Although the two satellite radio programming providers Sirius XM and XM Radio merged into one company, SiriusXM Radio, in July 2008, Sirius and XM maintain different receivers, satellites and programming schedules. Although they may completely amalgamate their equipment and stations under one umbrella brand at some point, there remains major differences between the two brand's offerings.
SiriusXM
SiriusXM is the only provider of satellite radio commercially-available in the United States. The company sells receivers and content subscriptions, which allow you to listen to their broadcasted channels - like radio stations - on the Internet, in your car or RV, on a boat or in an airplane. It broadcasts its programming from one of its satellites to be picked up and played via a specialized receiver; the exact satellite depends on the location of the receiver and which service, Sirius or XM, you use. Currently, receivers branded Sirius or XM are incompatible with the other, and you can only subscribe to the programming of that brand.
XM Channels
Overall, XM channels are designed to appeal to a broad audience. XM has channels programmed and hosted by Bob Dylan, Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres, as well as channels branded by major news and media outlets such as CNN, Fox News and the BBC. XM's sports programming, however, can be the real draw for subscribers. XM has exclusive rights to cover Major League Baseball, and programs which concentrate on nearly every college and professional level sport. XM also has an agreement with the car racing giant, Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Sirius Channels
The most famous host - and sometimes spokesman - for Sirius Radio remains shock jock Howard Stern. Overall, Sirius leans towards modern or controversial programming, featuring celebrities such as Eminem and 50 Cent, although the service also features sports star and activist Lance Armstrong and design and home maven Martha Stewart on its roster.
Future Programming
According to the SiriusXM website, as well as webcasts and press releases concerning the eventual plans for the company, executives plan on eventually merging the company into one set of offerings with one brand of receiver for purchase. However, they do promise that subscribers with Sirius or XM branded equipment will be able to access content on their old receiver after the programming combines.
Tags: satellite radio, Sirius Channels, Sirius Radio