Sirius and XM to Merge

[Schlep]

On O&A they explained that most of the XM station's they're "keeping" are actually just renamed Sirius stations, too. XM is basically gone apart from a couple stations.

Yeah, it's really sad. Mel was more concerned about protecting the Sirius 'talent' than offering up the best music programming. I was hit particularly hard since my favorite stations were Lucy, XMU, Cinemagic, The System, and XM Chill.

What's funny is that with all the uproar over this on the XM boards, it seems likely that this will be a wash or worse for Sirius. Lots of cancellations happening; probably way more than the measly $8-10 million a year they had to pay the XM talent that they let go.

[Frogacuda]

The merger was the worst thing that could have happened for the business. As soon as they announced it, new talent signings and new technology STOPPED and the shit that made following either fun fizzled.

I cancelled when they suspended O&A anyway, but I had the intent of maybe signing up again after the merger uncertainty cleared up, but I don't see myself doing it now. Syndication underground for me.

[Schlep]

Syndication underground? Also, yeah, the merger was incredibly dumb on XM's part. They had the same amount of debt as Sirius, but far more actual subscribers (not cars sitting on lots). I'm not saying they could have survived on their own, but they certainly wouldn't be in any worse shape than they are currently.

Honestly, I'd be surprised if Sirius XM is still around at this time next year. I pretty much expect a chapter 7 fire sale where a company like Music Choice picks up their broadcast facility/equipment. Possibly even someone like Microsoft or DirecTV/DISH. My money's on DirecTV.

[Frogacuda]

Syndication underground?

Daily MP3 torrents on private servers. I sleep til noon anyway, so it's generally ready by the time I get up.

[Rumpy]

This is so fucking sad. I really thought sat radio was going to make it.

[Josh]

Fuck the radio.

[Dolemite]

Yeah, it's really sad. Mel was more concerned about protecting the Sirius 'talent' than offering up the best music programming. I was hit particularly hard since my favorite stations were Lucy, XMU, Cinemagic, The System, and XM Chill.

Was Cinemagic the channel that played movie soundtracks/trailers? If so, I'm annoyed. That's one of the XM channels I wanted to have.

[Schlep]

It is, but it's on hiatus due to Christmas programming. Instead of single artist Grateful Dead, Elvis, Bruce Springsteen bullshit...they take Cinemagic off the air until January 1. It's like iPods don't exist.

[K3V]

Sirius XM Prepares for Possible Bankruptcy

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/11/te...ref=technology

I dropped my subscription last month. With Pandora/Slacker on my iPhone + Podcasts and MP3's, I really couldn't justify the $15/month anymore. News I can get from local stations and Stern can be found other ways.

[Some Stupid Japanese Name]

I'll probably be dropping it soon. They are going to start charging for listening online, fuck that shit.