Sure, if you are comparing the same thing. But we're not.

Howard Stern, like him or not, will not work for free. Neither will Oprah or Martha. Neither will the MLB, NFL or any other sport organization. The same thing is happening in the news business.

People are getting their news online and not paying for it. As advertising revenues drop because of declining readership/viewership DVR, Tivo, etc, media outlets will not be able to pay their content providers.

Those content providers (journalists) who write for the websites are employed by newspapers and other media outlets. The revenue models for websites are not improving as fast as readership/viewership is declining and thus the product is suffering. Reality TV is a perfect example of this. These shows cost nothing to produce compared to a sitcom or especially a drama.

Right now we're getting something for nothing on the web but don't expect it to last. In the end, you get what you pay for.

 

Agreed, but the problem that all of these industries are running into is that there is content that people will pay for, and content that people will not pay for and the attitude that consumers have regarding this content is changing. A prime example of this is iTunes. Apple fought the music industry for their 99 cent pricing scheme. Apple pegged it on the nose. iTunes users find anything more than 99 cents per song to be a rip off and as a result of iTunes pricing content at a price that people wanted to pay... the iTunes store sky rocketed into a successful venture for Apple.

The internet has changed everything. It has changed more than just the way we communicate, it has also changed the way people think. This is a massive cultural change and it's not just in North America, it's global. Most industries are scrambling to keep up with the information age, where every consumer is easily educated by visiting google. None of them have completed their transitions yet, and none of them are doing so at the speed that technology is advancing around them.

It is more likely than not, that Sirius XM will be a victim of that failure to advance with the speed of technology.

 

 

I disagree. The most obvious thing to make people pay for over the web is sales tax, and the fact that states haven't gotten into that is just because they are stupid. People expect to pay sales tax and frankly still can't beleive they don't have to online. But stuff like news, no. If you get if for free you're not gonna pay for it later. Think anybody is going to start paying for phone books or grocery bags? I read my small local daily paper online now, I used to pay for it. They sell ads so I figure they must make up some of that, but I don't think I'd fork over .75/day for it anymore, sorry. MLB, NFL, people pay for that. Radio music they never had to pay for, and won't in the future.

 

If there is a good chance Sirus is going belly-up. Then why is Mini dealing with them .Only to leave their customers hanging... Or is Mini more concerned about making money then about the effect it would have on their customers down the road..

 

I don't think Mini is doing the Sirius thing anymore. For good reason.

 

Sirus is on there build site at Mini usa.. It is one of there selection, Sirus, HD, etc..

 

I haven't heard that. You can still configure a MINI with the Sirius radio option. I imagine there are contracts involved and MINI can't just drop them at a whim.

 

Just read that Liberty Media is inveesting in Sirus XM.. In this volatile economic time. One does no how to second guess what a business will or can do.. Here is the article link that I just read in our local paper.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090217/ap_on_bi_ge/sirius_liberty

Also , if anyone has recently ordered online that has included the Sirus package.. The configuration is still in the mix for the asking.. What say you out there in Min land..?

 

Few points.

Sirius is not going anywhere anytime soon. The recent cash injection from Liberty Media just confirms it. Even if they were to ever declare bankruptcy, it does not mean Sirius will go "belly up." The list of companies that have survived bankruptcy is 100 times longer than this thread. Sirius's assets alone make it a valuable acquisition for a host of companies. If you read any stock/company analyst report, there is no mention of them shutting their doors, it is just not going to happen. Now, will they have the capital to retain all of their highest paid talent? Unlikely, but that does not mean the company will be defunct.

Regarding the few posts regarding the need to pay for something one can get for free, is an ages old debate. Those who have and utilize premium content, know they are getting premium content. One cannot compare the services provided by premium media providers to news organizations, grocery bags, etc.

The best comparison would be premium TV stations, vs. basic cable. HBO can win all the awards in the world for it's programing, which it generally does, but those who do not watch it, will always argue that their shows on ABC are just as good or better. Typical ostrich syndrome. It is not a fight with picking, because there will always be folks who enjoy free meals, even if lousy, better.

I for one will enjoy my uncensored, non sponsored influenced media over the least non offensive materials for the masses any day.

Regarding the technology comments, in Sirius radio being behind the ball. Are we forgetting about the 2 year fight with the FCC that handcuffed each company as the approval was dragged along, stifling innovation? What most do not factor is, they are the only one delivering satellite radio. Their competition is terrestrial radio, iPods, and web based media players based in smart phones. Big difference, neither of the other three are in the position to take over two major markets, talk radio, or television streaming. Sirius is, with very little additional effort on their part. They are one partnership/acquisition away from being able to do just that, and teh technology already exists. Perhaps that is why their major debt holder Echostar (Dish) is salivating at the opportunity. Again, goes back to the point, they are not going anywhere.

 

Very good... Like your points..