Related Resources • XM Satellite Radio • Sirius Satellite Radio

Sirius has teamed up with Panasonic and will debut Panasonic Sirius satellite receiver products in September. The new Panasonic line of satellite receivers will feature scrolling displays, 18 programmable preset channels, the ability to search channels by category, and artist and song title displays. The new products will be available through retail stores, car dealers and to commercial truckers through customary outlets.

Joseph P. Clayton, President and CEO of Sirius says, “We're convinced that once you listen to Sirius on a Panasonic system, it will be hard to go back to regular radio."

But, for those potential users who are still skeptical about buying a dedicated satellite radio receiver, the new CR-SRF 100 universal adaptor kit will also be available. This will enable any vehicle with an FM radio to receive the 100 channels of Sirius programming, eliminating the need to purchase new hardware.

XM Satellite Radio has announced it will retool its 100 channel lineup. Effective, August 26th, the company plans to add new channels including: Neo-Soul, Books & Drama, Old-Time Radio Dramas, Folk Music, and Easy Listening, to name a few. Beginning September 3rd, Playboy Radio, XM's first premium channel, will be offered to subscribers. This channel will cost listeners an additional $2.99 per month. The complete new lineup of channels can be viewed at http://www.lineup.xmradio.com

XM President and CEO, Hugh Panero says, "After nearly a year of delivering America's first nationwide digital satellite radio service, we've learned a lot about our listener's tastes and preferences. Based largely on subscriber feedback, we're making a number of enhancements to XM's 100 channel lineup."

Will new receivers and new channels help both fledgling companies to continue to build listenership? It's hard to say. Many people never thought they would want to pay for cable TV when they already had free television. But, we are a society that demands choices and choices usually cost money.

- Corey Deitz

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