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You've probably noticed that your local FM stations have occasionally been running promos that speak against the concept of "paying for radio." Translation: They don't want you to bother with either of the satellite services. Why? Because once you do, you won't go back.
If you're reading this article, you probably fit into one of three categories. The first being that you already have satellite radio, and love it and couldn't do without it. The second is that you've given some thought to satellite radio, but don't really feel compelled to rush out and check it out. The third is that you're absolutely hellbent against the concept of paying for radio.
Just so you know, I've personally been subscribing to XM since around the time the second satellite was launched. I have three subscribed XM devices, just because I enjoy the flexibility. I also have a Sirius unit which is currently activated, probably a result of the Howard Stern hype. I'll probably soon drop the Sirius subscription, just because Opie and Anthony (on XM) seem to be the better show.
Don't get me wrong, either satellite service has offerings that are worlds beyond anything FM can offer you. If Howard is your morning man and you like some of the Sirius offerings, go for it. I'm partial to XM, because to me it just seems like the better choice. FM, however is laden with commercials to name one fault. Secondly, if there is any talent that remain on FM radio, they don't have the freedom to be entertaining anymore.
Both Sirius and XM offer commercial free music channels, and each offer around 70 music channels - give or take. They may have the occasional 15-second spot promoting a show that may catch your interest on another music channel - but never any external commercials telling you to buy products or services. They do have some commercials on their talk channels, however. Aside from Opie and Anthony or Stern's show, most of these talk shows are syndicated anyway ... they already have commercial space that may as well be utilized.
By contrast, I seem to remember my 'morning drive' often filled by the twenty minute flood of commercials my local Infinity (CBS Radio) station wanted to cram into Stern's former morning show.
Here's another downfall of local radio: Lack of variety. With satellite, each company gives you a number of music formats. XM has channels dedicated purely to movie soundtracks and bluegrass, Sirius has a channel that is dedicated to chill electronic. On local broadcast radio, we can have the latest Nelly single slammed down our throats 40 times a day.
Which brings me back to the aforementioned anti-Satellite ads. Are these ads really having an impact? To me, they just blatantly indicate local broadcast radio is more scared than ever. Broadcast radio had the potential to program advertising in such a way that satellite radio wouldn't have even had the potential to establish orbit. But instead of say - maybe 8 minutes of commercials per hour, they opted to at least double - if not triple that amount.
Local radio needs to seriously look at what they're selling. Free doesn't mean everything.
