when did the commercials (CM) start? (1 Viewer)

[Dave_Brown]

I've been out of the loop for awhile, so perhaps there was some big annoucnement that I missed, but when did XM decide to move back to commercial music channels? I can think of at least two that now have the cm designator on the display, which must be for commercials.

Is this just a sign of things to come as they move back to commercial music channels?

 

[Ronald Epstein]

Dave,

The commercials returned to XM as of March 1st.

It affects only 4 music channels. All those channels have
the CM logo placed next to them.

It was an unfortunate and uninentional move. XM had a
long-standing contract agreement with Clear channel that
forced them into carrying these commercial channels. This
contract ends in 2008. At that time XM goes back to being
totally commercial-free.

To compensate, XM added 4 additional commercial-free music
channels in order that it can still boast itself as having the
"most commercial-free" music choices.


To compensate, XM added

 

[Dave_Brown]

Ronald,

Thanks for the information. I had no idea what was going on and was a bit concerned. But if what you said is the case, then it will simply remain a minor annoyance to me and I'll continue my service with the company.

 

[Ronald Epstein]

Dave,

I have always liked THE MIX, though it has changed somewhat
since becoming Clear Channel property.

I am constantly switching around my 12 presets and often hit
THE MIX. For all these weeks I have yet to hear a commercial
even though I am sure they are bewing played. In fact, I have
been trying to catch a commercial just to see if they brought
back those annoying ONSTAR ads.

The point I am making is that it *seems* the commercial
airplay is quite minimal and that music still remains a priority
on these channels.

 

[Jeffery_H]

It caught me by surprise too about XM having commercials now on those channels. Until I found out what happened and they ADDED new channels I was going to cancel and go with Sirius.

The one thing I do recall is listening to one of the talk radio channels and the guy wanted nothing to do with satellite radio and was in a legal dispute with them to stop broadcasting his show. Basically, he told listeners that "satellite radio is just a myth, they can't maintain the funding required to remain commercial free". He went on to say that as they establish a customer base, it will be a while but just wait because EVENTUALLY they will all have some advertising.

While that may have been over reacting, I can see his point. We are still in the early stages of satellite radio. The cost to maintain what they do and ADD new programming is huge. All I know is this may or may not be the start of things to come years down the road.

Bottom line, if/when satellite radio starts adding more commercials without providing the same or greater commercial FREE music, I will drop it like a hot potato. If I wanted to hear adds on music I would just turn on my FM.

One other thing, satellite radio is no longer the big deal it once was, especially for music. A lot of people have iPods or such devices and just plug them into their car with their own programming. You can't beat days of music on a small portable device that is all of YOUR favorite tunes.

 

[Ronald Epstein]

Jeffrey,

You are 100% correct.

Satellite radio is no longer the golden child it was expected to be.

The day may very well come when commercials will have to be
added. When that day comes, I'll cancel my subscription.

 

[Jonathan Peterson]

Sigh... Me too.