XM Satellite Radio and America Online are teaming up to create a new online radio service.
The new co-branded service will include a free, web radio offering and an enhanced premier radio offering that will be available to AOL members at no additional charge and as a premium service to consumers on the web. The new offerings, which are expected to roll out beginning this summer with the launch of AOL’s next generation AOL.com web portal, will be promoted to an audience of upwards of 100 million consumers online.
“Our philosophy at XM has always been to work with strong partners at every level: retail, automotive, and now online to build awareness and subscriptions for XM. We are thrilled to be partnering with AOL and combining the creative resources of these two great companies,” said Hugh Panero, XM Satellite Radio president and CEO. “The multi-tiered co-branded radio offerings will feature a number of popular stations currently offered by the AOL Radio Network and XM Satellite Radio.”
XM will integrate select AOL original programs such as Radio KOL, AOL Music Sessions and AOL Music LIVE! into its satellite radio service, which is available to listeners in cars as well as on home entertainment and portable devices. The companies will also work together to develop new programs and services for the online and satellite space.
“The combination of our leadership in online programming and XM’s leadership in satellite programming represents a giant step in digital media,” said Jon Miller, Chairman and CEO of America Online, Inc. “This relationship creates important and valuable opportunities across our core businesses enabling us to provide unique value for our large web audience, enhanced programming for our existing and new AOL members, and the ability to introduce new premium services.”
The new co-branded online radio service will feature a best-of-breed selection of AOL Radio Network and XM Radio exclusive and original content such as AOL’s Radio KOL, AOL Music Sessions and AOL Music LIVE! and original XM programs such as Artist Confidential and Then…Again.. Live! and more. Consumers will have the ability to select the offering that best meets their needs.
murdok | Breaking eBusiness News
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