Satellite Radio Gets A Warm Reception

You might say satellite radio received a warm reception at the Sept. 8 bash held at
Toronto’s Mod Club. A star-studded crowd attended the early evening affair hosted by
two of the subscription radio applicants slated to appear at the CRTC hearing beginning
on November 1st. The Sirius/Standard/CBC team joined forces with the Canadian
Satellite Radio/XM group to espouse the benefits of satellite radio in Canada for listeners,
artists, and members of the retail and music industries. The prevailing sentiment appeared
to be “license us both and let listeners decide”.

The show started out with a song from promising newcomer Kathleen Edwards who,
before performing “a song they won’t play on the radio”, commented “if they don’t play
me on satellite radio….then I’m fucked”. Following her came a rousing endorsement for
satellite radio in general from well-known American journalist Bob Lefsetz.

Next up, members of CSR/XM (Bob Mackowycz, Stephen Tapp, John Bitove) and the
Sirius/Standard/CBC (Gary Slaight, Michele Tremblay, Kevin Shea, Jane Chalmers)
teams spoke to the industry crowd and answered questions. The theme was “Satellite
Radio: The Next Step in the Evolution of Radio”. Speakers touted the fact that satellite
radio in the U.S., with approx. 3million subscribers, has experienced quicker adoption
rates from consumers than any other media product (e.g. cable TV, satellite TV, MP3
players, VCR’s, etc.). More importantly, the speakers answered potential critics with the
arguments that Canadian “artists and niche formats that wouldn’t normally receive
airplay on traditional stations will be heard by a much wider audience, both across
Canada and in the sizeable U.S. market”. They pointed to new revenue streams for
Canadian artists as well as the $40 million in Canadian Talent Development Funding.
Lastly came the discussion of avoiding the “grey market” problems encountered by
satellite television. Party goers left with kits from each group and requests to provide
letters of support.

Where we all go from here is up to the CRTC. But it was clear from the line of empty
martini glasses that radio fans are having a good time getting there.

(Published in "Broadcaster" Magazine)