This is not the first time that such rumors have made their rounds. Despite the fact that large companies such as Apple often patent many things that never make it to market, if the rumor involves Apple, it will certainly make the news. Apple’s nano already offers an FM tuner, which enables users to discover new music via terrestrial radio and tag those songs for future purchase on iTunes. This new patent would take things a step further by allowing full HD service.

HD Radio is already a staple in Microsofts Zune HD, but Zune devices seem to be having diminishing market share and simply have not made the strides that fans had hoped for, even while leading the way in HD inclusion. As for satellite radio, a full blown relationship with Apple does not yet seem to be in the cards. Sirius XM (SIRI) does have apps that are available for Apple devices and the SkyDock, but that seems to be the extent of the planning at this point.

For now HD Radio seems to have a leg up on satellite, at least in terms of getting built into an Apple device.

[via AppleInsider]

Position – Long Sirius XM Radio, No Position Apple, Microsoft

A SiriusBuzz reader contacted me with the news this morning, and with a few phone calls, there seems to be some legitimacy to the rumor. Whether there will be additional fees to consumers who wish to get baseball has not been made clear. Also unclear is if there are additional costs to Sirius XM associated with the move.

One thing is certain. The addition of baseball would be a good thing for those that get the “Best Of” programming, and from a consumer standpoint it will add value to the package. I would have preferred to see this news prior to the season beginning, but getting baseball at all on Sirius in 2009 is a win for consumers, and a demonstration that merger synergies are happening.

With a slumping economy, satellite radio, as much as baseball can benefit from this. The more subscribers that buy the “Best Of” programming, the better. Speculation is that the programming will not start until June, but perhaps, with the leak having happened we will hear something at the Q1 conference call or the annual meeting.

“Best Of” includes NFL for XM. The inclusion of MLB on Sirius’ “Best Of” will be a major victory.

According to customer service reps, they received and email saying that “We are hoping to have MLB baseball on the Best of XM Package by the second week in June”

Thanks Muscle
Position – Long Sirius XM Radio

Although many of the rumors sources seem to extremely credible, my opinion is now that they cannot be true. With the loss of Kevin Martin and the expectation of a democratically controlled FCC, Sirius XM would be risking their licenses if they were to increase prices in the time frame rumored. The FCC memorandum makes it abundantly clear that:

1. No price increases can occur for 3 years:
2. The company may ask for a review 6 months prior to the 3 year anniversary:
3. That the 3 year price freeze applies to all tiers and packages that the company already offers:
4. That the FCC must approve any price increases

The order itself states:

II. PRO-CONSUMER

With daily rumblings about a possible recession – and nearly universal consensus that we are in a pattern of economic slowdown – good economic policy from our government is more important than ever. It is not the job of the FCC to prop up failing companies. However, it is our job to support efficient and affordable radio communications. Section 7(a) of the telecommunications Act says, “[i]t shall be the policy of the United States to encourage the provision of new technologies and services to the public.”The Commission aims to ensure audio options that provide lower prices, and unique choices such as“family friendly programming” tiers. Through this Order we ensure that for at least three years consumers will see a price cap on every price tier and package that the merged entity offers. The FCC will revisit the need for this price cap six months prior to its expiration.

IV. PRICE CAP

Because SDARS is a relatively new service, and prices have remained constant, it is difficult to anticipate how a merger will affect future prices. The parties have agreed to a three year price cap on the services they currently offer. This is not a sufficient fix to prevent the anticompetitive pricing schemes that could arise as a result of this merger. Thus, the Order imposes a review by the Commission before the lifting of the price cap in three years. At that time the merged entity will have the burden of demonstrating to the Commission that lifting the price cap will not result in the merged entity raising and holding prices at a level they could not otherwise maintain, but for the lack of competition in the satellite radio market.

What is being said is that subscribers can expect to see a $2 increase on additional subscriptions bringing them to $8.99/month along with a loss of the free internet radio account. Instead, users will now have to pay an additional $2.99 for an online account, with no word on whether or not that includes the premium 128k feed.

At a time when subscribers are just starting to settle down over the recent channel changes and censoring of the sacred Howard 101 it looks like Sirius XM is ready to stir up the customer backlash storm once again.

It is also interesting how these new prices increases might just dance right around those merger concessions put in place by the FCC. What happened with this merger being great for the consumers?

For the record, we had a little bit of back and forth about this topic yesterday on twitter… all the more reason for you to follow us @siriusbuzz!

Also of note is that this is a firmware update that will take 5 hours to complete. Speculation is running rampant as to what this could mean. There is talk that it may be preparation for Sirius to broadcast some Xm channels while others think this could be the first real case of interoperability. I personally like the interoperability argument as most of the meetings involving Commissioner Tate with Sirius and Xm executives seemed to center around enforcement matters. Proving the existence of interoperable radios could go a long way towards satisfying those critics who say that Sirius did not comply with the interoperable mandate.

[ Ford Memo ]

Thanks crfceo.

Artie is indeed in Amsterdam. The news was confirmed with a live call from Jason Kaplan of the Strern Show as he sat at an Amsterdam cafe. Kaplan confirmed that both Artie Lange and Teddy made the trip. Kaplan has not yet seen Artie but has placed a couple of phone calls to him.

Robin Quivers, a Stern how staple, called into the live segment of Jay Thomas’ show and offered additional insight, and is in fact on the air as I write this piece. Shuli, also a member of the Stern Show staff, and frequent participant with Jay Thomas added a bit more information on Artie. In a text message, it was confirmed that Artie was on the same plane with Teddy. At one tense moment as Teddy boarded the plane, he had to pass by Artie who was seated in First Class. The pair exchanged glances. Teddy says that he and Artie have not spoken, and Teddy stated that he is making it a point to avoid Artie during the trip.

So, we have some news on Artie, and the news that the Friday morning dilemma for Stern fans has been solved. Jay Thomas is a wonderful talent who hosts a regular afternoon drive show on Sirius Stars 102. His regular afternoon show will continue, and now he will entertain listeners on Friday mornings. With the addition of Jay Thomas on Fridays, and Vinnie Politan having a regular morning show, the morning drive situation at Sirius is far better today than it was a month ago.

Kudos to Sirius for addressing the morning drive issues in the programming line-up, and we all hope that the Artie situation comes to a reasonable conclusion that addresses Arties issues, maintains the show people love, and lets fans get back to great radio.

Congratulations to Jay Thomas for adding a quality Friday morning show to his already impressive repertoire on Sirius.

Read More On The Artie Saga – ARTIE EXPLODES ON STERN SHOW and ARTIE LANG CLIFFHANGER

Position – Long Sirius, Long XM

Howard, being on vacation could not respond until today, and respond he did. Stern stated that there were three individuals were at his house in the Hamptons doing a photo shoot for a feature story on Beth Ostrosky, Stern’s Fiancee. During the shoot one of the individuals went inside to use the bathroom, and apparently took it upon himself to take a tour of the Stern residence, and decided to answer natures call in the Master Bathroom.

Today, Stern stated that he was angered by the invasion of privacy, and then explained that the “dentures” in question were actually a mouthpiece which is worn by Stern during the night so that he does not grind his teeth. Thus, Efferdent got a free plug on the Stern show as a product that can not only clean your dentures, but your mouth guard as well.

Mystery solved.

Cousin Brucie, and other on air personalities were let go with the switch, but Morrow was not out of work long. The DJ quickly found a home at Sirius Satellite Radio, and currently has one year left on his contract. Now, he seems to have been vindicated in a decision by WCBS FM to return to an oldies format.

WCBS, according to the New York Times, has decided that a the loss of half of their audience share, and a trimming of 30% in ad revenue in 2006 was simply too much, and they are returning to an oldies format. That switch will come without Cousin Brucie who still spins the tunes for Sirius.

For his part, Cousin Brucie seems to be very diplomatic stating, “I’m thrilled that this music is getting a chance again. This music has been treated terribly, and people in their 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s are still a very viable product in this society.”

Some radio analysts predict that some of the old DJ’s from the station will return to WCBS. The question is what will Cousin Brucie, the biggest name in the crowd, do? Again, in a very diplomatic response, Brucie said, “I’m very happy at Sirius, but I’ll consider every option. In one year a lot of things can happen.”

So, what can be gleaned from these events? Well, clearly we can start to see some other aspects of the competitive landscape. Where did the audience of WCBS go? Did they follow Brucie to satellite radio? Did they find other terrestrial radio stations to listen to? Is the existence and creation of JACK FM acknowledge that terrestrial radio is trying to compete with i-Pods and MP3 players? Do the moves of DJ’s like Brucie show that competition goes beyond the music played? Do changes in format illustrate that it is the content that matters, be it “local” or “national”?

There are many questions, and likely just as many theories, but in the end, it can not be disputed that it is the ear of the audience that is being sought.

Position – Long Sirius, No Position CBS -IMOJB-

Rival XM says that they will wait for signs of a significant market before it rolls out such a service. It seems like what was once the forerunner is now clearly taking a backseat in the satellite radio game.

Via [Reuters]