• by adam.m , Michael Deibert , August 5, 2005

The New York Times Co. has signed an agreement with XM Satellite Radio that will give the Times' new radio division a significant presence on XM's talk-radio and classical channels, according to a company announcement this week.

The XM network, compromised of some 4.4 million subscribers listening to over 150 channels, will feature news and commentary as well as reviews and features from employees of both the Times' newsprint and radio divisions. In addition, the companies will work in tandem on hourly newscasts, and XM will broadcast the Times' "Reflections From the Keyboard" series--currently available on WQXR, one of the company's radio stations.

The move comes after the Times promoted WQXR's general manager to the position of president at New York Times Radio, and charged him with expanding the company's branded audio content in that venue.

XM's deal with the Times Co. is one of several recent moves by print publications to branch out into the audio realm.

Recently, the weekly periodical Newsweek succeeded in gaining attention for its "Newsweek on Air" syndicated radio program after opting to make it accessible in podcasting form, an option that has been utilized by several other publications.