XM and SIRIUS to Offer A La Carte Programming
XM and SIRIUS to Offer A La Carte Programming
Companies’ FCC Filing to Detail Array of New Offerings Priced From $6.99 to $16.99 SIRIUS CEO Mel Karmazin to Discuss at National Press Club Address Today
NEW YORK and WASHINGTON, July 23, 2007 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ — SIRIUS Satellite Radio (Nasdaq: SIRI) and XM Satellite Radio (Nasdaq: XMSR) announced today that the merged company will offer American consumers for the first time the opportunity to choose programming on an a la carte basis. This unprecedented offering will provide subscribers with more choices and lower prices and pave the way for a unique form of competition in the entertainment industry — one based on the individual programming preferences of listeners.
Tomorrow, XM and SIRIUS will file their joint reply comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The filing will include detailed programming and pricing plans, including two a la carte options. One option will allow subscribers to choose 50 channels for just $6.99 — a 46 percent decrease from the current standard subscription rate of $12.95. Under this option, customers will also be able to include additional channels for as little as 25 cents each. The second a la carte option will allow subscribers to choose 100 channels and will allow SIRIUS customers to select from some of the best of XM’s programming (and XM subscribers to choose from some of the best of SIRIUS’ programming).
The combined SIRIUS-XM will also offer several other new programming packages, including two “family-friendly” options, as well. Those choosing one of the “family-friendly” options will be able to block adult-themed programming and, for the first time, receive a price credit. These packages will set a new standard in audio entertainment and subscription media, offering lower prices, package options, and “best of both” offerings. The new plans will give consumers the ability to choose from an array of different packages and price points, ranging from $6.99 - $16.99. A la carte programming will be available beginning within one year following the merger, and the other programming options will be available beginning within six months following the merger.
“Mel and I are very excited about being able to offer a la carte programming. We think this is going to be great for consumers and great for our business. From the day this transaction was announced, we promised that the merger would enable us to deliver more choices and lower prices for consumers. In our filing tomorrow with the FCC, we will offer detailed plans regarding how we will achieve those goals. These plans will further demonstrate why this merger is overwhelmingly good for consumers and in the public interest,” said Gary Parsons, Chairman of XM Satellite Radio.
In total, the companies announced a suite of eight post-merger programming options, all of which adhere to the companies’ commitment to maintain and enhance service to existing devices and to ensure that no consumer pays more after the merger for the service they enjoy today.
“The a la carte options and other packages unveiled today demonstrate that consumers will be the beneficiaries of this merger. The efficiencies of the merger will allow the combined companies to save hundreds of millions of dollars a year and give us the opportunity to increase the number of programming options available to subscribers,” said Mel Karmazin, CEO of SIRIUS Satellite Radio.
A La Carte Programming
The combined company will offer two a la carte packages. Consumers will select their channels on-line allowing them to easily review the full-range of each company’s programming choices. A la carte programming will only be available for subscribers using new radios, which will be developed following approval of the merger.
-- A La Carte -- 50 Channels ($6.99) -- Currently the only standard
package offered by either company is $12.95 a month. Under this new
option, for only $6.99 per month -- a savings of 46 percent --
consumers will be able to choose either 50 SIRIUS channels from
approximately 100 SIRIUS channels or 50 XM channels from approximately
100 XM channels. Additional channels can be added for 25 cents each,
with premium packages priced at additional cost. However, no one
choosing this option will pay more than $12.95 a month.
-- A La Carte -- 100 Channels ($14.99) -- Consumers may also choose an a
la carte offering of 100 channels each. SIRIUS customers will be able
to choose from some of the best of XM's programming and XM customers
will be able to choose from some of the best of SIRIUS' programming.
Today this programming would require two monthly subscriptions,
totaling $25.90. The new 100 channel a la carte option represents a
savings of 42 percent.
Best of Both Packages Will Be Available on Existing Radios
Today, if consumers want the best of both XM and SIRIUS, they need two satellite radios and two separate monthly subscriptions totaling $25.90. Following the merger of SIRIUS and XM, consumers will be able to obtain the best of both SIRIUS and XM, on any of today’s satellite radio devices with one monthly subscription. XM customers would continue to receive their existing XM service, and be able to obtain certain SIRIUS programming. SIRIUS customers would continue to receive their existing SIRIUS service, and be able to obtain certain XM programming. This will be available through existing SIRIUS and XM radios at a monthly cost of $16.99, a savings of 34 percent, compared to what it would cost to receive both services today.
Discounted Family-Friendly Packages
Both companies enable comprehensive channel blocking and parental controls today. After the merger, consumers who purchase a family friendly version of XM Everything or SIRIUS Everything can do so for $11.95, a credit of $1.00 per month.
SIRIUS customers will also be able to choose a family-friendly version of SIRIUS programming that includes select XM programming. And XM customers can select a family-friendly XM programming option that includes select SIRIUS programming. These packages will cost $14.99 per month, a credit of $2.00 per month from the cost of the “best of” packages. Today, a consumer would have to purchase two subscriptions for $25.90 to get this combined content.
Get Mostly Music or Just News and Sports and Save 23 Percent
Following the merger, consumers will also have the option of choosing a package of SIRIUS Mostly Music programming or XM Mostly Music programming. Subscribers will also be able to choose a package of SIRIUS News, Sports and Talk programming or XM News, Sports and Talk programming. Each of these packages will be $9.99 per month, a savings of 23 percent compared to today’s standard subscription of $12.95.
Like What You Have Today? It Will Still Be Here Tomorrow
From day one, SIRIUS and XM have promised that no subscriber will pay more after the merger for a service similar to what they enjoy today and that no existing radio will be made obsolete by the merger. The XM Everything and SIRIUS Everything packages will offer a service similar to that offered today for the standard subscription of $12.95. Customers who choose to keep the subscription package they have today can continue to do so for $12.95 per month. Customers who purchase XM Everything and SIRIUS Everything packages will also be able to continue their current $6.99 multi-receiver subscriptions.
Additional detail on the packages is attached to this news release and available at either http://www.siriusmerger.com or http://www.xmmerger.com.
The companies anticipate the merger will close in late 2007.
Summary of XM Post-Merger Channel Line Up Proposal
MONTHLY PRICE: MONTHLY PRICE:
OFFERING # CHANNELS CURRENT POST-MERGER
XM Everything** Approx. 170 $12.95 $12.95
A La Carte I* Pick Your Own 50 $12.95 Starting at $6.99
from all but Premium
(Optional: Add a
Channel @ $.25 each;
Add Super Premium
Packages @ $3.00
or $6.00 each)
A La Carte II* Pick Your Own 100
(including some
best of SIRIUS) $25.90*** $14.99
XM Everything & Approx. 180 $25.90*** $16.99
Select SIRIUS**
Family Friendly & Approx. 170 $25.90*** $14.99
Select SIRIUS
Family Friendly Approx. 160 $12.95 $11.95
Mostly Music Approx. 65 $12.95 $9.99
Commercial Free
Music (58)
More Music (5)
Kids (2)
Religion (1)
Emergency &
Weather (1)
News, Sports Approx. 60 $12.95 $9.99
& Talk
News (12)
Sports (10)
Kids (2)
Talk and
Entertainment (15)
Traffic, Weather
and Alerts (21)
Religion (1)
Emergency &
Weather (1)
*Available only for subscribers using next generation receivers who select channels via the Internet.
**Consumers may block adult-themed content. Consumers who elect to block adult-themed content will be provided a monthly credit.
***Currently requires two subscriptions.
All content is subject to change from time to time due to contractual relationships with third-party providers and for other reasons.
Summary of SIRIUS Post-Merger Channel Line Up Proposal
MONTHLY PRICE: MONTHLY PRICE:
OFFERING # CHANNELS CURRENT POST-MERGER
SIRIUS Everything ** Approx. 130 $12.95 $12.95
A La Carte I* Pick Your Own 50 $12.95 Starting at $6.99
(Optional: Add a
Channel @ $.25 Each;
Add Super Premium
Packages @ $6.00
or $5.00 Each)
A La Carte II* Pick Your Own 100 $25.90*** $14.99
(Including some
best of XM)
Everything SIRIUS Approx. 140 $25.90*** $16.99
& Select XM**
Family Friendly & Approx. 130 $25.90*** $14.99
Select XM
Family Friendly Approx. 120 $12.95 $11.95
Mostly Music Approx. 65 $12.95 $9.99
Commercial Free
Music (59)
Family and Kids (4)
Religion (3)
Emergency (2)
News, Sports Approx. 50 $12.95 $9.99
& Talk
Sports Channels (8)
Talk and
Entertainment (10)
Family and Kids (4)
Religion (3)
News (13)
Traffic and
Weather (11)
Emergency (2)
*Available only for subscribers using next generation receivers who select channels via the Internet.
**Consumers may block adult-themed content. Consumers who elect to block adult-themed content will be provided a monthly credit.
***Currently requires two subscriptions.
All content is subject to change from time to time due to contractual relationships with third-party providers and for other reasons.
As I figured the pricing plans are somewhat complex (especially to people who don't know satellite radio) and will be quite confusing to the average consumer. So mark that goal of the merger with a big fat red "X".
That said, I think they look good from my standpoint. by SISO
"From day one, SIRIUS and XM have promised that no subscriber will pay more after the merger for a service similar to what they enjoy today and that no existing radio will be made obsolete by the merger. The XM Everything and SIRIUS Everything packages will offer a service similar to that offered today for the standard subscription of $12.95. Customers who choose to keep the subscription package they have today can continue to do so for $12.95 per month. Customers who purchase XM Everything and SIRIUS Everything packages will also be able to continue their current $6.99 multi-receiver subscriptions."
That tells me that the only thing that might change are some music channels. The term "similar service" implies to me that some music channels may be merged together. My biggest question is; "what is going to happen to the SQ?" It looks like each service is willing to go up to 180 channels per spectrum after the merger. Not to mention, they still want to squeeze video on there? Oh my bleeding ears....Not sure how long I'll be able to stick around, I didn't get the Bose option to listen to music streamed at 28kbps. by loadfet17
"From day one, SIRIUS and XM have promised that no subscriber will pay more after the merger for a service similar to what they enjoy today and that no existing radio will be made obsolete by the merger. The XM Everything and SIRIUS Everything packages will offer a service similar to that offered today for the standard subscription of $12.95. Customers who choose to keep the subscription package they have today can continue to do so for $12.95 per month. Customers who purchase XM Everything and SIRIUS Everything packages will also be able to continue their current $6.99 multi-receiver subscriptions."
That tells me that the only thing that might change are some music channels. The term "similar service" implies to me that some music channels may be merged together. My biggest question is; "what is going to happen to the SQ?" It looks like each service is willing to go up to 180 channels per spectrum after the merger. Not to mention, they still want to squeeze video on there? Oh my bleeding ears....Not sure how long I'll be able to stick around, I didn't get the Bose option to listen to music streamed at 28kbps.
I am very pleased that they gave us some insight on what they are envisioning.
BTW does anyone know what the NAB's anti merger website address is? I would love to read that they have to say on this issue. Of course it will probably take a week for them to spin it.
thanks by SiriusHummer
Let's say I want to pick my own 100... That's 14.99 then I've got to pay another 9.99 for the sports and news programs. No sir, I'm not going to do that. That's 24.98 and I still don't have everything such as the "Premium Channels." Some one tell my I just haven't had much sleep and this isn't right. by River_King
I am very pleased that they gave us some insight on what they are envisioning.
BTW does anyone know what the NAB's anti merger website address is? I would love to read that they have to say on this issue. Of course it will probably take a week for them to spin it.
thanks
Let's say I want to pick my own 100... That's 14.99 then I've got to pay another 9.99 for the sports and news programs. No sir, I'm not going to do that. That's 24.98 and I still don't have everything such as the "Premium Channels." Some one tell my I just haven't had much sleep and this isn't right.
Let's say I want to pick my own 100... That's 14.99 then I've got to pay another 9.99 for the sports and news programs. No sir, I'm not going to do that. That's 24.98 and I still don't have everything such as the "Premium Channels." Some one tell my I just haven't had much sleep and this isn't right.
" Best of Both Packages Will Be Available on Existing Radios
Today, if consumers want the best of both XM and SIRIUS, they need two satellite radios and two separate monthly subscriptions totaling $25.90. Following the merger of SIRIUS and XM, consumers will be able to obtain the best of both SIRIUS and XM, on any of today's satellite radio devices with one monthly subscription. XM customers would continue to receive their existing XM service, and be able to obtain certain SIRIUS programming. SIRIUS customers would continue to receive their existing SIRIUS service, and be able to obtain certain XM programming. This will be available through existing SIRIUS and XM radios at a monthly cost of $16.99, a savings of 34 percent, compared to what it would cost to receive both services today." by goreds2
Looks very interesting! This certainly makes me feel better about the merger. I agree it is a bit confusing... but I think once you get them layed out on a web page and explained it will be pretty clear what you'll get in each package. by DAB
Stern, Sports, Playboy, Oprah, cousin brucey by rustytrombone
" Best of Both Packages Will Be Available on Existing Radios
Today, if consumers want the best of both XM and SIRIUS, they need two satellite radios and two separate monthly subscriptions totaling $25.90. Following the merger of SIRIUS and XM, consumers will be able to obtain the best of both SIRIUS and XM, on any of today's satellite radio devices with one monthly subscription. XM customers would continue to receive their existing XM service, and be able to obtain certain SIRIUS programming. SIRIUS customers would continue to receive their existing SIRIUS service, and be able to obtain certain XM programming. This will be available through existing SIRIUS and XM radios at a monthly cost of $16.99, a savings of 34 percent, compared to what it would cost to receive both services today."
"*Available only for subscribers using next generation receivers who select channels via the Internet." by usiphi203
I would love the have baseball (well, and hockey again too...).
But I really would like Big Ten (Wisconsin) coverage. I am unfamilar with XM music offerings, but I would be interested in hearing their 'standards' stations, since Siriusly Sinatra came onboard... by jnorth51
...coming from a customer who has 3 lifetime subs (one bought for dearest mother, and 2 for myself). by blacknoi
Same thing here... I had XM, dropped it cause it was boring, and I don't really know if they ever added any channels that would make me want to go back to them. I think the only way for us to know what we'd want is if all current subscribers (XM and Sirius) got - perhaps - a free 1-month ONLINE subscription to both services.
All XM+All Sirius online, free for a month. Listen to everything you can, find what you like and hate, and then decide what you want a-la-mode. Doesn't that seem reasonable? You might have to switch between sirius.com and xm.com all day, but eventually you could narrow down your selections. by MCWHAMMER
Same thing here... I had XM, dropped it cause it was boring, and I don't really know if they ever added any channels that would make me want to go back to them. I think the only way for us to know what we'd want is if all current subscribers (XM and Sirius) got - perhaps - a free 1-month ONLINE subscription to both services.
All XM+All Sirius online, free for a month. Listen to everything you can, find what you like and hate, and then decide what you want a-la-mode. Doesn't that seem reasonable? You might have to switch between sirius.com and xm.com all day, but eventually you could narrow down your selections.
Also, what service options will be available at the family plan rate? Would it be just XM or just Sirius after the first sub? Those questions are not answered in this proposal, for the people who are dual subs now. by geosync
I am also curious about the option where you keep all of Sirius and add "certain XM channels" using your exisiting receiver. What would the XM channels be? Similarly, I'm wondering what Sirius will offer up for the XM subs who choose this option. by jr461
I wonder how they will treat 2nd - 5th subscribers?
I know that I listen to 4-5 music channels and 2-3 talk channels so this should be less for me. MLB and NFL are the only premiums that I would want.
I don't think that this will be good news for Oprah, Howard and others that they have paid $$$ for. I could be wrong, but I wonder if the numbers will support the $$$ they get. by TX WJ
Quote:
A La Carte ProgrammingThe combined company will offer two a la carte packages. Consumers will select their channels on-line allowing them to easily review the full-range of each company's programming choices. A la carte programming will only be available for subscribers using NEW radios, which will be developed following approval of the merger
The only thing that makes sense to them being able to do this would mean the new tuners would be interoperable with both a sirius and xm chipset in it. There was just no way I could come up with for them to share the content via the sirius or xm feed. There's just isn't enough bandwidth on each of the operators signal. by soxnationonline
according to this Sirius News, Sports and Talk programming for 9.99 a month!
so for my music and stern it will cost me more?
is that right?
http://www.xmmerger.com/uploads/FINA...se_7-23-07.pdf by mercury
according to this Sirius News, Sports and Talk programming for 9.99 a month!
so for my music and stern it will cost me more?
is that right?
http://www.xmmerger.com/uploads/FINA...se_7-23-07.pdf
No, its not right IMO.Sirius Everything sounds like everything you currently get. It will only cost extra if you decide to add any additional XM content. Personally, the only thing I might want from XM is 3-5 music channels. MLB is boring enough on tv, I couldn't imagine listening to it on the radio. by loadfet17
then im good
http://www.xmmerger.com/uploads/FINA...se_7-23-07.pdf
A La Carte I* & A La Carte II*
*Available only for subscribers using next generation receivers who select channels via the Internet.
....Like the Stiletto 100? by papi34
*Available only for subscribers using next generation receivers who select channels via the Internet.
....Like the Stiletto 100?
no not like the stiletto... it states in the press release that they will work on developing the new radios after the approval of the merger. by soxnationonline
I am also curious about the option where you keep all of Sirius and add "certain XM channels" using your exisiting receiver. What would the XM channels be? Similarly, I'm wondering what Sirius will offer up for the XM subs who choose this option.
These price structures give us a very basic glimpse, but no answers about content.
As a dual sub, I'm thinking of just doing the two stay the same packages and not adding anything. I'm also still interesting in hearing where the bandwidth will come from to add baseball to Sirius. by Fergz99
These price structures give us a very basic glimpse, but no answers about content.
As a dual sub, I'm thinking of just doing the two stay the same packages and not adding anything. I'm also still interesting in hearing where the bandwidth will come from to add baseball to Sirius.
link by papi34
link
I guess I'll have to wait for my old Orbiter to die... I have no plans on getting a new radio for all of this. by 7Aaron
A La Carte 1 - Customers can choose 50 channels from either XM or Sirius, for $6.99/month.
Now do you guys think that you have to choose between XM or Sirius for the 50 channels? For example, if you pick Sirius you have to choose 50 from Sirius only or can you pick and choose between both for your total of 50? Music wise all I really want from XM is the 90's station and Cinemagic.
Also I wonder how often you'll be allowed to change your channels if you go with A La Carte 1? If you could change your channels at will (basically all you would have to do is have your player update after each change when it turns on), then this is the way to go for sports fans. You could look up what stations your teams will be playing on that week instead of paying for channels you'll only use when a game you are interested in is on. On Sirius, they are known for moving their NBA games all around their dial. And being an Orlando Magic fan, if I could know which channels they would be on a week ahead of time and could change my channel lineup accordingly, then I would certainly go with the $6.99 plan and could save a lot of money. This would also add a lot of new subscribers as well.
This would also go for XM and College Football. They just recently acquired most of the SEC and still have a few other power conferences. If what I am saying will be possible, we could just change our channel lineup sometime before each Saturday and be set.
I know this could all be speculation at this point, but these two things came to mind immediately after hearing the news. by dxwwf3
A La Carte 1 - Customers can choose 50 channels from either XM or Sirius, for $6.99/month.
Now do you guys think that you have to choose between XM or Sirius for the 50 channels? For example, if you pick Sirius you have to choose 50 from Sirius only or can you pick and choose between both for your total of 50? Music wise all I really want from XM is the 90's station and Cinemagic.
It does seem like there is an option for 100 channels, mixed between the two, but it will require a new radio.
This would also go for XM and College Football. They just recently acquired most of the SEC and still have a few other power conferences. If what I am saying will be possible, we could just change our channel lineup sometime before each Saturday and be set.
I know this could all be speculation at this point, but these two things came to mind immediately after hearing the news.
I think this announcement today is a winner for the companies, the merger movement, and the consumer. by dxwwf3
There's a scent on the wind -- the scent of a Royal Screwing coming.
Just gimme Elvis, the Roadhouse, and Stern and otherwise leave me the frig alone. by snow scorpion
In addition, it also seems that a customer's ala carte selections are limited... The wording also seems to convey that there will still be two separate customer bases, the current XM base, and the current Sirius base, and your options are limited on your 'home team' selection. If you choose 50 channels, the announcement implies that you only get 50 channels from 1 service, not from both... If you choose the 100 channel option, you get a larger selection from your 'home' service and a smattering of selections from the other's service... You're still singled out by which service you decide to align yourself with...
It seems that to get Everything from Both Services, it would still require 2 receivers, it would still require a subscription to Sirius as well as XM, and it would still require 25.98... I understand, not everyone needs 'repeat' channels based on decades or genres, but to say that the ala carte option is the equivalent of a dual subscription is somewhat misleading, especially when what you can select is based on what the company wants to provide you...
The release doesn't answer any questions about additional receivers and how they will be handled in this new structure (all based off of the first radio's settings, etc.), what options/restrictions you have for *changing* ala carte channel selection (# of times per day/week/month/year), how this impacts people who currently have a lifetime subscription, access to internet streams, what exactly constitutes 'best of' from each service...
----
Sirius Stiletto 100 x 2 (Lifetime Sub on 1)
Pioneer SIR-PNR1
Delphi SkiFi2 by Pohket
Quote:
Originally Posted by dxwwf3
Also I wonder how often you'll be allowed to change your channels if you go with A La Carte 1? If you could change your channels at will (basically all you would have to do is have your player update after each change when it turns on), then this is the way to go for sports fans. You could look up what stations your teams will be playing on that week instead of paying for channels you'll only use when a game you are interested in is on. On Sirius, they are known for moving their NBA games all around their dial. And being an Orlando Magic fan, if I could know which channels they would be on a week ahead of time and could change my channel lineup accordingly, then I would certainly go with the $6.99 plan and could save a lot of money. This would also add a lot of new subscribers as well.
This would also go for XM and College Football. They just recently acquired most of the SEC and still have a few other power conferences. If what I am saying will be possible, we could just change our channel lineup sometime before each Saturday and be set.
I know this could all be speculation at this point, but these two things came to mind immediately after hearing the news.
This is a great question. It would be unfair to say it is absolutely going to be one way or the other, but I would guess that there would be some level of commitment involved with this option, or a fee to change, but please don't quote me on that."
*****************
I agree that there would likely be a fairly significant (whatever that means) charge, and possibly a limit on the number of times that you could "re program" your selected channels on the same radio. by derek1079
My guess the lifetime will work the same. You will be locked into your current subscription. by gatour
I don't understand how anything about this release is bad news, unless you don't like what you are paying for now. If you are happy with paying $12.95 for sirius or xm now, then keep paying it. If you have XM only and want Stern also, then that will cost you more, but right now if you have XM and want Stern you have to pay $12.95. by wfleish
http://www.siriusbackstage.com/forum...d.php?t=100156
A la carte programming will be available beginning within one year following the merger, and the other programming options will be available beginning within six months following the merger.
.....
In total, the companies announced a suite of eight post-merger programming options, all of which adhere to the companies' commitment to maintain and enhance service to existing devices and to ensure that no consumer pays more after the merger for the service they enjoy today.
"The a la carte options and other packages unveiled today demonstrate that consumers will be the beneficiaries of this merger. The efficiencies of the merger will allow the combined companies to save hundreds of millions of dollars a year and give us the opportunity to increase the number of programming options available to subscribers," said Mel Karmazin, CEO of SIRIUS Satellite Radio.
A La Carte Programming
The combined company will offer two a la carte packages. Consumers will select their channels on-line allowing them to easily review the full-range of each company's programming choices. A la carte programming will only be available for subscribers using new radios, which will be developed following approval of the merger.
...
Best of Both Packages Will Be Available on Existing Radios
Today, if consumers want the best of both XM and SIRIUS, they need two satellite radios and two separate monthly subscriptions totaling $25.90. Following the merger of SIRIUS and XM, consumers will be able to obtain the best of both SIRIUS and XM, on any of today's satellite radio devices with one monthly subscription. XM customers would continue to receive their existing XM service, and be able to obtain certain SIRIUS programming. SIRIUS customers would continue to receive their existing SIRIUS service, and be able to obtain certain XM programming. This will be available through existing SIRIUS and XM radios at a monthly cost of $16.99, a savings of 34 percent, compared to what it would cost to receive both services today.
Like What You Have Today? It Will Still Be Here Tomorrow
From day one, SIRIUS and XM have promised that no subscriber will pay more after the merger for a service similar to what they enjoy today and that no existing radio will be made obsolete by the merger. The XM Everything and SIRIUS Everything packages will offer a service similar to that offered today for the standard subscription of $12.95. Customers who choose to keep the subscription package they have today can continue to do so for $12.95 per month. Customers who purchase XM Everything and SIRIUS Everything packages will also be able to continue their current $6.99 multi-receiver subscriptions.
Big question: What if the merger is approved and they decide or discover that technologically ala carte is impossible or not cost effective or what not. If they "lied" (intentially or unintentially) about anything and the merger is approved, will the merger be undone? Has any merger ever been undone? The truth is if this merger goes through, we'll be stuck with the results, good or bad, whether we were told the truth or not.
I don't like trading the bird in the hand for the promise of two in the bush... by bigdog
Big question: What if the merger is approved and they decide or discover that technologically ala carte is impossible or not cost effective or what not. If they "lied" (intentially or unintentially) about anything and the merger is approved, will the merger be undone? Has any merger ever been undone? The truth is if this merger goes through, we'll be stuck with the results, good or bad, whether we were told the truth or not.
I don't like trading the bird in the hand for the promise of two in the bush...
in another thread you said this-
Hell yeah I would, I listen to Voodoo Child, FTE, and the Gatorade gimmick all day at work until BTLS starts at 3pm. I would definetaly follow him if he went to Podcast.
BTLS is on H101! by mercury
Most of us are either subscribers because of Stern or the NFL or whatever. Mlb for the XMers. What would be the point of going with the ala carte option 1? If my understanding is accurate.
Also as a S50 owner for the past couple years who finally has a unit working properly over 10 months now...I'm not buying another receiver.
Here's a better idea. Keep what we got now at the price we are paying now using the receiver were using now enjoying the same programing we hear now. by Heeb
The "a la carte" idea is great. Instead of busting on Sirius for suggesting it, people should be busting on the FCC for not requiring cable and SatTV for providing it. The main reason people are wary of the "package" concept is because of the way the TV has reamed us all for years with their tiered pricing. I don't understand why it's OK for them to have done it for years, but now everyone is on a crusade against Sirius for any little thing. by TheScionicMan
Hopefully Sirius will adopt the same idea post-merger. NOTHING annoyed me more than having to search thru 50 channels trying to find a hockey game.
Of course, now that Sirius has lost hockey, I guess its less of an issue. by smoelheim
Thanks to whom ever would do this. by PACanesFan
It sounds like if this all goes through I'll be going with Al La Carte #2 with mostly Sirius channels, but about 25 XM stations including 90's, Cinemagic, all College Sports and NHL. Well worth the two extra dollars a month. by dxwwf3
Stern, Sports, Playboy, Oprah, cousin brucey
I don't think it's just me, but this looks like a diaster, which I predicted. They are going to massacare a bunch of the music channels...I'm not looking forward to that. How much to honestly just keep my Sirius the way it is? I'll pay a little more for it, which is looks like I'm going to have to (even though the merger is supposed to lower prices). Thanks, Mel! by VinnyM27
This merger is something we all should be fighting until the end and lets hope it better not happen.
period! by 80_Listener
I was hoping the merger would benefit the consumer, but it doesn't look that way to me.
Neil by Neil S. Bulk
No O&A, No Howard, No premium Sports packages, (I'd probably still pick the XM MLB and Sirius NFL channels since ESPN Radio is becoming boringly unlistenable, which makes me wonder if you can pick 'those channels' without picking up the game packages themselves.) I also have a question on the 'pre-empted' channels, if you didn't have the game packages, would those channels still be pre-empted. I would think not, but there's still some unanswered questions here. by Jon
There is no plan that gives you all Sirius and all XM for a price lower than the cost of 2 subs....you can get all Sirius and SELECT XM for $17 (and vise versa), but not all of both....
I will gladly give up my country, R&B, Rap, Christian, Kids, Martha Stewart, Lime, etc in exchange for MLB and Big Ten.....and pay the same price I am paying now...so in the end, fewer channels, same price....I'm OK with that.
But what they offer is not that, not even close....hey, look you can get sports or music for $10 each, $3 less than it would cost for BOTH with a lot more channels....
What a joke. by Elahrairah