XM Changes Program Structure, Faces New Indecency Standard Proposals
XM Changes Program Structure, Faces New Indecency Standard Proposals
XM Satellite Radio made an announcement last week that it is expanding its basic service package, in an effort to counter the fact that their monthly subscription price for said service will increase from $9.99 to $12.99 beginning April 2. To make the price jump an easier transition for current subscribers, XM is also offering existing customers the opportunity to keep the $9.99 monthly rate provided they sign-up for a one-year prepaid plan. More substantial discounts can be obtained by purchasing a two, three, four, or five-year prepaid plan with the provider. The price change will not affect XM’s Family Plan, however, a package which permits XM subscribers to add up to four additional subscriptions for $6.99 a month per radio. […]
The news of XM’s programming alterations comes on the heels of a government push to permit FCC regulations on both cable television and satellite radio. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Stevens said last week that he would “push for applying broadcast decency standards to cable television and subscription satellite TV and radio.” Previously, cable television and satellite radio providers were exempt from FCC regulations and indecency standards, as their services are only available to those who subscribe and regularly pay a monthly fee. Since the Janet Jackson Super Bowl debacle last year, however, the government is seeking to heighten the terms of their indecency standards.