Post merger pricing plans detailed

[ruckstande]

http://www.orbitcast.com/archives/reps-from-sirius-xm-met-with-fcc-chairman.html

Reps from Sirius, XM met with FCC Chairman
http://www.orbitcast.com/archives/xm_sirius_merger1.jpg

XM, Sirius merger

Counsel for both Sirius Satellite Radio Siriusly-Speaking May-07 Inc. and XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. met with top officials from the Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday, according to a recent filing with the agency.

The meeting was with FCC Chairman Kevin Martin; Daniel Gonzalez, Chairman Martin's Chief of Staff; and Michelle Carey, Chairman Martin's Senior Legal Advisor.

According to the filing, the meeting was held with the Commission to discuss action on the merger following the decision by the Department of Justice. In addition, the filing included the programming packages and proposed pricing seen here (http://www.orbitcast.com/archives/xms-postmerger.html) and here. (http://www.orbitcast.com/archives/sirius-postmerger-line-up.html)

If you cannot view the above document, click here (http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/retrieve.cgi?native_or_pdf=pdf&id_document=6519869225) to view the PDF.

[Aero 1]

welcome to last year :action-sm

[ruckstande]

welcome to last year :action-sm

I thought this was updated info.

[mr. sin]

I thought this was updated info.

YES U R CORRRRRRRRRECT SIR!

its new info!

[MidwayMonster]

Looks like we either pay the same or more in order to keep The Virus. How this passes anyones desk at the FCC and get approved is beyond me.

[frankjg]

I'm just excited that I'll now have access to Out Q

[uptown]

So it basically returns O&A to the bucket of channels that people can't just stumble upon while flipping around the dial?

When they say "Premium Entertainment" does that imply it's a paid thing no matter what package? Seems like "XM Everything" should include those at $12.95, or you could get A La Carte 1 for $6.99 w/ O&A for a total of $9.99 ... but can you just buy O&A for $3 without paying anything else?

I feel dumber than Vos.

[Glenn Dandy]

buy full service @12 or cheap service @7and add O&A for 3 dollars?

what brainiac thought that deal up... um ill take 100 less channels for the 2 dollar savings.

[uptown]

I'm just excited that I'll now have access to Out Q

You'd think they could've just merged it with the Oprah channel....

[jsc315]

well at least it looks like O&A and R&F are not going to be killed off.

[Goober]

Will they still offer a Friends and Family plan?

[d0uche_n0zzle]

I'm sure Melvin will find some way to fuck with them, unless he realizes Howie is a goner and he needs them.

[ruckstande]

I'm sure Melvin will find some way to fuck with them, unless he realizes Howie is a goner and he needs them.

Did the 50 Commercial free music channels thing make sense to everyone else?

[J D]

I'm sure Melvin will find some way to fuck with them, unless he realizes Howie is a goner and he needs them.

Why would that happen?
Why would Mel take a show that he knows will make profit for the company and decide to mess with it? Even if he thinks that O&A bring in 1/4th of the audience that Howard does, he will still keep them on board because they have a significant audience.
This isn't some hobby that he has, it's a business, and keeping O&A brings in more money than getting rid of them. I highly doubt he's going to have some high school attitude about it and just "fuck" with them. It's not 2000 any more and there really is no longer any rivalry.

[TheCableNazi]

I listen to less than 20 channels anyway. A La Carte I + O&A for me, plz.

[Sct Ptersns Twn]

Will they still offer a Friends and Family plan?



They fucking better. I paid for that shit for 3 years. ORRRRRRR it will be a big fat check to me............again for deleting my sub. :arrrh:




edit: After further review, looks like I will be getting a check, and downloading To77ents everyday.

[DonTheTrucker]

I want to read this but I'm not trying to figure out that horrible embedded document viewer they are using. Anyone have a simple version?

[seeinred]

Nevermind, I should have scrolled down and read the whole linked article before I posted.

[jagsfans]

Looks like we either pay the same or more in order to keep The Virus. How this passes anyones desk at the FCC and get approved is beyond me.

How the fuck does it look we pay more? The first line is XM everything was 12.95 and will be 12.95. I'd be happy if I can keep XM everything and add the 5.00 Sirius sports package, but I doubt they will let me. NFL and Nascar would be the only thing I give a fuck about on Sirius.

I think I'll need to pay 9.99 for XM ala carte 1 (6.99 & 3.00 for O&A) and 11.99 for Sirius ala carte 1 (6.99 & 5.00 for sports) or I may just say fuck it I don't have Sirius now and won't bother getting it.

[poppAwoody]

What if I just want O&A and stern? wtf would that fall into? Im not XM savvy

[Ferrall-a-gram]

What if I just want O&A and stern? wtf would that fall into? Im not XM savvy
oblivion maybe?

[Xero1]

So it basically returns O&A to the bucket of channels that people can't just stumble upon while flipping around the dial?

When they say "Premium Entertainment" does that imply it's a paid thing no matter what package? Seems like "XM Everything" should include those at $12.95, or you could get A La Carte 1 for $6.99 w/ O&A for a total of $9.99 ... but can you just buy O&A for $3 without paying anything else?

I feel dumber than Vos.

It actually expands the number of potential users. It's likely the select XM programming offered to Sirius units will include flagship programs including V202. I'm sure some people there will pay the extra 4 bucks and listen to the content.

As for your "Premium Entertainment" question you can keep paying what you pay and receive exactly what you have now. Now onto A la Carte packages. Here is something to remember...

You can't buy a la carte for 12-18 months after the final merger approval. These only function with new receivers and nobody has invested in R&D due to the uncertainty of the merger. But when they do the lowest you could pay for what you want is $9.99 (A la Carte I w/O&A)

I'm sure Melvin will find some way to fuck with them, unless he realizes Howie is a goner and he needs them.

I think the opposite. At the end of the day the almighty dollar is the great unifier. Having them is good business for a combined company both as a premium for XM A la Carte and likely a select XM channel for Sirius. The only thing I see is possibly finding a way to return them to satellite exclusivity.


I think I'll need to pay 9.99 for XM ala carte 1 (6.99 & 3.00 for O&A) and 11.99 for Sirius ala carte 1 (6.99 & 5.00 for sports) or I may just say fuck it I don't have Sirius now and won't bother getting it.

Actually if V202 is a select XM program you could just get Everything Sirius w/ select XM and only pay $16.99 although you would have to deal with a shitty Sirius receiver.

What if I just want O&A and stern? wtf would that fall into? Im not XM savvy

The least expensive option if you have a current XM receiver is if the Howard channels are part of the Sirius exclusive is to get Everything XM / select Sirius for $16.99

[poppAwoody]

wow, ok thanks. I prefer O&A over stern so......

[MidwayMonster]

How the fuck does it look we pay more? The first line is XM everything was 12.95 and will be 12.95. I'd be happy if I can keep XM everything and add the 5.00 Sirius sports package, but I doubt they will let me. NFL and Nascar would be the only thing I give a fuck about on Sirius.

I think I'll need to pay 9.99 for XM ala carte 1 (6.99 & 3.00 for O&A) and 11.99 for Sirius ala carte 1 (6.99 & 5.00 for sports) or I may just say fuck it I don't have Sirius now and won't bother getting it.

I said SAME or more...i.e. there is 0 cost savings to the customer. Ala Carte 1 is nice but you get less channels and depending on how many you add, you will still pay more. Personally, the music channels i listen to the most are all on the Add a channel for .25 more and would put me back at $12-$13.

Ala Carte II is a joke, you get 50 less channels for more, but you get to pick 11 Sirius channels, except of course, the sports ones. That would be too good.

Ohhh and dont forget that if you want to do a Sirius Ala Carte, you need to go out and buy yourself a new radio.

[uptown]

wow, ok thanks. I prefer O&A over stern so......

Do ya?

[mascan42]

How the fuck does it look we pay more? The first line is XM everything was 12.95 and will be 12.95. I'd be happy if I can keep XM everything and add the 5.00 Sirius sports package, but I doubt they will let me. NFL and Nascar would be the only thing I give a fuck about on Sirius.

I think I'll need to pay 9.99 for XM ala carte 1 (6.99 & 3.00 for O&A) and 11.99 for Sirius ala carte 1 (6.99 & 5.00 for sports) or I may just say fuck it I don't have Sirius now and won't bother getting it.
I'm still waiting for them to tell us how they'll make ala carte work on the current radios. If they're keeping the full XM lineup like they're claiming (XM everything seems to imply exactly that), then they'd have to add a ton of new optional Sirius channels. Even if people don't opt in for the Sirius channels, they still need to free up bandwidth for every channel they're making available as an option.

[Joe Cabot]

This ala carte plan thing is more corporate bullshit maaaaaan!

[Hog's Big Ben]

I thought this was updated info.

It's not. It's the exact same plans they pretended were so wonderful 8 months ago. They sucked then and they suck now.


The least expensive option if you have a current XM receiver is if the Howard channels are part of the Sirius exclusive is to get Everything XM / select Sirius for $16.99

That will never happen. We had this discussion already. Howard is a $6/mo premium channel by himself. They're not going to give him to you along with 10 other channels for only $4. :icon_roll


You can't buy a la carte for 12-18 months after the final merger approval. These only function with new receivers and nobody has invested in R&D due to the uncertainty of the merger.

What R&D? Both technologies exist now. All they need to do is put them in the same case


I'm still waiting for them to tell us how they'll make ala carte work on the current radios.

Why? They said from the beginning you will need new radios for a la carte programming. Nothing has changed. Welcome to February 2007.

[Death Metal Moe]

I am less than thrilled this fucking merger got approved.

[masterem243]

I'm pissed that O&A are back on premium, but I'm happy that they won't have to work with Hoo hoo, and they aren't fired.

[J D]

Fuck, they're taking away "The System". I like listening to them buttery beats (no homo).

[Xero1]

That will never happen. We had this discussion already. Howard is a $6/mo premium channel by himself. They're not going to give him to you along with 10 other channels for only $4. :icon_roll.

Like I said previously I am willing to wager money on it. Flagship shows and exclusive programming will make up the bulk of those 11 selections. Here is my reasoning.

1.) Nobody will pay another $4 for worthless content. They want current users to upgrade to increase revenue.

2.) Sports packages simulcasting would require reworking of contracts. XM pays MLB to broadcast the games on XM, not Sirius. Likewise with the NFL and Sirius. They will not need to rework contracts they currently have with their talent i.e. Stern, O&A or Oprah. They mention the select channels are not fleshed out because of these third party contracts in their proposal.

3.) The conference call specifically mentioned XM users getting Stern on their current XM unit. While O&A were not mentioned I am certain they will be able to be heard on Sirius units as part of the select XM service.

What R&D? Both technologies exist now. All they need to do is put them in the same case

I was discussing the a la carte receiver technology not a dual receiver technology. According to the proposals new a la carte receivers will not necessarily be dual receivers. The a la carte receivers do not require the reception of both signals to be functional.

They have also previously stated that they may introduce a dual receiver that would effectively pickup everything XM & Sirius at a reduced package cost of less than the current $24.90 for two subscriptions.

[maz]

All i want is 202

O&A and Ron and Fez

if i could just pay for that
I would be Happy

[Hog's Big Ben]

Like I said previously I am willing to wager money on it. Flagship shows and exclusive programming will make up the bulk of those 11 selections. Here is my reasoning.

1.) Nobody will pay another $4 for worthless content. They want current users to upgrade to increase revenue.

And they're not going to give away the cream of the crop for $4 more when they are fishing for that entire extra $12.95. Your logic works both ways. Or in this case, doesn't work both ways.


3.) The conference call specifically mentioned XM users getting Stern on their current XM unit. While O&A were not mentioned I am certain they will be able to be heard on Sirius units as part of the select XM service.

Actually, Gary Parsons said the exact opposite at the beginning of all this - that you would need to subscribe to both services to hear both Stern and O&A. Which is it?


I was discussing the a la carte receiver technology not a dual receiver technology. According to the proposals new a la carte receivers will not necessarily be dual receivers. The a la carte receivers do not require the reception of both signals to be functional.

All they need to do is add a flag for "allow/disallow" in addition to the XL flag. That ain't 12-18 months of R&D.


They have also previously stated that they may introduce a dual receiver that would effectively pickup everything XM & Sirius at a reduced package cost of less than the current $24.90 for two subscriptions.

That's the biggest question: "How much to subscribe to both services in their entirety after the merger?", and yet they don't have an official answer. They just released the same post-merger pricing charts from almost a year ago, completely unchanged. If the merger passes and nobody has gone on record with a lower "everything" price, bet your ass it will still be $25.90 (not $24.90).

[Xero1]

And they're not going to give away the cream of the crop for $4 more when they are fishing for that entire extra $12.95. Your logic works both ways. Or in this case, doesn't work both ways.


I think TPTB realize it is not feasible to expect people to shell out double just to get everything. Also they would still need an extra receiver to pick them both up. Current XM subscribers who aren't doing that now aren't likely to start. However; they might be likely to shell out an extra $4 to hear select Sirius if it contains programming that is worthwhile like flagship programming.

It also helps in the retail sector where instead of someone coming in and saying I want MLB and Howard Stern or I want NFL and O&A being forced between giving one of those options up. Now salespeople can say get XM and pay $16.99 and you will get all your MLB and the select flagship programming of Sirius like Stern. Simulcasting of flagship first party programming reduces confusion in the market place.

Actually, Gary Parsons said the exact opposite at the beginning of all this - that you would need to subscribe to both services to hear both Stern and O&A. Which is it?


Please provide a link to this quote. I believe you may be taking it out of context as Karmazin said in his testimony and on conference call that select programming such as Howard Stern would be simulcast to current XM users at a lower rate than current combined subscriptions.

All they need to do is add a flag for "allow/disallow" in addition to the XL flag. That ain't 12-18 months of R&D.


No it works on different technology. The new technology will allow you to add/remove channels at your convenience. In other words either logging into an account online or with new wifi capable models directly from the receiver. So while certain blocks will be locked/unlocked (premium) individual channels can be blocked and unblocked by the user at their discretion.

That's the biggest question: "How much to subscribe to both services in their entirety after the merger?", and yet they don't have an official answer. They just released the same post-merger pricing charts from almost a year ago, completely unchanged. If the merger passes and nobody has gone on record with a lower "everything" price, bet your ass it will still be $25.90 (not $24.90).


I disagree with you. But you are correct nothing has been set in stone.

That being said I am still willing to wager money that when the merger passes the FCC you will have the option for Stern on XM and O&A on Sirius as part of the select programming package.

[Vyce]

Why would that happen?
Why would Mel take a show that he knows will make profit for the company and decide to mess with it?

He's done it before.

[O&APartyRock24]

I'm confused with this whole thing. So when this whole things gets passed through im just going with the All XM plan because its just easier.....i think. Im clue less.

[J D]

He's done it before.

I think the big picture here is much more important than the need to mess with 1 radio show.

[MelissaY1]

Well according to www.xmradio.com/merger (NO it's not a Meatspin link): Will I continue to enjoy my current programming after the merger?
We will combine programming where we overlap, but the unique XM shows you love are here to stay.

Back to top

What should I expect in terms of subscription costs after the merger?
We will not raise the cost of your current XM subscription cost. We plan to add lower-tiers of pricing, and premium packages of service as we expand our programming, but your current package will stay the same.

Back to top

Why sign up with XM now if I'm going to get the best of both worlds?
While we have agreed to join forces with SIRIUS, we're still the only place to hear the ump yell "play ball" or the other 169 other channels of unique entertainment, like Artist Confidential, Theme Time Radio Hour with Bob Dylan, The Bob Edwards Show, Opie and Anthony and Oprah & Friends.

Back to top

[Hog's Big Ben]

I think TPTB realize it is not feasible to expect people to shell out double just to get everything. Also they would still need an extra receiver to pick them both up.

People are already subscribing to both. Do you honestly think the combined company wants to start giving all those people discounts the day after the merger? A discounted combo package also opens up the door for all kinds of shenanigans involving XM subscribers who have friends with Sirius and vice versa. The only way there will ever be a price break is if the subscription is tied to a single interoperable radio (you know - the ones that won't be out for 12-18 months :action-sm)


It also helps in the retail sector where instead of someone coming in and saying I want MLB and Howard Stern or I want NFL and O&A being forced between giving one of those options up. Now salespeople can say get XM and pay $16.99 and you will get all your MLB and the select flagship programming of Sirius like Stern. Simulcasting of flagship first party programming reduces confusion in the market place.

Mel has already said that the XM and Sirius brands will continue post-merger for at least 15 years, so there's really no great rush to "[reduce] confusion in the marketplace".


Please provide a link to this quote. I believe you may be taking it out of context as Karmazin said in his testimony and on conference call that select programming such as Howard Stern would be simulcast to current XM users at a lower rate than current combined subscriptions.

Check Orbitcast the day after the initial merger announcement (last February). Ryan live-blogged the conference call.

Where's your link to Mel's quote???


No it works on different technology. The new technology will allow you to add/remove channels at your convenience. In other words either logging into an account online or with new wifi capable models directly from the receiver. So while certain blocks will be locked/unlocked (premium) individual channels can be blocked and unblocked by the user at their discretion.

The technology to select your channel lineup is different. How the radios determine what channels to allow is the same. And don't delude yourself into thinking that the ability to "add/remove channels at your convenience" is some fantastic new benefit of the merger. You get to pick 50 channels from a subset of 110 or so channels at a price that they would gladly sell you the entire 110. The illusion of choice is Marketing 101. A customer who thinks he's getting a good deal is just as happy as one who really is getting one. They want you to think you're getting a good deal on the 50, while teasing you with the premium music channels at 25¢ a pop and the other more expensive options. Think about it - if you can "add/remove channels at your convenience" (and that's exactly what will happen), then you actually have access to the entire subset of 110 channels at your whim (you just have to work at it a little). The illusion of choice, remember?


I disagree with you. But you are correct nothing has been set in stone.

That being said I am still willing to wager money that when the merger passes the FCC you will have the option for Stern on XM and O&A on Sirius as part of the select programming package.

Like hell. The "A La Carte 100" plan allows you to pick from most of one platform's lineup and whatever channels are offered in the "Select" package...for $14.99. Do you really think they are going to give away Howard's two super-duper channels for a mere $2.04/month extra? Who would pay the $6/month premium?


Come on - you gotta be a lot more cynical to hang here...

[Xero1]

Well according to www.xmradio.com/merger (NO it's not a Meatspin link): Will I continue to enjoy my current programming after the merger?
We will combine programming where we overlap, but the unique XM shows you love are here to stay.

Why sign up with XM now if I'm going to get the best of both worlds?
While we have agreed to join forces with SIRIUS, we're still the only place to hear the ump yell "play ball" or the other 169 other channels of unique entertainment, like Artist Confidential, Theme Time Radio Hour with Bob Dylan, The Bob Edwards Show, Opie and Anthony and Oprah & Friends.

Back to top

I think you are misinterpreting what they are saying. It says why sign up with XM now? This was written last year after the announcement. The point they are trying to get across is that while yes at some point you will get "the best of both worlds" if you want to hear MLB, Oprah and O&A now you should sign up for XM now.

[Xero1]

People are already subscribing to both. Do you honestly think the combined company wants to start giving all those people discounts the day after the merger? A discounted combo package also opens up the door for all kinds of shenanigans involving XM subscribers who have friends with Sirius and vice versa. The only way there will ever be a price break is if the subscription is tied to a single interoperable radio (you know - the ones that won't be out for 12-18 months :action-sm)

The amount of people subscribing to both services currently is extremely low.




Mel has already said that the XM and Sirius brands will continue post-merger for at least 15 years, so there's really no great rush to "[reduce] confusion in the marketplace".

There certainly is a great rush to reduce confusion and streamline satrad in the marketplace. Executives from both companies will tell you this has been a hindrance in retail sales in the industry. When a consumer doesn't understand a technology they are likely not to buy. One thing marketing people will tell you is to envision every customer as being extremely stupid. This way you appeal to the largest amount of potential customers. I know many of the current subscribers are not that stupid but the people they need to entice to expand this industry are.

They want one unit that can get what they want. If they want Stern and MLB they are fucked. If they want O&A and NFL they are fucked. If they want god forbid Oprah and Martha Stewart they are fucked. Those people don't want two receivers, they want one that has programming they want. These simulcast programming slots gives them that option.

Check Orbitcast the day after the initial merger announcement (last February). Ryan live-blogged the conference call.

Where's your link to Mel's quote???

Conference calls to shareholders and testimony in front of the judiciary committee.


The technology to select your channel lineup is different. How the radios determine what channels to allow is the same. And don't delude yourself into thinking that the ability to "add/remove channels at your convenience" is some fantastic new benefit of the merger. You get to pick 50 channels from a subset of 110 or so channels at a price that they would gladly sell you the entire 110. The illusion of choice is Marketing 101. They want you to think you're getting a good deal on the 50, while teasing you with the premium music channels at 25¢ a pop, and the other more expensive options. Think about it - if you can "add/remove channels at your convenience" (and that's exactly what will happen), then you actually have access to the entire subset of 110 channels at your whim (you just have to work at it a little). The illusion of choice, remember?

And that technology to select your channel line-up is 12-18 months off according to statements by XM and Sirius. Hence the debate about a la carte is a moot point at the moment.


Like hell. The "A La Carte 100" plan allows you to pick from most of one platform's lineup and whatever channels are offered in the "Select" package...for $14.99. Do you really think they are going to give away Howard's two super-duper channels for a mere $2.04/month extra? Who would pay the $6/month premium?

That $6 premium is not an option for current XM users. That $6 premium is for Sirius users. Yes they would give it as an option for $2.00 extra per month, because it is still higher pricing for current consumers. Again though the option to use a la carte is still 12-18 months off. So in that mean time I think they will chuck it in there for an extra $4.00 this goes the same for O&A.


Come on - you gotta be a lot more cynical to hang here...

Sorry but I don't feel cynical about this merger. It benefits a poorly performing, struggling industry and still offers some benefits to the consumer. I'm sorry it can't be everything you want for a buck but this industry needs to make money.

The FCC approval shouldn't take that long and I am sure the individual packages (not a la carte) will be offered shortly after that. Then we will see who is right.

[Sct Ptersns Twn]

I think the answer is


"Fuck XM/Sirius yea them in ther fucking asses.

[Sinn Fein]

I think the answer is


"Fuck XM/Sirius yea them in ther fucking asses.

Amen, brother.

[DJ Evel Ed]

Originally Posted by Xero1 http://www.wackbag.com/images_black/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.wackbag.com/showthread.php?p=2531679#post2531679)
3.) The conference call specifically mentioned XM users getting Stern on their current XM unit. While O&A were not mentioned I am certain they will be able to be heard on Sirius units as part of the select XM service.



Was the conference call on a Polycom or Gentner?





Anyone who would pay their hard earned middle class $$$ for unfunny billionaire Stern should fuck & flush.









`

[Herbie Robinson]

I'm still waiting for them to tell us how they'll make ala carte work on the current radios. If they're keeping the full XM lineup like they're claiming (XM everything seems to imply exactly that), then they'd have to add a ton of new optional Sirius channels. Even if people don't opt in for the Sirius channels, they still need to free up bandwidth for every channel they're making available as an option.



It is amazing to me that you don't think people who know satellites have not figured this out.

[Herbie Robinson]

The reason xm and siris need to merge is that the economy is not providing luxury goods that people can't afford on the income they are making and if you need to tighten the belt satellite is the first to go. Not to mention car sales are in the toilet.

[oafanwyo]

I heard that this would save us money. It looks like I will not save any money on my sub. Plus I don't think they have enough plans. I would like to have a plan that gives you all the even XM channels and then be able to pick 13 Sirius channels with every 3rd week i could get the option of changing 15 channels of my choice with the ability to add 2 ala chart channels and fuck I am trying to make a joke and now I am confused.......... Fuck this merger!!

[MelissaY1]

I think you are misinterpreting what they are saying. It says why sign up with XM now? This was written last year after the announcement. The point they are trying to get across is that while yes at some point you will get "the best of both worlds" if you want to hear MLB, Oprah and O&A now you should sign up for XM now.

Hmm...possibly. But if that's the case then, shouldn't they start updating their page!? :(

[Jerry1]

I think the big picture here is much more important than the need to mess with 1 radio show.

That depends on the reactions on another radio show. A radio show that Sirius is paying a half a billion dollars for.
The question is will that show complain about O&A talking about it and will Mel do something about it(very likely) or tell the offended show to lump it.

For the record, I hate this merger. All I want is my O&A/R&F, MLB and my music channels on XM. Now I don't know what I'll end up having.

[ChuckiesChalupa]

Jesus Christ I don't know what is worse..The fact that they announced the merger then pretty much left everyone in the dark, or the fact that everyone is speculating on it..

All I know is as long as I pay the same for XM and still get 202 in tact I will be happy...I get Sirrius on my Dish Network and could care less it isnt that great!

I dont enjoy sports so if thats all the ala carte offered I could care less...The music channels on sirrius are comparable to XM so who cares..And Howard can go fuck a duck...

I still can't believe this was even legal to allow them to merge to begin with...

[ruckstande]

Do they have a plan that allows me to pay for only 1 channel?

[J D]

That depends on the reactions on another radio show. A radio show that Sirius is paying a half a billion dollars for.
The question is will that show complain about O&A talking about it and will Mel do something about it(very likely) or tell the offended show to lump it.

Those days are over. Howard doesn't care about what happens where as long as he gets his paycheck. No one is going to complain to anyone about anything.
It's also a whole new environment where one show (even if that show is payed 500mill a year) won't take priority over the focus of the business. So no need to worry that Mel is going to do anything, because nothing is going to happen.
The only thing that could happen is that O&A lose terrestrial radio because he won't want the content shared.

[MelissaY1]

Jesus Christ I don't know what is worse..The fact that they announced the merger then pretty much left everyone in the dark, or the fact that everyone is speculating on it..

All I know is as long as I pay the same for XM and still get 202 in tact I will be happy...I get Sirrius on my Dish Network and could care less it isnt that great!

I dont enjoy sports so if thats all the ala carte offered I could care less...The music channels on sirrius are comparable to XM so who cares..And Howard can go fuck a duck...

I still can't believe this was even legal to allow them to merge to begin with...

I agree. There was two reasons I got XM: O&A and I liked the music channels better than on Sirius. If they keep the XM Everything option I will stick with that. I do NOT want to have to buy more equipment, I could care less about Sirius' programming. I like baseball but it's not important enough for me to pick that as part of a package option. I'd rather watch a game then listen to it.

[societyofmyera]

Do they have a plan that allows me to pay for only 1 channel?


agreed.

[ChuckiesChalupa]

Those days are over. Howard doesn't care about what happens where as long as he gets his paycheck. No one is going to complain to anyone about anything.
It's also a whole new environment where one show (even if that show is payed 500mill a year) won't take priority over the focus of the business. So no need to worry that Mel is going to do anything, because nothing is going to happen.
The only thing that could happen is that O&A lose terrestrial radio because he won't want the content shared.

My thoughts exactly! If they are doing this to fuckin save the two companies from going belly up, they wont risk any subscribers...I am not sure of numbers and what not, but I am sure Channel 202 has just as many fans as Howard if not more...

One thought though, will they charge extra for 202..I know that XM said it would'nt affect any programming, but then again it doesnt sound like Xm is really going to be in charge any more.....

[ChuckiesChalupa]

I agree. There was two reasons I got XM: O&A and I liked the music channels better than on Sirius. If they keep the XM Everything option I will stick with that. I do NOT want to have to buy more equipment, I could care less about Sirius' programming. I like baseball but it's not important enough for me to pick that as part of a package option. I'd rather watch a game then listen to it.

Eggzacktly

[ChuckiesChalupa]

All below info can be found here http://www.xmradio.com/merger/news.xmc

Some of you may not have seen it though...

How will this merger benefit me as a customer?
As a part of the XM Nation, you can already hear great programming wherever you are. But soon, you'll be able to hear even more. After we join forces, you'll have more choices with access to a mix of programming from both services at better pricing.

Will my existing radio continue to work after the companies merge?
You'll be able to use the exact same satellite radio that you are listening to now, after the merger takes place and for the life of your radio. That's the XM Customer Promise.

I want to buy a second radio; should I wait for the new models?
You'll be able to hear new programming on your current radio. And since we have great pricing deals on second radios now, so no need to wait!

Will I continue to enjoy my current programming after the merger?
We will combine programming where we overlap, but the unique XM shows you love are here to stay.

What should I expect in terms of subscription costs after the merger?
We will not raise the cost of your current XM subscription cost. We plan to add lower-tiers of pricing, and premium packages of service as we expand our programming, but your current package will stay the same.

Why sign up with XM now if I'm going to get the best of both worlds?
While we have agreed to join forces with SIRIUS, we're still the only place to hear the ump yell "play ball" or the other 169 other channels of unique entertainment, like Artist Confidential, Theme Time Radio Hour with Bob Dylan, The Bob Edwards Show, Opie and Anthony and Oprah & Friends.

[kloraferm]

I'm sure Melvin will find some way to fuck with them, unless he realizes Howie is a goner and he needs them.
That would seem to make sense because one would think he can still get plenty of mileage out of Howard until listeners/ subscribers realize how dull he's become, but unfortunately it doesn't usually (if ever) work that way. The only reason Mel has anything to do with O&A Howard or basically everything in his life is if he can cash in on it. Make no mistake, if suddenly his "friendship" with Howard started costing him millions a day...well duh. (I just realized that pretty much just wasted time stating the obvious :rolleyes:)

[Mindslayer]

All below info can be found here http://www.xmradio.com/merger/news.xmc

Some of you may not have seen it though...

How will this merger benefit me as a customer?
As a part of the XM Nation, you can already hear great programming wherever you are. But soon, you'll be able to hear even more. After we join forces, you'll have more choices with access to a mix of programming from both services at better pricing.

Will my existing radio continue to work after the companies merge?
You'll be able to use the exact same satellite radio that you are listening to now, after the merger takes place and for the life of your radio. That's the XM Customer Promise.

I want to buy a second radio; should I wait for the new models?
You'll be able to hear new programming on your current radio. And since we have great pricing deals on second radios now, so no need to wait!

Will I continue to enjoy my current programming after the merger?
We will combine programming where we overlap, but the unique XM shows you love are here to stay.

What should I expect in terms of subscription costs after the merger?
We will not raise the cost of your current XM subscription cost. We plan to add lower-tiers of pricing, and premium packages of service as we expand our programming, but your current package will stay the same.

Why sign up with XM now if I'm going to get the best of both worlds?
While we have agreed to join forces with SIRIUS, we're still the only place to hear the ump yell "play ball" or the other 169 other channels of unique entertainment, like Artist Confidential, Theme Time Radio Hour with Bob Dylan, The Bob Edwards Show, Opie and Anthony and Oprah & Friends.


Good to hear that my SkyFi 2 wont mysteriously shut down the day the merge becomes official. Ive grown quite attached to the li'l guy.

As far as the sub costs, I, too, recently reupped under the family plan for another three years. Ill definitely be wanting to keep an eye on that and make sure that isnt fucked with (although I dont see why it would be since I plan on staying XM only anyway).

[NoSurviivors]

I'd bet the family plan goes away.

otherwise I'm going to stay with the XM only. Thi NFL would be cool.

[vegasbob]

So can we get NASCAR again? O&A & Nascar would be great.

[Mindslayer]

If the family plans that are already paid for are no longer valid than at least Ill have some money coming back to me.