The new co-branded service will include a free, web radio offering and an enhanced premier radio offering that will be available to AOL members at no additional charge and as a premium service to consumers on the web.
The new offerings, which are expected to roll out beginning this summer with the launch of AOL's next generation AOL.com web portal, will be promoted to an audience of upwards of 100 million consumers online.
AOL and XM will co-promote their original programs across their networks including to XM's nearly 3.8 million subscribers and to AOL's more than 100 million unique monthly visitors across the AOL network of properties.
In addition to establishing the new online radio service, XM will integrate select AOL original programs such as Radio KOL, AOL Music Sessions and AOL Music LIVE! into its satellite radio service, which is available to listeners in cars as well as on home entertainment and portable devices. The companies will also work together to develop new programs and services for the online and satellite space.
"The combination of our leadership in online programming and XM's leadership in satellite programming represents a giant step in digital media," said Jon Miller, Chairman and CEO of America Online, Inc.
"We are thrilled to be partnering with AOL and combining the creative resources of these two great companies," said Hugh Panero, XM Satellite Radio president and CEO.
The new co-branded online radio service will feature a best-of-breed selection of AOL Radio Network and XM Radio exclusive and original content.
Consumers will have the ability to select the offering that best meets their needs. The co-branded offerings will include:
- A new, unlimited listening web radio service featuring a sampling of 20 XM stations plus 130 AOL Radio stations that will be available free on the web
An enhanced version of AOL's popular premium radio service featuring over 70 XM stations plus over 130 AOL Radio original and third party stations that will be available to AOL members at no additional charge and to consumers on the web for a monthly fee.
- From an XM Satellite Radio News Release
