Satellite Radio Gaining Ground

The major players in the satellite radio wars both saw huge increases in subscribers over the last three months, they report. Sirius, the home of Howard Stern, added 441,100 new subscribers, a 23% rise from a year ago, bringing its subscriber base to 5.12 million. XM maintains its edge over Sirius, adding 285,000 subscribers, for a total of 7.185 million subscribers. This leads into the holiday shopping season when the companies have seen a boost in new subscriber activity.

While many drivers get their plan free with their new car, the total number of subscribers should be a better indicator of success for both companies. We’re surprised that pay radio, which costs around $12 a month, is gaining in popularity. Perhaps our ever increasing iPod shuffle world is changing our radio listening habits as well.   

[Satellite radio services add 285,000 (XM) and 441,100 (Sirius) subscribers in Q3, USA Today]