Reply #24: Bigger Isn't Better

[KharmaTrain]

Satellite radio is in a world of hurt...and has been for a long time. The billions spent on the studios, satellites and other start-up costs have never come close to be recovered and subscriber levels have never reached expectations for either service. Add to that the shrinking advertising revenues for many of the underlying companies that either provide programming or are investors and it makes the merger a necessity for any survival. But survival will come at a cost...which could mean less channels in the future.

Personally, I have no interest or need for satellite. I listen to AAR primarily on the internet now...using a wireless internet radio around the house and soon many of the wireless phone companies will be offering Internet radio on their wireless services making it as portable as conventional radio. HD Radio...that's a bust-out...sales have been anemic and the quality of the radios aren't that good.

Sorry...Cheap Channel pulled AAR in San Diego strictly cause the station wasn't making money. That's rules $1-10 in the Cheap Channel book. They were spending more money on the payrolls and support staff than they were bringing in...where sport is a quick, easy sale and there's little to no local programming or overhead. Cheap Channel has done this in other markets as well and it'll happen in others as AAR continues to underperform in ratings and have troubles generating revenues.