Where did the buzz go?

What DAB said...;)

I really think what killed the buzz was the long drawn out process of the merger. It just took too long, and it just beat the companies down, of course, most people who were looking @ SAT radio, held off from taking the plunge.

If I were SiriXM I would have made a "bigger deal" after the merger, I would have cut into live broadcasts to announce it, I would have dedicated one channel for merger info, and would have broadcast that channel to ALL Sat Radios, whether they were disabled or not.
 
Bandwagon03 said:
What DAB said...;)

I really think what killed the buzz was the long drawn out process of the merger. It just took too long, and it just beat the companies down, of course, most people who were looking @ SAT radio, held off from taking the plunge.

If I were SiriXM I would have made a "bigger deal" after the merger, I would have cut into live broadcasts to announce it, I would have dedicated one channel for merger info, and would have broadcast that channel to ALL Sat Radios, whether they were disabled or not.
Click to expand...

The long drawn out merger with the govt was brutal, but the first big change of SIRIUS XM to the public was the merging of the channels. It was a huge opportunity to present itself in a new strong way to consumers and existing subscribers. Unfortunately it has created a negative buzz in many different areas of the media and the online fan sites.
 
The buzz

I agree that the buzz is gone and I agree with most of what has been written.

For me, its these things:

1-The new equipment is expensive. You can get up and running in SatRad for about $30 if you want the low end equipment. But the portability factor is nice with the Inno, Helix and XMP3. The SL2 has better reception in portable mode (at least here in Minnesota) than the SL1 did. But, for someone who's just getting into it, and not sure about what all the equipment is, the cost can be something they will consider.

2-New technologies come around every day. Three months ago (and I know I was behind the times) I hadn't heard of Slacker. The new iPhone now has applications that get AOL radio, Clear Channel (don't flame), and Shoutcast. We are bombarded. In 2001 when I first got XM and in 2003 when I got Sirius...I was in heaven. Now...the two services are just outlets for music...among all the other services that I can receive more easily.

3-I agree with other posters who said that the service should be one service with add ons if you want them. For me, I want MLB and I may want the NFL. But I hate it that I can't get Rock at Random and Gary Sullivan on Sirius. The service should be simple. You sign up, you don't have to worry about I can get that here or do I have to go there for what I want. The choice should be in equipment - not programming.

4-The customer service debacle has been well documented here. The XM customer service is ridiculous. It has been if you want to shut down a radio, it takes 20 minutes of saying NO to do so. People do talk about that stuff. Its discouraging. The Sirius customer service has been better in my experience.

5-Communication: The web sites are hard to navigate, you've got two separate web sites for one company. Again, this adds to the confusion of which service has what. Insane.

I agree with DAB that I think Satellite Radio will make it. I hope it doesn't get to a point where its free with ads...but it might.
 
I lost two of my presets with the channel merger. I'm not cancelling but the streamlining pushed the lineup a little closer to mainstream.

A bit too many Rock channels.

I don't mind having mainstream stations, I enjoy the Pop stations as much as the more niche channels, ie my favorite channel SiriusXM U, but losing stations like SIRIUS DISORDER, BOOMBOX and BACKSPIN take away part of the appeal for me with satrad.

I don't want FM style radio. You can find that everywhere. I liked it best when satrad was mainstream/niche/fringe all at the same time.

Also, the channel merging was handled horribly.

Was there no way they could have sent out a survey to every subscriber? Involved the subscribers who pay 12.95 a month in the weeding out process?

And like one of the previous posters before me said, quit trying to be everything to everyone.

Create a vision and stick with it. Right now, it's all over the place.


P.S. The Loft DOES NOT = Sirius Disorder. And Boombox was one of the most original stations anywhere. I'd love to have them back.
 
Lots of good reasons listed here. I check Craigslist ads periodically to see 1. what's available and for what prices, and 2. for any explanations why people are selling their equipment. The service is a luxury, so some sell because they need the money, but it also seems like a lot of people buy receivers and never activate them. I think part of the problem is installation in cars, and folks not ever realizing they can get a home kit for their home, and/or office. The folks who I've sold satellite on, listen a lot at the office, but only because I set them up.

Satellite tv has professional installation. You sign up, they send a guy out. Wit sat radio, if u don't get a BB or CC install it in ur car, your on your own. Maybe satellite radio could do with some certified satellite radio experts in major markets who can be deployed to help people out.
 
I have to say with a lack of funding = lack of marketing = lack of sales = lack of funding...

While some may complain about lost channels others were fine with the merged channels. Any problems and complaints can be fine tuned in the future.

SiriusXM need to concentrate on their core business right now:

It's all about quality programming now. If anything they need to concentrate on improving the quality of their satellite signal. Competition Web based signals are coming in at 128k plus now and getting better every day... I feel this is the most important thing to talk about. They somehow need to concentrate on their bandwidth to make a cleaner more robust signal. If it involves getting rid of some low listener stations so be it. The “CD†quality from SiriusXM is far from c.d. quality. As internet providers are using better technology and gaining more share vs. satellite radio. Eventually internet radio will crush satellite radio for home use.

To “Our Valued Customerâ€:
Some people feel left out in the dark the way channels were merged with little or no heads up to "valued customers†Customers felt like they were an after thought because the powers that be did some quick house cleaning. Customers want to feel like they have a voice or able to vote on channel line up. It’s a club like atmosphere, instead they were left in the dark and had to wait and see. (Bad P.R. here) SiriusXm Customers want to feel special. By saying the hell with tradition radio and moving into the next generation by choosing satellite radio and being the first pioneers of a new medium. That is why you see people telling what kind of receivers they have and why this website is up and running today. Now the new pioneers felt let down by their leaders. The customers or followers of SiriusXM want this company to succeed! It’s a club where everyone who pays is a member.

What to do now?
Since a big chunk of SiriusXM subscribers come from new auto sales and that market is dead right now the need to come out with an alternative way to get the radios out there which = New subscribers..
Call me crazy but I would just give away “Boom Boxes†to anyone who wanted them. “FREEâ€, I know you don’t want to hear this since you own a satellite radio equipment business but it is one way to increase subscribers. Also with interest rates at historical lows, it is crucial for SiriusXM to get more favorable rates then what they have right now. With out being able to refi their debt now in this environment, they will go bankrupt.. Maybe they should apply for the TARP money? Just kidding…
 
geosync said:
Lots of good reasons listed here. I check Craigslist ads periodically to see 1. what's available and for what prices, and 2. for any explanations why people are selling their equipment. The service is a luxury, so some sell because they need the money, but it also seems like a lot of people buy receivers and never activate them. I think part of the problem is installation in cars, and folks not ever realizing they can get a home kit for their home, and/or office. The folks who I've sold satellite on, listen a lot at the office, but only because I set them up.

Satellite tv has professional installation. You sign up, they send a guy out. Wit sat radio, if u don't get a BB or CC install it in ur car, your on your own. Maybe satellite radio could do with some certified satellite radio experts in major markets who can be deployed to help people out.
Click to expand...

I've always thought the same thing. I do think people they could sub-contract out to do installs for homes and stuff would be beneficial. Plus there is no doubt Comcast and stuff make lots of money on those labor calls.
 
I seriously wonder if part of it now is people buying the radios, installing them in the car using the wireless FM mod, and then bringing them back because they think they're broken when there's a shitload of static on the signal. They should be putting PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION STRONGLY RECOMMENDED stickers on these new radios with how horrendous the FM mods are. The old radios you can get away with it until you can do something a little bit better, but these new ones are just terrible.
 
snakester said:
I seriously wonder if part of it now is people buying the radios, installing them in the car using the wireless FM mod, and then bringing them back because they think they're broken when there's a shitload of static on the signal. They should be putting PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION STRONGLY RECOMMENDED stickers on these new radios with how horrendous the FM mods are. The old radios you can get away with it until you can do something a little bit better, but these new ones are just terrible.
Click to expand...

This is a really good point and I think it hurts sales but what are you to do? Satelittle Radio is hard for the average person to buy and then have working in 20 mintues so I think a lot of people talk themselves out of it.

With an MP3 player or IPOD, you can buy it and start enjoying it in minutes. A gadget is way more fun when you can get instant gratification and not have to take apart your cars dash.

But, this is a necessary evil with many things, SiriusXM, and newer CD/DVD/MP3 system you install in your car. So I don't know if this is leading peopel to NOT subscribe.
 
Seems a lot of us have the same ideas as to what the problems are. For me...

#1 for me is the lack of communication/transparency - we are lucky to ever hear anything at all about anything. Notification on the day of the recent change was an insult - I should NEVER lose a preset that I wasn't informed of ahead of time. People will complain no matter when you tell them you are making changes, but they should also be able to complain that they were a surprise.

"Best of" XM is a laughable joke for the several people I know with Sirius accounts. None of us are paying for it. The one draw that would entice a few of us - Baseball - isn't included.

The talent that were more than happy to pocket a few bucks from Sirius / XM to have channels named after them should be cattle prodded to get out there and talk up the damn things. From now on, contracts like that would require it. Any current talent unwilling to pitch in should be paid off and dumped, making room for something people might care to listen to. Or maybe bring back PRI. :mad:
 
jef said:
"Best of" XM is a laughable joke for the several people I know with Sirius accounts. None of us are paying for it. The one draw that would entice a few of us - Baseball - isn't included.
Click to expand...


MLB HOMEPLATE is now available on SIRIUS 210 (Best of XM). The verdict is still out on MLB play by play though.
 
kryptonite said:
There've been NO commericals about SiriusXM on TV. Honestly, the last TV commercial I remember was the one where the older formats of music kept knocking each other over in a domino effect with the Stiletto standing tall at the end.

The last media coverage I remember was when Howard did the "Christmas Tour" of Letterman, Conan(?), and Kimmel.
Click to expand...

It's not much but a friend of mine told me SIRIUSXM was advertised during the nationally televised football game tonight.

(By the way, the final score was Phil: 30 - Cle: 10)
 
Just a few things off the top of my head.

1) The lack of communication with subscribers about the new channel lineups. It's absurd that people had to come here to find out what was going on and look in USA Today for it.

2) The axed channels and Mel's cavalier attitude saying subscribers need to make sure they make money. That's kind of a lousy attitude to have and that statement pissed people off.

3) This kind of goes along with the axed channels, but the cool thing about satellite radio is that it can provide channels and programming you can't get anywhere else. Getting rid of channels like Backspin, Lucy, etc., and telling people just to listen to other channels makes you wonder if they're still committed to providing this programming for those who want it. We don't want to listen to a clone of FM radio.

4) The inability to pay for and lock in talents like Bubba, who is committed to staying on Sirius XM, makes people wonder about the future of the company. How can Sirius XM justify paying millions of dollars to celebrity names when hosts who provide the type of compelling radio that keeps people tuning back in are treated like they are disposable?

5) There is a growing attitude that satellite radio is a sinking ship due to the stock price and the growth of internet radio services and Wi-Fi enabled cars. How does Sirius XM plan on adapting to these changes in technology? How does Sirius XM plan on responding to those concerned about the future of satellite radio?
Vargas said:
4. Stop Trying to be everything to everyone. Let's face it. SiriusXm is a device for guys. Yes, women listen too but the male is usually the buyer of the radio. You cant' have everything. Target a certain demo, gear your programming toward that demo and advertise to that demo. You should be top of mind to a particular group of people and then expand from there.
Click to expand...
Brilliant. :bigclap:
 
Last edited:
These are all such excellent points and a lot of MAJOR themes pop up.

To Chob about WiFi. I have a lot of faith that when WiFi becomes more adopted it will be something that SIRIUS XM can easily be a part of and make money on. The people who are buying Brand New cars especially luxury ones are less likely to be like the broke college kids who search for free content online. IMO those who will have the WiFi will like a common place to go to with organized content. I'm sure that SIRIUS XM will have a simple interface and service this.
 
Target the right demographic!!!!

I honestly think that Sirius XM needs to revamp its entire marketing department. I mentioned this is one of my first posts, but the company is very poorly promoting itself (as others here have noted).

They need to start targeting a younger demographic. They need to promote the humongous music library instead of the on-air talent. They need to show how hip the portables and receivers are and how they can replace the iPod (even if they can't - this is advertising after all!).

During the whole fight to get the merger approved both companies were consistent in stating they were competing with many different media delivery systems. It's time to advertise just how cool Sat Rad is over $.99 downloads and how easy it is to save your favorite songs.

They also need to offer better hardware promotions. Buy an SL2 and either a car or home dock and get the other dock for 50% off. Or a free headset like the cell phone companies do. SOMETHING! Most importantly they need TV advertising. Again, they are marketing to the wrong demographic and teenagers do NOT read newspapers.

I firmly believe it's the teenagers who can revive the company.
 
goreds2 said:
It's not much but a friend of mine told me SIRIUSXM was advertised during the nationally televised football game tonight.

(By the way, the final score was Phil: 30 - Cle: 10)
Click to expand...

Both Thursday and Saturday night games on NFL Network had Sirius commercials on just about every other commercial break. Some short. Some longer.

It wasn't bad. However, they need to do a better job marketing the portables. Kids need to know that there is a portable satellite radio where they can also upload their MP3s and also that it automatically refreshes with tons of new music without even connecting to a computer. Talk about WiFi connectivity, etc... Talk about free internet radio with a subscription...

Sirius market only markets content.

Most people think it's just radio with more channels.

Merket the teens. Market the Gadget-freaks. Market the equiment. Market the technology. Market the advantages over internet radio and mp3 players.

Sirius argued so much competition from ipods during the merger, but have never gone out and tried to compete against them.
 
Buzz part 2

One other thing I think they need to do is to actively market the internet portion of their service. Internet radio is the future, like it or not. I'd like to be able to get the music service on my reciva radio. I can get it on my Squeezebox. They should produce an iPhone application and any other application where people can listen in non traditional ways. I like many of the stations on Sirius XM. But, with internet radio there are more choices than ever. If I could listen on my iPhone, with my reciva in my bedroom, it would certainly be a "value adder."
 
Since I first started the thread and was in a darker opinion on the company. But in the past two weeks I've felt and seen a much more positive vibe about SIRIUS XM. As a Bubba fan it's great to know he is re-signed for 2 years and so happy about Sirius XM listening to feedback and bringing back Backspin and The Strobe.

I know they will prevail through the financial hard aches too.

Has anyone else felt better about things in the last week?
 
TSS Taylor said:
Since I first started the thread and was in a darker opinion on the company. But in the past two weeks I've felt and seen a much more positive vibe about SIRIUS XM. As a Bubba fan it's great to know he is re-signed for 2 years and so happy about Sirius XM listening to feedback and bringing back Backspin and The Strobe.

I know they will prevail through the financial hard aches too.

Has anyone else felt better about things in the last week?
Click to expand...
Yes, as posted before I have a new respect for Sirius/XM because they listened to us and are bringing back Backspin/Strobe.:clap::egypt:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom