SiriusXM Love is Now Hallmark Channel Radio

[John FL]

I'm not sure when this change happened. But in an email I got recently, the channel was described as "hear timeless love songs." "Swoon over romantic melodies, pet fairy tales & stars love stories." There are some noticeable differences from before. While there are some timeless classics in the mix, it's more contemporary than when Love ruled the channel.

What I don't like at all are the long-winded stories the various Hallmark Channel "stars" tell. Many are repeated whenever I tune in. Recanting baking cookies on Valentine's Day was enough. The format is obviously for the ladies. But, for what it's worth, the former Love channel had a little more for a wider audience. I suppose it is what it is.

In a prior post, I discussed all the Love preemptions. I have a feeling Yacht Rock Radio will not preempt Hallmark Channel Radio in the summer. We'll have to see. It's probably about building a stronger brand name. SiriusXM will probably make more $$ with the change too. It was nice while it lasted. A shame SiriusXM Love had such an erratic run.

 

[AbrahamJSimpson]

It’s a Valentines Day stunt.

 

[CTListener]

It’s a Valentines Day stunt.

Yes, the channel is bought and paid for for the next month or so. I have a feeling all the commercial-free music channels are for sale to any entity that's willing to pay enough for them. After all, SXM doesn't sell advertising on them when they're in regular format mode. This is a way for the company to pad its bottom line while still not, technically, airing commercials.

 

[John FL]

Thanks to the last two posters for their info. I had no idea this was just a temporary change. Here's another case where SXM differs greatly from terrestrial radio. If any station/format messed with brand as much as what has been done to the "love " brand, it would be a recipe for disaster.

Obviously, there's plenty of alternatives. I've been listening to "The Bridge" quite a lot. I've been getting more into their sound lately. Then there's FM Radio. I'm fortunate to live where I do. Radio is surprisingly good in market #96. West Palm Beach stations comes in as well and it's a market that doesn't generate a lot of buzz but there's some great stations there too.

Perhaps in time Hallmark Channel Radio will prevail. They may be testing viability. We'll have to see.

 

[Kelly A]

SXM has a handful of channels that are used seasonally, or for testing potential new formats. Yacht Rock, believe it or not, was a pretty popular test channel.