In what might be a sign of things to come, “connected-car” company, USTelematics announced this morning that they will be making Sirius programming available through their Voyager product line.  Voyager provides live and downloaded wireless mobile internet protocol TV (IPTV) and audio programming for rear-seat passenger vehicle infotainment, and integrates a broad suite of features and functions, including the creation of a mobile Wi-Fi internet hotspot to enable online computer usage in the car and on the road, as well as DVD, movies, TV, Xbox and other computer games, and more.

In what some are seeing as a surprise move, the US Copyright Royalties Board actually ruled against SoundExchange, and in favor of Sirius and XM in deciding not to re-open a hearing on the royalties that the satcasters pay for the playing of music.  As you may remember, the CRB had previously ruled that Sirius and XM should pay 6-8% of ”gross revenues” (narrowly defined) to SoundExchange.  This latest ruling is in response to SoundExchange wanting the CRB to broaden the definition of gross revenues to include some items that the judges felt were unsupported by any evidence.

Ruling is here.

Coverage from BetaNews is here.

http://www.radio-info.com/in3_src/images/SP07_National_Satellite_P12.pdf

Lots of interesting data, including the domination of Stern programming among Sirius listeners.

Post your favorite data extrapolation

Thanks to livingfruitvirus at XMFan for the find!

In filings with the SEC this morning, both SatRad companies announced they will holding shareholder votes on the merger on Nov. 13th

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djhighlights/200710040938DOWJONESDJONLINE000561.htm

Although Sirius’ own Mel Karmazin has been the public face of the merger, today’s “Saturday Interview” at the New York Times features XM’s Chairman, Gary Parsons, and President and acting CEO Nate Davis on the topic of the merger.  There is some interesting bits in this short article.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/15/business/15interview.html?_r=1&ref=business&oref=slogin

My favorite line came from Mr. Parsons about the NAB’s opposition. He said, “The most extraordinary thing has been the visceral nature with which the N.A.B. jihad has progressed against the merger.”  He certainly isn’t one to hide his true feelings!

They also deal (somewhat superficially) with channel availability and pricing, post merger, with Davis saying, “You will be able to pick the channels you want, all at various prices. That’s not something we can do if we do not merge. “[Emphasis mine]

Overall, a good read.

Via Satellite magazine has named Space Systems/Loral’s CEO Patrick Dewit as its Satellite Industry Executive of the Year for 2006.

In 2006, under DeWitt’s leadership, SS/L won a total of seven new satellite construction awards, from a wide array of customers, including Fixed Satellite Service (FSS), Mobile Satellite Service (MSS), Digital Audio Radio Service (DARS) and Direct-To-Home (DTH) service providers. The company also saw the successful launch of five SS/L-built satellites during the year.

Both SIRIUS (satellite # 1,2,3,4 & 5) and XM (satellite # 5) have had satellites designed and built by SS/L.