Satellite Radio Makes Bold Steps

Satellite radio-spearheaded by satellite giants XM Radio and Sirius-is pioneering a new field of radio technology. Each station hosts over 200 commercial-free stations, spanning from music to sports to comedy to celebrity DJs, with the monthly cost being less than that of buying a brand new CD. Already many radio and music personalities have joined the satellite bandwagon: perhaps the most recognizable to join Sirius' network is off-color radio host Howard Stern, whose uncensored show opened today; meanwhile, music legend Bob Dylan will join XM with a weekly radio show beginning in March. Music download database Napster has also teamed up with XM, allowing listeners to pay to download songs as they listen to them. While satellite radio's quality is at times still below that of a CD or even an mp3, the satellite revolution is not a sure thing; still, as technology improves, and more listeners are introduced to the medium (and, with free 3-day trials available on the Internet, more listeners join every day), the satellites may soon overtake their stagnant AM/FM brethren.