Satellite Radio News (11.13.03)

The following is a summary of today's satellite radio headlines:

XM Satellite Radio, Quincy Jones and Jeff Gordon Deliver Public Service Announcements for National Marrow Awareness MonthGalway hotels (XM Satellite Radio, 11.13.03) Press release notes that XM Satellite Radio, in collaboration with the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) and The Marrow Foundation, today announced the availability of public service announcements (PSAs) promoting November as National Marrow Awareness Month. Music legend Quincy Jones anchors PSAs produced for Urban format radio stations. These PSAs highlight the compelling story of young Monica Rozier, whose life was saved by a bone marrow transplant. Also available for download are spots featuring NASCAR great Jeff Gordon and other drivers encouraging listeners to sign up for the NMDP Registry. These PSAs are produced for use by sports radio, country stations and other formats. (Read more)

Sirius stock falls after downgrade, XM rises (Reuters, 11.10.03) News article notes that shares of Sirius Satellite Radio fell 8 percent on Monday after SG Cowen downgraded the stock citing competitive moves by rival XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. XM's shares rose more than 3 percent after SG Cowen said in a research note on Monday it cut its Sirius rating to "market perform" from "outperform" after XM said it would sell a product that could work in cars wired for its rivals' service. SG Cowen said in its research note it was concerned XM's product would eventually allow dealers of DaimlerChrysler, Ford and BMW cars to install XM service on cars prepared in the factory to support Sirius service. (Read more)

XM Expects To Have 2.5 Million Customers Next Year (Radio Ink, 11.10.03) News article notes that XM Satellite Radio said that it lost nearly five times more money than it brought in last quarter, but anticipates that it would beat expectations for 1.2 million subscribers by the end of this year and have more than 2.5 million customers in 2004. Executives also said that the company struck a new deal to have its radios installed in some Lexus cars, giving analysts such as Bear Stearns’ Bob Peck reason to speculate that more deals with Lexus parent Toyota might be in the works. XM also said Nissan's Infinity unit has agreed to offer factory or dealer installation on its cars. (Read more)