Choosing a Satellite Radio Service

Of the two North American satellite radio services, which is the best? (Yes, a merger was announced, but each company will still be providing their unique programs until the merger is finalized in late 2007 or early 2008.) That's a hard question to answer, as both XM and SIRIUS offer quite similar programming and services.

At present, XM Radio is the larger of the two services, with more than 7 million subscribers. Basic programming runs $12.95 per month, which gives you more than 170 total channels -- including more than 90 music channels.

SIRIUS has close to 5 million subscribers, but they're growing rapidly. Like XM, SIRIUS' basic programming costs $12.95, and you get a similar 165 total channels -- including the Howard Stern show.

Both services offer a similar mix of music channels. You'll find channels devoted to particular genres of music, from folk to blues to hip hop to Broadway tunes, as well as channels devoted to specific decades of music. Some channels are hosted by well-known personalities; Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson host programming on XM, while Jimmy Buffet, Eminem, and Miami Steve van Zandt host SIRIUS channels. The variety is much greater than you get with contemporary FM radio -- you're bound to find many channels on either service that appeal to your specific tastes.

In addition, you don't have to put up with ads for local carpet installers interrupting your favorite music. All of SIRIUS' music channels are commercial-free, as are most of XM's music channels.

XM and SIRIUS both offer a variety of talk radio channels, from straight news to political commentary -- from both the left and the right. There are plenty of personalities on each service; Howard Stern and Martha Stewart are exclusive to SIRIUS, where Oprah Winfrey and Opie and Anthony are exclusive to XM. And both services offer channels devoted to truckers --

XM's Open Road and SIRIUS' Trucker Network

You'll find lots of live sports on both services, as well. In addition to ESPN Radio and the like, XM offers exclusive coverage of NASCAR, Major League Baseball, and the PGA tour, while SIRIUS offers exclusive coverage of the NBA, NFL, and NHL.

Since their channel line-ups are so similar, choosing between XM and SIRIUS is a toss-up. Whichever service you choose, you'll learn to love the variety of satellite radio -- available non-stop from coast-to-coast!

Michael Miller is a writer and commentator on technology and digital lifestyle topics.