

[rickaren]

Sirius XM (SIRI) to Acquire Stitcher Podcast Network for $300M

July 8, 2020

SiriusXM SIRI is nearing a $300 million deal to buy the Stitcher podcasting platform from broadcaster The E.W. Scripps SSP for about $300 million, per a Wall Street Journal report.

Stitcher will provide yet another way for Sirius XM to expand its audience further from 34.8 million total subscribers reported at the end of March. Stitcher’s executive team has years of podcasting experience, which can help boost Sirius XM's know-how in the burgeoning field.

The company currently expects to report positive net new self-pay subscribers for the second quarter ending Jun 30, 2020. Notably, Sirius XM added 69K net self-pay subscribers in the first quarter.

However, Sirius XM believes, the coronavirus pandemic and its related economic impact will hurt subscriber, advertising and equipment revenues as well as the sale of satellite radios, components and accessories.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sirius-xm-siri-acquire-stitcher-130701614.html

 

[rickaren]

Sirius XM Adds 516,000 Net New Subscribers in Q2

August 5, 2020

Last week, satellite radio provider Sirius XM reported its second quarter financials, including strong subscriber numbers. For the quarter, the company had total net new subscribers of 516,000, bringing total subscribers to 34.3 million by the end of the quarter. This includes 264,000 net new self-pay subscribers, which now total 30.3 million. Self-pay monthly churn for the quarter was 1.6%, an improvement over churn of 1.7% in Q2 2019.


Total revenue for Sirius XM and its subsidiaries, including Pandora, was $1.87 billion for the period, a 5% decrease compared to $1.98 billion in Q2 2019. Subscriber revenue for the quarter was $1.6 billion, compared to $1.5 billion for the same period last year. Advertising revenue was $236 million, compared to $358 million in the second quarter of 2019. Equipment and other revenue were $25 million and $35 million, respectively, compared to $41 million each for the same period last year. Net income for the second quarter was $243 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, compared to $263 million, or $0.06 per diluted share.


“Sirius XM’s business during this challenging period has been resilient, and with improving results and visibility into the remainder of the year, I’m pleased to resume offering subscriber and financial guidance. Despite the incredible economic stresses brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, our self-pay net subscriber additions grew by nearly 200,000 over the first quarter of the year, and we reported improved churn of just 1.6% per month with rising ARPU,” said Jim Meyer, CEO for Sirius XM.

Sirius XM Adds 516,000 Net New Subscribers in Q2

In its Q2 2020 financials, Sirius XM reports strong subscriber numbers including 516K net new subscribers, bringing total subscribers to 34.3M.

www.subscriptioninsider.com

 

[rickaren]

Listen to SiriusXM for $5 per month -- plus get a free Echo Dot

Take your pick from 3 months of streaming-only or 12 months of car-plus-streaming service.

Sept. 29, 2020

SiriusXM has expanded well beyond its humble satellite radio origins. You no longer need a satellite radio in your car to experience Sirius -- now you can catch it on a mobile app, in a browser and even via Alexa or Google Home. SiriusXM is no stranger to offering really attractive deals to lure new subscribers, and right now there are two excellent ones in play. Here's the first one: For a limited time, you can get three months of SiriusXM Premier Streaming for $15 in total -- and you get a free Echo Dot, too.

There are two levels of SiriusXM streaming -- Essentials and Premier (yeah, Sirius has too many subscription plans), and this offer is for the higher-tier Premier. It lets you access over 300 channels on your phone and in a browser (but not on your car radio). It delivers ad-free music, news, talk radio, entertainment and more. You get not one, but two channels dedicated to Howard Stern as well as NHL and NCAA play-by-play and talk channels.

Listen to SiriusXM for $5 per month -- plus get a free Echo Dot

Take your pick from 3 months of streaming-only or 12 months of car-plus-streaming service.

www.cnet.com

 

[rickaren]

String of vehicle thefts thwarted by satellite radio tracking
Couple arrested after allegedly writing over $200k in bad checks

Dec 3, 2020

A Fort Dodge man and his Pocahontas girlfriend were arrested Tuesday morning after Fort Dodge Police say they wrote over $200,000 in fraudulent checks for several vehicles in Fort Dodge and Urbandale.


Adam L. Schrodt, 39, and Tasha L. Becker, 37, were arrested around 11 a.m. in Hy-Vee’s parking lot after a tip from satellite radio service provider Sirius XM regarding a 2020 Dodge Challenger stolen through a bad check written to an Urbandale dealership.
Fort Dodge police were notified of the Challenger’s theft on Nov. 30 by the Urbandale Police Department before a call came in to the Webster County Telecommunications Center Tuesday morning from Sirius XM, notifying local authorities that the car was on the west side of Fort Dodge. As officers responded, new information was relayed that the car was in the Crossroads Mall area.
Fort Dodge police and Webster County sheriff’s deputies apprehended the couple as they walked back to their parked vehicle. Both had outstanding warrants for fraudulent practice from the Sheriff’s Office.
Criminal complaints say the couple wrote $208,606 in bad checks to Fort Dodge businesses, all returned for insufficient funds, or through a fake Charles Schwab account. In one instance, the reports said the defendants sent emails to a dealership promising to wire money while posing as a bank employee.

In addition to the 2020 Dodge Charger, complaints report the couple allegedly purchased the following vehicles in a heist that lasted from July to October.


• A 2019 Volkswagen Jetta from Fort Dodge Motors for $13,958.


• A 2016 Dodge Charger from Lacina Auto in Fort Dodge for $24,939.


• A 2021 GMC Yukon from Kemna Auto in Fort Dodge for $79,599.


• A 2019 Ford F-150 from Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota for $84,212.


The couple allegedly acquired the first three vehicles on Sept. 14. At the beginning of September, police said subpoenaed bank records showed their bank account at a negative balance of nearly $3,000.


The Yukon was eventually left in a public location for Kemna’s retrieval with over 1,000 miles on it and a need for extensive cleaning.


Becker faces the following charges:


• First-degree fraudulent practice, a Class C felony


• Ongoing criminal conduct, influence enterprise, a Class B felony


• First-degree theft, a Class C felony


Schrodt faces the same charges, with one additional charge of first-degree theft.


Both are held in the Webster County Jail on a $45,000 cash only bond. Their preliminary hearings are scheduled for Dec. 11.

String of vehicle thefts thwarted by satellite radio tracking

A Fort Dodge man and his girlfriend were arrested Tuesday morning after Fort Dodge Police say they wrote over $200,000 in fraudulent checks for several vehicles in Fort Dodge and Urbandale. Adam L. Schrodt, 39, and Tasha L. Becker, 37, were arrested around 11 a.m. in Hy-Vee’s parking lot after a...

www.messengernews.net

 

[rickaren]

Space X launches replacement satellite from Cape Canaveral for Sirius XM radio
A Falcon 9 rocket carrying the payload launched as scheduled at 11:20 a.m.

12/13/2020

SpaceX launched a satellite for SiriusXM radio aboard a Falcon 9 rocket Sunday.
The SXM-7 satellite will replace the XM-3 satellite in SiriusXM’s fleet, providing satellite radio programming across North America.
The rocket launched just after 12:30 p.m. from Space Launch Complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

The first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket was hauled onboard from the Atlantic Ocean by 12:40 p.m., marking the seventh time the same reusable component has been launched and recovered.
The launch was scheduled at 11:20 a.m. Sunday but delayed for better weather.

Space X launches replacement satellite from Cape Canaveral for Sirius XM radio

A Falcon 9 rocket carrying the payload launched as scheduled at 11:20 a.m.

www.tampabay.com

 

[rickaren]

Sirius XM says its newest satellite has malfunctioned by Paul Brinkmann Washington DC (UPI) Jan 27, 2021​ ​ Sirius XM's newest satellite isn't working properly and may be the subject of a $225 million insurance claim, the company said Wednesday in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Elon Musk's SpaceX launched the SXM-7 communications satellite Dec. 13, and testing of its systems began Jan. 4. But "events occurred which have caused failures" on the craft, Sirius XM reported. "We have purchased insurance policies covering SXM-7 through launch and the first year of in-orbit operation," Sirius XM said in its filing. "We have notified the underwriters of these policies of a potential claim with respect to SXM-7." Sirius XM said three of its satellites in orbit will continue to provide service, one of which SXM-7 was to replace eventually. Sirius XM and many other satellite operators launch replacement craft well in advance of any expected obsolescence. "The SXM-7 issue will have no adverse effect on the operation of our satellite radio service nor on our existing fleet of operating satellites," the company said in an email to UPI. The failure on the record of the manufacturer, Colorado-based Maxar Technologies, is not a disaster, said Chris Quilty, a space analyst and owner of St. Petersburg, Fla.-based Quilty Analytics. Maxar and its subsidiaries have "almost an unblemished record over 40 years of having no satellite failures on orbit," Quilty said. Some observers, however, will wonder if recent changes and cuts in the workforce at Maxar's space operations contributed to the failure, he said. "When it was going through the testing phase, they discovered a performance [problem], and Maxar ended eating about $45 million worth of rework to fix the satellite, but apparently they didn't totally fix it," Quilty said. SXM-7 was to aid delivery of Sirius XM's entertainment and data services to more than 100 million subscribers in North America, according to the company. The satellite includes a large antenna and solar arrays that span 100 feet when unfurled, weighing in total more than 15,400 pounds. Maxar built and tested it at the company's laboratory in Palo Alto, Calif. Maxar has built all seven of Sirius XM's satellites, including the first spacecraft that were launched in 2000. An eighth satellite is on order with Maxar. Sirius XM service comes installed in new vehicles from every major automaker in the United States and is available in nearly half of the preowned vehicles for sale in the country, according to the company.​