• by Erik Sass , October 2, 2008

Subscribers to Sirius and XM can now listen to selected programming from both satellite radio broadcasters, with the introduction of a new "Best of Both" service by each brand. The new service does not cover all the programming offered by the satcasters, but allows subscribers the option of receiving some of the most popular channels. 

Sirius is also launching its "a la carte" subscription offering, which lets subscribers choose which Sirius channels they want to receive and pay a lower subscription fee.

Sirius channels available to XM subscribers include Howard Stern's two channels--Martha Stewart Living, Sirius NFL Radio, Sirius Nascar Radio and Playboy Radio--as well as live radio broadcasts from college sporting events. XM channels available to Sirius subscribers include Oprah Winfrey and "Opie and Anthony," as well as live broadcasts from some NBA and NHL games, and all PGA tour games.

The new "Best of Both" subscription costs $16.00 a month, about $4 more than a regular subscription to either Sirius or XM. Earlier this year, Sirius CEO Mel Karmazin promised Congress and the Federal Communications Commission that if allowed to merge, both satcasters would offer combined and a la carte subscription plans. This plan was said to be key in convincing FCC Chairman Kevin Martin to support the merger.

Washington may issue further demands. Two weeks ago, Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA), the chairman of the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, proposed a new bill that would require all satellite radio receivers with AM/FM capability to include hardware that receives HD digital radio signals from terrestrial broadcasters.

Several big radio manufacturers have opposed the idea of including HD receivers. Also in May, Pioneer North America sent a letter to the FCC arguing against this condition--warning that forcing manufacturers to include HD tech would "interfere with the useful and healthy free market mechanisms extant in radio electronics purchases" and result in a host of technical difficulties, including "decreasing AM/FM tuning performance."

In late August, the FCC issued a Notice of Inquiry inviting comment from the public and companies on a proposal to require inclusion of HD receivers, indicating that the issue remains unsettled. The bill proposed by Markey would require the FCC to prescribe rules to implement the act within six months of its passage.