MediaShift

Satellite Radio

Satellite Radio Wants FCC to Save Them From Themselves

by Mark Glaser

The two giants who provide satellite radio services, XM and Sirius, would like to merge in order to provide greater programming choices to consumers as a single entity, according to XM Chairman Gary Parsons in the Wall Street Journal. The Journal points out that the two money-losing enterprises will have to get by the hurdle of the FCC, which has a specific rule against the satellite radio companies merging. I thought the time was right for satellite radio to see a psychiatrist. The following is a partial transcript of its recent visit.

• February 20, 2007
• 12 comments

Open Source Reporting

Building the Ultimate Auto Media Center

by Mark Glaser

When it comes to enjoying music or talk radio in the car, why does everything have to be so complicated? First, I have to spend time loading up my iPod with music or podcasts I've downloaded. Then I have to charge my iPod up with power. Then I have to connect my iPod to my car stereo's converter cable. Then I have to fiddle around with the iPod controls to find the music or podcasts I want to listen to -- and NOT while driving.

• December 15, 2006
• 4 comments

Satellite Radio

RIAAin't::Lawsuits Will Not Win Digital Music War

by Mark Glaser

The music and film industries have control issues. For decades, they have been the ones in control. They have told us -- the listeners and viewers -- when and where we can consume their products. They have dictated the terms. Then along came digital technology, and those businesses lost control to technology companies and the people who could now...

• May 18, 2006
• 6 comments