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What Happens if Liberty Takes Over
- Thread starter K6JHU
- Start date
Let's face it: Mel hasn't done a whole lot since the merger. All the synergies that were supposed to happen for the most part haven't happened. Sure some channels have been merged, but certainly NOTHING like what was predicted. Sirius programming retained the upper hand in most cases. But they still have a lot of money tied up in facilities and personnel.
In this multi-media world, it's a huge disadvantage to run as a solo company like this. It's like trying to run a single station competing in a market with clusters. Liberty is a company that could better merchandise the brand and the assets in ways Sirius alone can't do. Then again, when you look at the content companies Liberty owns, it's not very promising. Has anyone here ever watched Starz? Not me. I have no reason to. They're a blip on the radar. So I wouldn't expect a lot of investment in content. The music channels become like the old cable-delivered music channels (MusicPlus?) radio than hosted channels with PDs and identity.
It's very expensive to run Sirius XM, especially the way they're doing it. Liberty operates at an antenna farm in Colorado. Much cheaper than NY and DC. The satellites will need to be replaced, the equipment will need to be replaced, and all that costs money. Liberty has the capital it will take to move Sirius XM into the next generation. My prediction is that it will be very different than it's been.
Having said all that, could Mel run to another white knight? Someone who might be less threatening?
In this multi-media world, it's a huge disadvantage to run as a solo company like this. It's like trying to run a single station competing in a market with clusters. Liberty is a company that could better merchandise the brand and the assets in ways Sirius alone can't do. Then again, when you look at the content companies Liberty owns, it's not very promising. Has anyone here ever watched Starz? Not me. I have no reason to. They're a blip on the radar. So I wouldn't expect a lot of investment in content. The music channels become like the old cable-delivered music channels (MusicPlus?) radio than hosted channels with PDs and identity.
It's very expensive to run Sirius XM, especially the way they're doing it. Liberty operates at an antenna farm in Colorado. Much cheaper than NY and DC. The satellites will need to be replaced, the equipment will need to be replaced, and all that costs money. Liberty has the capital it will take to move Sirius XM into the next generation. My prediction is that it will be very different than it's been.
Having said all that, could Mel run to another white knight? Someone who might be less threatening?
I keep looking at this as a DirectTV vs Dish service. Lots of overlap but DirectTV seems to have a better lock on additonal programming. Dish seems to have headed for the 'low price leader'. So I am really nervous about this turnnig out well if Liberty takes over.
On the other hand, you are right. Sirius/XM needs to do some serious (no pun intended) revamping of some of their channels. Why Grateful Dead and Elvis but not Beatles. Why is 'gplden oldies' spread across three channels. Where is a just plain old newscast (witout the TV cable punditry).
On the other hand, you are right. Sirius/XM needs to do some serious (no pun intended) revamping of some of their channels. Why Grateful Dead and Elvis but not Beatles. Why is 'gplden oldies' spread across three channels. Where is a just plain old newscast (witout the TV cable punditry).
TheBigA said:
Yes, I have Starz in addition to HBO. I have 3 small children and Starz has the rights to Disney movies. Disney movies are always on one of the Starz channels. I'm just waiting for Verizon to give me Starz play for no additional cost the way I get HBO Go for no additional cost.
If Malone would buy Dial Global programming and put it on the SiriusXM service, then that would be a great improvement, but again, we talking money and talent, something Mel didn't ever pay for, except for his pal Howard Stern.
If Sirius/ XM turns into a Music Choice type service like they have on cable TV why would anyone subscribe to it? You have Slacker, Pandora and internet radio.ercjncpr said:
Sirius/XM with their tight playlist would be a complete waste of money. I like to listen to KMOX across country to hear the news And Slacker to hear music with ABC news briefs once an hour. and BBC is available on Smartphones. GOOD RIDDANCE SIRIUS/XM!!!
JohnnyOhJohnny said:
Well if you don't have a reasonable data plan Sirius XM will still be your primary alternative radio service to OTA radio. And most people don't know about Slacker's caching. But if you have access to a decent data plan then I agree, there would be no reason to subscribe to it.
If this did happen, I don't know what anyone would subscribe to SiriusXM's internet package. The only thing their online version has going for it is original content and non-music content.
Casey said:
Actually, I've thought about resubscribing to satellite radio, but, if I do, it will be the internet package only. Here's why: (1) I have a good data plan with my iPhone. (2) It's about a dollar a month cheaper than having a satellite radio. (3) There are plans in the works to let users personalize the individual stations on the internet package. (4) I work in an office with no windows, which makes satellite radio listening at work useless.
I actually was interested in the Sky Dock because I heard you could get it for $10 with a one-year subscription. However, reviews in the iTunes Store indicate the app hasn't worked since an update to the iOS, and several users have commented that channel updates were never fixed on the Sky Dock iPhone app. So, that, too, helped push me more toward an internet subscription.
I have Slacker and enjoy it, but I wouldn't mind some extra variety, especially for at work listening, if it's quality programming. However, if I do end up going with an internet only subscription, I'll probably wait until the new customization features roll out. That way, I can see what other people are doing with it and how they like it.
AZJoe said:i have no idea who told you Skydock doesn't work with the updated IOS, but I listen to both SiriXM apps (internet and sat) on it thru my iPhone & Ipod all the time. Works just fine..... better ck ur sources again..... :
It's in the iTunes store, and almost every review says so. Check them out and see for yourself! There also haven't been any updates to the app in at least 18 months, which indicates to me that it's not supported any longer.
I appreciate your input, though, and am glad to hear the terrible reviews aren't entirely unanimous.
Kent said:AZJoe said:i have no idea who told you Skydock doesn't work with the updated IOS, but I listen to both SiriXM apps (internet and sat) on it thru my iPhone & Ipod all the time. Works just fine..... better ck ur sources again..... :
It's in the iTunes store, and almost every review says so. Check them out and see for yourself! There also haven't been any updates to the app in at least 18 months, which indicates to me that it's not supported any longer.
I appreciate your input, though, and am glad to hear the terrible reviews aren't entirely unanimous.
Review or no review, I have the latest IOS for my iPhone (5.1.1) and I use & listen to the SiriusXM radio app and SiriusXM internet app on my Skydock..... I know what I listen to, it works....period. Update for no update :
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