Sirius, XM Launch New Channel Lineups

In a merger of equals, it seems customers of both Sirius and XM satellite radio services will be up in arms today after the two merged their lineups to cut costs.

Before we get into the lineups, XM is touting 22 new stations and shuttering 15 others. Sirius got an almost-even swap of 11 for 10. Both merged similar content that we can see really ticking fans off, especially XM fans of “Fred” and “Lucy” and Sirius fans of “Left of Center.” They get the much less interesting “First Wave,” “Alt Nation” and “Sirius XMU.”

Sports fans at both companies should be happy, as both now have NBA and NFL stations.

The change went into effect Nov. 12, and we noticed it in our 2009 Audi A4 Avant test car. On the positive side, though, one staffer noted reception of the A4’s Sirius stations was much improved. It held a solid signal throughout our 11-floor parking garage, which used to be a black hole for Sirius stations.

Check out both merged lineups below:
New Sirius Lineup
New XM Lineup

Comments

Yeah, I'm kinda pissed...one of the 3 stations I regularly listen to got removed from Sirius...all I got was an "Invld Chanl" display and was confused.

I'm a little ticked off with Siruis for getting rid of the Old Skool rap station. The newer "cRap" stations suck. Who wants to hear $#!+ every over song!

Sirius is going to continue to lose customers given some of their recent strategies. I think it must be in their business plan or possibly their mission statement.

How is this a considered a merger if both XM and Sirius maintain separate programming menus, aside from small "Best Of" selections?

There are programs on XM that still can't be accessed by Sirius subscribers, and I'm sure vice-versa.

So far this whole thing has been a disappointment.

I'm being nickeled and dimed just to listen to Howard Stern, I'm dropping all of these stations as soon as my contract comes up. The merger means nothing to me. It sucks !!!!

Terry - I feel your pain! Seriously, Backspin was one of the few channels I listened to on the regular. If you go Sirius' website, you know what they say we should listen to now that it's gone? Channel 40 (Hip-Hop Nation) - pure mainstream crap; or Channel 50 (The Heat) - mainstream R&B 24/7.

By the way, the merger isn't for the consumer, it's to cut costs.

...Still no explanation why Sirius added such great channels like "40s on 4", I always wanted to pretend I was 85 and senile.

I can understand your pain (especially for fans of Backspin.) But I just don't have a problem with the new lineup. I listen to Stern, Jam On, Deep Tracks, Classic Vinyl, Alt Nation, Lithium and some of the talk, and they are all still there.

I suggest everyone that is unhappy with the recent changes send an email to:

Kathie Mahoney
VP Market Research
Kmahoney@siriusradio.com

You are the market so provide feedback!

See below...I'm doing this!

I suggest everyone that is unhappy with the recent changes send an email to:

Kathie Mahoney
VP Market Research
Kmahoney@siriusradio.com

You are the market so provide feedback!

I am very unhappy with this merger! My childrens FAVORITE channel was replaced with something that is now inappropriate for their age level. At this point, I rather get an ipod and docking station. I actually depended on KIDSTUFF for my 3.5 year old. Now I got KIDS PLACE LIVE that is for maybe an 6 year old. Not to mention some of Mama Channels were screwed with...and if MAMA AIN'T HAPPY NOBODYS HAPPY.