Sirius XM - How Excited Are You? (Me Neither)
So, Sirius XM Radio is upon us - what is your verdict after day one? To me, the most telling thing about this merger - well, apart from the $4.88 billion loss - is the way that the new beast of a company is sticking to its promise on prices. Sure, they didn't raise subscription fees, but if you're an XM customer and you want to hear the popular Sirius shows (like Howard Stern and NFL), you have to pay extra for a special "Best of Sirius" package. Are you a Sirius customer who wants to hear the most popular XM content (like Oprah or NBA)? Then, yes, you need to pay extra for a "Best of XM" package.
Let's put the consumer benefits of this merger in different language. What Sirius XM is saying here is, "Good news, Sirius or XM subscriber! We're taking away some of the channels that you listen to and replacing them with some of the most unpopular channels from our former rival satellite radio company. Want to hear the popular shows? It's never been easier! Simply pay us more, and they're yours." Total score, right?
So, forgive my ignorance, but are they one company or are they not? Then why are their products still different?
As you can see, I'm not a believer, but what about you? Do you like the new line-up? Do you think this is a good thing for music? Let me know!
It seems to me the only people who love satellite radio are those with long commutes in a car. Other than that, streaming (internet) radio will replace them.
Where’s the snooze button?
Agreed. And the reason internet radio will replace them isn’t just logistics. It’s amazing how resistant some music related businesses are to trying to succeed by giving the listeners what they want.
I’ve got XM in my car and all I’m getting is a bunch of commercials (and there were already too many) for Howard Stern and the rest of the Sirius programs. I’m not impressed.
That’s interesting to hear, Alison. My friend had a similar reaction – she cancelled her subscription yesterday. I think there will be a lot more cancellations in their future!