By Dennis O’Neil
Sirius Satellite Radio is one of the newest fascinations of the listening public and is steadily growing in popularity, having already won over five
million subscribers. The network broadcasts over 130 different channels and offers a broad array of different listening choices to its users for a monthly subscription fee of $12.95.
Based out of New York City, Sirius broadcasts a variety of different programs, dealing in such subjects as news, sports, entertainment, talk, weather and others.
The network also offers music covering many different genres, as well as some channels devoted to one artist, such as the Elvis dedicated channel.
Recently, Sirius set out to launch SIR, or Sirius Internet Radio, to be broadcast online. On Oct. 25 and 26, Sirius offered a free two-day trial for its online service, and their programming contained such features as Howard Stern’s uncensored four- hour show featuring guests such as “Who’s Pete Townsend” and Sharon Osbourne. There was also a broadcast of the final concert at the legendary CBGB punk club in New York, featuring a performance by rock legend Patti Smith.
“Listeners who sign on will hear what has made Sirius the fastest-growing company in satellite radio and the home of the most unique collection of
entertainment ever put under one radio brand,” said Sirius Sports and Entertainment President Scott Greenstein. “The best radio on radio is now the best radio on the Internet.”
Sirius is also covering an even broader range of tastes with their programming. For example, there is a channel devoted totally to Catholic-friendly
radio programming and a horror program hosted by former Twisted Sister front man Dee Snider called “Fangoria Radio.”
Fan support has been strong thus far, indicated by an instance where a Wisconsin couple-to-be declined to hire a band or a DJ to provide entertainment at their wedding but instead requested that Sirius be broadcast throughout the reception.
When Sirius heard of the request, they immediately assigned a DJ to cover the event and compiled a play list dedicated to the couple.
“I still like listening to the free radio myself,” said University of Louisville student Craig Byrd. “But if you really like a certain type of music or if there is a
specific artist that you like to listen to, then [Sirius] sounds like something
interesting to get into.”
Sirius radio has also represented something of a rebirth for Stern, who
left CBS Corp. after fulfilling the last 14 months of his contract. He debuted
on Sirius in January after signing a five- year deal valued at $500 million.
“I’m sitting back having a blast because we are all talking and no one is
censoring themselves,” said Stern. “I feel like I can be funny.”
Sirius has also begun to play a big role in the broadcast of college
sports, as it recently signed an agreement with College Sports T.V. to provide
radio broadcasts for 23 universities, including the University of Kentucky, Notre Dame and Texas.
“Our agreement with CSTV and many selective colleges in the U.S. opens
the doors for millions of students and alumni to follow their alma maters
throughout the season,” said Greenstein.
