Political talk programming from all corners can be found on SIRIUS Satellite Radio.

SIRIUS Satellite Radio delivers in-depth and diverse coverage 24/7 of all the action in Iowa and New Hampshire with political talk, analysis and opinion spanning liberal, conservative, African-American and GLBT perspectives.

Highlights include:

• SIRIUS Left’s Alex Bennett reporting live from Iowa and New Hampshire. Bennett goes “inside” two actual Iowa Caucuses for a firsthand account of the debate, discussion, and procedure. In Manchester, Alex Bennett broadcasts live inside the legendary Red Arrow Diner to speak with “everyday Americans” to gauge their interest, passion, and opinions. [SIRIUS Left channel 146, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm]

• Also on SIRIUS Left, Mark Thompson hosts Make it Plain, a political, human rights, and current events based program focusing on issues from an African-American point of view. [SIRIUS Left channel 146, 5:00 – 8:00 pm ET].

• SIRIUS Patriot channel 144 features the conservative voices of Bill Bennett, Andrew Wilkow, Sean Hannity, Mike Church, Mark Levin, and more. [SIRIUS Patriot channel 144, see below for full programming schedule].

• On SIRIUS OutQ, America’s first and only 24/7 radio channel for the GLBT community, Michelangelo Signorile fearlessly takes on the right wing, the media and the homophobes with hard-hitting and humorous talk. [SIRIUS OutQ channel 109, 2:00 – 6:00 pm ET]

Visit www.sirius.com/politicaltalk for the latest headlines and a daily lineup of guests for all SIRIUS political talk shows. Online media listening passcode available, please let us know if you are interested.

Complete programming lineup for SIRUS Left channel 146:

The Alex Bennett Program

∙Weekdays 9 am - Noon ET
∙”If I wanted a president who spits, wears cowboy boots, and can’t pronounce words correctly, I would have voted for a guest on Springer!” Alex Bennett is a self-proclaimed radio gadfly who brings unmistakable opinions, celebrity interviews, and great entertainment to SIRIUS Left.

The Bill Press Show

∙Weekdays 6 am - 9 am ET
∙Bill Press - former co-host of CNN’s “Crossfire” and MSNBC’s “Buchanan and Press” - brings his liberal agenda to SIRIUS for a brand new “liberal way” to start every weekday. Bill keeps the right wing in check, tells it like it is, and tackles all the hot issues with prominent and powerful guests from Capitol Hill and beyond.

The Thom Hartmann Show

∙Weekdays Noon - 1 pm & 1 am - 3 am ET
∙Thom Hartmann’s progressive approach uncovers corporate lies, rampant confusion in the offices of politicians, and exposes the “con” in conservative. Thom takes on pop culture, enthusiastically promotes democracy, and helps listeners make sense of the news.

Lynn Samuels

∙Weekdays 1 pm - 3 pm ET
∙Lynn Samuels, the fiercely liberal NYC talk radio legend, now speaks her mind five days a week…exclusively on SIRIUS Left. Lynn’s loyal audience knows her as a neighbor, the one who spouted liberal, smart opinions — with her signature Queens accent — as passionately to customers at her job at a Greenwich Village laundromat as she does to listeners on the radio.

The Ed Schultz Show

∙Weekdays 3 pm - 5 pm ET; Sundays 5 pm - 7 pm ET
∙Ed Schultz goes toe-to-toe with conservatives while injecting common sense, intelligence, and humor. Ed energizes the debate with razor-sharp views on life, politics, and people in America.

Mark Thompson’s Make It Plain

∙Weekdays 5 pm - 8 pm ET
∙Make It Plain, hosted by Mark Thompson (Matsimela Mapfumo) is a political, human rights, and current events based program focusing on issues from an African American point-of-view. Thompson passionately and provocatively moderates discussion with well-informed listeners and nationally known leaders and celebrities on pressing political, social, economic, cultural and spiritual issues.

The Stephanie Miller Show

∙Weekdays 8pm – 9 pm ET
∙Forty years after her father accepted the nomination to run alongside GOP Presidential candidate Barry Goldwater (and lost) Stephanie Miller embarks on her own crusade. With her background in stand-up comedy, political satire, even late night TV, Stephanie Miller proudly accepts the duty of balancing out the “right-wing wackos” by joining the ranks of the “left-wing wackos.”

The Mike Malloy Show

∙Weekdays 9 pm - Midnight ET; Sundays 10 pm – Midnight ET
∙Mike Malloy is a traditional Democrat – working to return the party to its historic liberal roots.

Mike Feder

∙Saturdays 5 pm – 8 pm ET
∙For Mike Feder, freedom of speech is a religious principle. In more than 25 years on the air, he has tackled everything from politics to culture to religion from a liberal-left point of view. His interviews, critiques, rants and sermons on the state of the world are personal, compelling and transforming.

Complete programming lineup on SIRIUS Patriot channel 144:

Bill Bennett’s Morning in America

∙Weekdays 6 am - 10 am ET
∙Former Secretary of Education, best selling author, and respected commentator Bill Bennett hosts a fast-paced, issue-oriented talk show that tackles news, politics, culture, sports, media, and more. From influential guests to everyday citizens, Bill Bennett is having a conversation with America.

The Mike Church Show

∙Weekdays 9 am ET; Weekends 5 pm ET
∙Mike Church fearlessly skewers liberalism and the people that practice it. Its conservative analysis of today’s top issues with a biting, satirical wit… peppered with Mike’s original parody creations.

Andrew Wilkow

∙Weekdays Noon - 3 pm ET; Weekends 9 am - Noon ET
∙Raised during Reagan – suffered through Clinton… Andrew Wilkow - the next generation of conservative talk and undisputed leader of the “new school.”

The Sean Hannity Show

∙Weekdays 3 am & 3 pm ET; Weekends 3 am & 2 pm ET
∙There’s a new generation on the right side of the political spectrum. Every day, they exert more influence on American political, fiscal and social policy.

The Mark Levin Show

∙Weekdays 6 pm ET; Weekends 8 pm ET
∙Mark Levin is one of America’s preeminent conservative commentators and constitutional lawyers. He’s in great demand as a political and legal commentator, and has appeared on hundreds of television and radio programs. Levin is also a contributing editor for National Review Online, and writes frequently for other publications. Levin has served as a top advisor to several members of President Ronald Reagan’s Cabinet - including as Chief of Staff to the Attorney General of the United States. In 2001, the American Conservative Union named Levin the recipient of the Ronald Reagan Award. He currently practices law in the private sector, heading up the Landmark Legal Foundation in Washington DC.

The Michael Reagan Show

∙Weekdays 8 pm ET; Weekends 10 pm ET
∙Michael Reagan aggressively confronts issues affecting the nation with his sharp, unyielding opinions. The eldest son of former President Ronald Reagan, Michael cuts through the spin and brings perspective to everything from news to cultural matters.

Cam Edwards’ Cam & Company from NRANEWS.com

∙Weekdays 9 pm ET
∙ Cam Edwards covers breaking stories and current events as well as lively debate and discussion with lawmakers and newsmakers engaged in the battle to preserve American freedoms.

The G. Gordon Liddy Show

∙Weekends 6 am ET
∙While others may talk about the military, the FBI, the White House, and topics ranging from government to guns — G. Gordon Liddy has been there. Hear Gordon’s smart perspectives on the world today and the fascinating stories of his life experiences.

Cigar Dave

∙Weekends 12 pm ET
∙Often referred to as the Sultan of Smoke, the Professor of Puff, the Cigar Sommelier, and the Connoisseur-in-Chief. Cigar Dave caters to cigar lovers far and wide. Loyal followers known as “Cigar Lieutenants” tune in for news and information about cigars, spirits, and other lifestyle diversions.

Political programming on SIRIUS OutQ channel 109:

Michelangelo Signorile Show

∙Weekdays 2 pm - 6 pm ET
∙Columnist and rabble-rouser Michelangelo Signorile fearlessly takes on the right wing, the media and the homophobes with hard-hitting and humorous talk. Michelangelo sits down with all the big names — authors, newsmakers, and icons from pop culture to politics — while breaking down all the stories of the day.

….And to New Hampshire on Primary Day.

Audio highlights from inside actual Iowa Caucuses give listeners across America rare exposure to grassroots politics

SIRIUS Left host Alex Bennett talks to everyday voters at legendary Red Arrow Diner in New Hampshire

NEW YORK – December 26, 2007 – SIRIUS Satellite Radio today announced that SIRIUS Left host Alex Bennett will broadcast from the 2008 Iowa Caucuses and the 2008 New Hampshire primary, delivering breaking election news, voter reaction, and analysis straight from the center of two of the nation’s biggest political events.

The Alex Bennett Program, which airs Monday – Friday from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm ET exclusively on SIRIUS Left channel 146, will be at the heart of the Iowa and New Hampshire political action.

In Iowa, Bennett will take listeners across America “inside” two actual Iowa Caucuses, bringing a firsthand account of the debate, discussion, and procedure by which America’s first political choices are made for the 2008 presidential campaign. Bennett will share Caucus results and all the late breaking news from politically influential Iowa on January 3rd and January 4th.

In New Hampshire on primary day, January 8th, and the morning after, January 9th, Bennett will broadcast his show live from the iconic Red Arrow Diner in Manchester. The Red Arrow Diner has become a focal point for many presidential candidates to visit during their campaign stops. Inside the diner Bennett will talk with “everyday Americans” and gauge their interest, passion, and opinions on the ever-important New Hampshire Presidential primary.

SIRIUS Satellite Radio will celebrate the life and music of James Brown as the first anniversary of his passing approaches. SIRIUS’ Soul Town channel will feature James Brown songs and interview clips hourly throughout the day on December 22 beginning at 1 pm ET on channel 53. On December 23, beginning at 12 pm ET, the channel will also play listener comments on the legacy of late Godfather of Soul.

Soul Town is SIRIUS’ channel dedicated to the great soul hits from the ‘60s and ‘70s. Listeners will hear the legends of classic soul including Marvin Gaye, Barry White and Gladys Knight.

Sirius Backstage is now 30,000 members strong this morning, after our newest member fryguy joined. A big thanks to everyone, and if you haven’t registered yet, you can do so quick and free here.

Gang, it’s been almost 3 years since we last asked, but we are coming to you again with an appeal for donations to keep the site running. As you all know, Jeff Hinson (aka TulaneJeff) and the admins have donated a ton of time, and money, to provide this wonderful online community and resource that we all use and enjoy. They’ve worked hard to keep this site as ad-free as possible (at least for members), not to mention keeping membership free as well. They run the site from their own pockets, with limited revenue sources available.

Unfortunately, they are finding it financially difficult to keep the site running. Our fast growth and all the merger-driven traffic is great for all of us, but for the admins, it’s become very expensive with hosting fees, site development, etc… They have even added a second server to handle the peak traffic and server too busy messages we have all seen. I guess you could say SBS has gotten bigger than we could have imagined a few months ago. You’ve also noticed that some of the features (like It’s_ON, and chat) are not available to ensure the forums, the core resource of the site, could be maintained.

Since Backstage is completely independent (aka no financial support from Sirius), and since we have limited revenue sources, support can really only come from our valued members. That is why I am asking for YOUR HELP!

SIRIUS Backstage can continue to grow through your donations. You can donate through two online sources: Google and PayPal.
TO DONATE, PLEASE CLICK THE LINKS BELOW:

- Preferred*

* Google has waived their transaction fee on all payments through the end of 2007. PayPal takes 3% per transaction.

Anything you can do to keep this site the great community it is, and to continue to improve SBS, is greatly appreciated. Again, thank you for making SIRIUS Backstage the #1 Fan Site for all things SIRIUS!

This concludes jimboxlax’s interview with Larry Kirwan. This section gives an insight into Larry’s views on Sirius, and its future including the proposed merger, along with what Larry hopes to accomplish going forward with Celtic Crush, Black 47, and his other many projects.
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What do you listen to on Sirius besides Sirius Disorder?

I listen to Disorder quite a bit, as I enjoy Meg’s programming. I used to love The Globe and, like many, wish that Sirius would bring back a World channel. Otherwise, I listen to the Jazz station as I’m a Miles Davis freak. And, of course, the Reggae channel, Left of Center, and Outlaw Country. I also enjoy the Opera and classical music channels. But I often just spin around and stop when I hear something interesting.

What do you see in the future for satellite radio? For FM?

I think satellite radio will continue to prosper as long as people feel that they’re getting a good choice. FM, because of the strict programming, is pretty much a joke, particularly to someone who remembers its golden age.

(more…)

INTERVIEW WITH SIRIUS DISORDER DJ - LARRY KIRWAN OF “CELTIC CRUSH”

Larry Kirwan hosts “Celtic Crush” on Sirius Disorder (ch. 32) which airs:
Saturdays 10 am - 1 pm ET
Rebroadcast Tuesdays 10 pm - 1 am ET

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Larry Kirwan Interview - Part 2 - Celtic Crush on Sirius Disorder

This is the second of my three part interview with Larry Kirwan. This section gives an insight into Celtic Crush - How it came about, what you are likely to hear on the show, and Larry’s favorite artists and stories. Part 1 can be found here.

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According to the Sirius Disorder website, Celtic Crush is described as:

” Celtic Crush travels among diverse music, from old to the very new. Ireland native Larry Kirwan has firsthand experience throughout Ireland and America as a member of the premier Celtic rock band Black 47. Being an author as well as a performer adds to Larry’s unique abilities as a poetic host. His guests have ranged from Lunasa to Celtic Woman. Larry draws from his private record collection for this three hour soulful mix of traditional and contemporary music from the Celtic countries and England. ”

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Please explain what Celtic Crush is all about and what we are likely to hear during a show?

Celtic Crush takes a world view on what Celtic Music is, where it’s come from and where it might go.  My taste is very broad and I see Celtic in the least obvious places.  Apart from all the obvious choices:  The Pogues, Flogging Molly, The Chieftains, Enya, U2, Damien Rice, Thin Lizzy, Sandy Denny, Afro-Celt, Van Morrison, et al; I might also check out the Celtic side of Bob Dylan, The Band, Lou Reed, Cat Stevens, Richard Thompson.  I also explore the music of Irish Trad bands such as The Bothy Band, Solas and Lunasa; the Breton revolutionary Alan Stivel, Carlos Nunez from Galicia and try to demonstrate how Celtic music and thought has influenced world culture.  After every set of three songs, I talk about some memory that one of the tracks might have unveiled or give an anecdote regarding one of the musicians that I might have known or, just in general, ruminate on the world and what’s going on at that particular moment.  In reality, I suppose, I’m taking the free form style of FM disc jockeys of the 60’s and 70’s and adding a dash of the Irish storyteller’s passion and techniques.

How did “Celtic Crush” come about?

A couple of years ago I was up in Sirius doing an interview with Meg Griffin on the release of a Black 47 CD.  We’re old friends and we had a relaxing and free spinning chat.  Sirius had been receiving requests for a Celtic show; and, from what I understand, Steve Blatter spotted me in the corridor and thought that I’d make a good fit.  And voila…

How did the show evolve from its beginnings?  Didn’t we used to hear a lot more “RiverDance-like” tunes?

(more…)

Once again the productivity of office workers all across the country plummets as the nation prepares itself for the NCAA Men’s basketball tournament. And of course Sirius will be there for every moment!

…beginning on Tuesday, March 13, SIRIUS will provide uninterrupted coverage of the 2007 NCAA® Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament. (March 13 - April 2) From the opening tip-off to the final buzzer, SIRIUS delivers every game in its entirety with absolutely no blackouts.

To mark the occasion, we here at Sirius Backstage will be hosting a pool for you bracket-pickers out there. Those looking for an edge might choose to listen to one of the 2 tournament selection shows that Sirius will be airing Sunday afternoon.

The Selection Sunday Show
Sunday, March 11th 6 pm - 9 pm ET
SIRIUS Sports Action Ch. 123
John Tautges and John Thompson broadcast live from the NCAA Broadcast Center for the announcement of the field of 65. College hoops experts Dave Gavitt and Bill Raftery drop by to analyze the match-ups, as well as talk with coaches and the NCAA Committee Chairman.

Selection Sunday on ESPN Radio
Sunday, March 11th 6 pm - 9 pm ET
ESPN Radio Ch. 120
Long-time college coach Bob Valvano hosts this up-to-the-minute program of the bracket announcements. Andy Katz, senior college basketball writer for ESPN.com. and Doug Gottlieb also give listeners a three-hour course in bracketology as well as get insights from key coaches and the selection chairs of both the men’s and women’s selection committees.

To participate, you’ll need a Yahoo login. Go to this link to join our group. The group number is 52508, and the password is “SiriusMadness”. Although Yahoo will allow you to create up to 5 brackets, only one may be entered in this group. We are lining up prizes, so make your picks count! Please be sure to put your Sirius Backstage username in the name of your bracket and post your bracket “name” here in the comments so that we know who is who. Yahoo users who are not members of SiriusBackstage are not eligible for prizes, and will likely get kicked out of the group!

First off, thank you to everyone who submitted an application to our open call to join our blog team. I’m pleased to announce four additions to our blog team to make our blog the most fresh and up-to-date available for all of our members and visitos. Here is a little about each of our new bloggers.

jeff94 - Jeff is from Boise, Idaho and has been following Sirius since the days of CD Radio. He and his family must really like Sirius; they have already purchased 6 different Sirius radios.

theamazingchuy - George joins us from Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ. He is a self proclimed “avid SIRIUS listener” and enjoys “blogging”. He’s a big fan of the service. If you can imagine one of those guys that has the tshirts and hooded sweatshirts with the SIRIUS logos, you’re thinking about George.

Brusimm - Bruce is from the Bay Area, CA and has been writing computer newsletters since 1999. His interests on the Sirius dial include Howard Stern, NASCAR, Radio Classics, and vaious music channels.

jimboxlax - James is a member of SiriusBackstage since August 2003 from Scotch Plains, NJ. He is a filmmaker who released a documentary on the 60’s garage band Richard and the Young Lions. Sirius’ music and technology interest him and his favorite channels are Sirius Disorder and Underground Garage.

Please help me welcome these guys to the team.

Dear Backstagers:
It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since I first drove five hours from New Orleans to Jackson, Mississippi to get one of the first SIRIUS Satellite Radios in the nation.

I was just a freshman in college, sitting in the cold, eagerly waiting at the front of the line. The doors at Cowboy Maloney’s Electric City (the home of the DirecTV launch in 1994) opened at 7am. I was the first one in; I shook Joe Clayton’s hand, as well as Jim Collins (then SIRIUS VP of Communications) and then ran to the back of the store to pick out my Kenwood SR-901 tuner and head unit.

In those days, many thought SIRIUS would never pull off this launch, but I had to prove that it worked to the entire Internet community. Hard to believe this event would give birth to the largest satellite radio fan community.

It’s been a wild ride, and I’m forever grateful to the people who have embraced the SIRIUS Backstage Community, as well as the great people at SIRIUS who invited our original team up to visit: Tom Rielly, John McMullen, Ron Rodrigues, Elise Brown, Kid Kelly, Ethel Miller, Jim Ryan, Meg Griffin, Spyder Harrison, Jose Mangin. You guys were the inspiration for this concept, and you all gave me the passion to keep this going.

However, the true lifeblood of this community is our members. I tried to model SIRIUS Backstage off other great online community I frequented during those days. I wanted to craft a place where fans could interact, respect each other and share real life stories. I wanted the SIRIUS Backstage community to be above the rest of the Internet - a quality place where you’d actually meet good friends, learn something interesting and have a little fun.

I had no idea that I’d meet so many of my virtual friends and family in real life. We had some great times in New York and Las Vegas.

SIRIUS Backstage wouldn’t be here today without each one of you. Thank you for making this place the gold standard of online communities.

Jeff