With consummation of SiriusXM's buy of AT&T's wireless communications service C and D block licenses pending, SiriusXM wants to modify the license of its XM-5 satellite to operate in 2315-2320 MHz -- the C block -- and 2345-2350 MHz -- the D block -- adjacent to the SDARS band. In an FCC International Bureau application Friday, it said XM-5 would use those frequencies to provide one-way point-to-multipoint service to homeland security and public safety organizations, and would be wholly separate from its satellite radio service. It said AT&T consented to XM-5 operating in that spectrum.
DTS added Japanese simulcast streaming radio service radiko to its AutoStage platform, it said Wednesday. Radio stations and broadcaster metadata on the radiko platform -- station logos, program name, performer information and a live station guide -- will be integrated into the AutoStage ecosystem, it said. DTS parent Xperi rebranded Connected Radio as DTS AutoStage last month (see 2102090017). DTS also has partnerships with BBC, Bauer, Cox, Beasley, Commercial Radio Australia and Entercom.
Outdoor and home Wi-Fi routers and extenders and vehicle-mounted video cameras pose harmful interference problems for SiriusXM's satellite radio receivers and other vehicle electronics systems such as AM/FM radios, vehicle remote controls and tire pressure monitoring systems, the company wrote the FCC Enforcement Bureau Monday. The problem "is increasing exponentially" with increased development, production and distribution of wireless devices, it said. Its own "increasingly difficult 'whack a mole' approach" of contacting manufacturers and retailers "is highly resource-intensive, and manufacturers and retailers often fail to respond helpfully," it said, seeking an enforcement advisory and follow-up with actions. The FCC said it's reviewing the letter and that it takes interference concerns "very seriously."
SiriusXM added 909,000 net self-pay subscribers in 2020 to finish the year with 30.9 million, beating its Oct. 22 forecast by nearly 14%, it said Thursday. Net self-pay subscribers were just under 30 million for 2019. It’s forecasting 800,000 in net additions for 2021. “SiriusXM has a long runway of growth ahead of us in 2021 and beyond," said Jennifer Witz, who succeeded Jim Meyer as CEO Jan. 1. SiriusXM will release 2020 earnings Feb. 2. The stock closed down 7.9% lower Friday at $5.91.
FCC OK'ing all-digital AM operation takes effect Jan. 4, said a public notice Thursday. The changes, which include a voluntary transition and don't alter interference rules, were unanimously approved in October (see 2010270035).
Maserati is making SiriusXM with 360L standard across its lineup of 2021 U.S. models, the first automaker to do so, they said Wednesday. Maserati's U.S. customers get a year trial to SiriusXM's top-tier All Access package.
DTS integrated Entercom’s Radio.com into its DTS Connected Radio platform, said the technology company Wednesday. The portfolios of Radio.com’s radio station partners will be “accurately and consistently represented” in the DTS Connected Radio ecosystem with artwork, artist and album information, songs and playlists, while enhancing discovery and personalization of broadcasters’ content, DTS said. DTS Connected Radio also enables continued station listening from local Entercom broadcast stations via streams provided by Radio.com when a vehicle drives out of broadcast range, it said. DTS Connected Radio supports operations in 48 countries with over 48,000 radio stations.
SiriusXM’s signing of Howard Stern to a five-year contract extension, announced Tuesday, likely will stand as CEO Jim Meyer’s final high-profile action before he transitions to executive chairman Jan. 1 and relinquishes the top post to Jennifer Witz. The agreement gives SiriusXM license to the Stern audio and video catalog through 2032. A little more than three weeks before Stern’s contract was due to expire, this was a cliffhanger Meyer apparently didn’t foresee when he told investors Oct. 22 that a deal was close (see 2010220019).
Nearly a month after departing SiriusXM CEO Jim Meyer said a long-term contract renewal with Howard Stern was near (see 2010220019), Meyer’s successor said it lacks a pact. “We’re excited to continue working with Howard,” incoming CEO Jennifer Witz told CNBC Friday. “We don’t have anything specific to announce today, but I’m really encouraged and confident that we’ll have something to say soon.” Witz becomes CEO Jan. 1, when Meyer shifts to vice chairman. Stern's contract expires Dec. 31. The day after Meyer spoke about an imminent deal, Stern shot down speculation that an agreement was near.
SiriusXM and Kia extended their business relationship through 2025, under which Kia will “significantly broaden” SiriusXM receiver installations in vehicles produced in North America, said the companies Friday. The increased penetration will begin with the 2022 model year “and means SiriusXM is targeted to become a standard feature on nearly all of Kia vehicles sold at retail in the U.S.,” they said. Customers buying Kia new or used vehicles will continue to get a three-month trial subscription to the SiriusXM All Access programming package.