The FCC still hasn’t given their decision to the satellite radio companies on their plan to merge their operations, but it appears that the satellite radio companies are growing tired of sitting on their hands waiting for the FCC’s decision.

 As I mentioned in the past when XM and Sirius announced their plans for the merger it seemed like someone let all of the air out of the programming departments at both satellite companies.  Both companies programming has gotten stale over the past year, so stale that a lot of folks online wondered if they were getting anything for their money.

I am happy to report that there are signs of life from both companies and it appears that finally some fresh air might be coming to both satellite companies.

Today Sirius Satellite Radio revamped it’s channel lineup.  The new lineup includes a number of new channels such as ESPN All Access, Indie Talk Radio and Doctor Radio.  The popular “Bridge” channel was returned to the lineup after a long hiatus.  In addition this channel revamp moved a lot of channels around into an order that makes better sense.  I am happy about the new lineup except for one thing, they dropped the “Sirius Shuffle” channel that I enjoyed; this channel played the best of everything from many types of genres.  This channel is now only available as an online channel.

XM Satellite Radio is also showing some signs of life with the announcement today of the addition of “30 Days of Coldplay” radio.  Its one of a number of special Micro Channels XM has run over the past few months.

In addition XM comedy will pay tribute to the late George Carlin with a day long special titled “George Carlin: He Was Just Here A Minute Ago” which will be full of Georges material plus a bunch of XM exclusive material with George.  The folks at XM plan to sign off the tribute to the comedic legend with their own seven words, “We love you and we miss you.”  That’s going to be quite a tribute.

Dish Network DTVPal Update

Just a quick update about the DTVPal Digital Converter from Dish Network, a number of readers have contacted me asking where they can get one of these receivers.  I am happy to report that the boxes have started trickling to Dish Network dealers around the country.  The MSRP for the DTVPal is $59.99

A special shout out goes out to Daniel Dennis and the Monsters In The Morning on WTKS FM in Orlando, Florida.  (Also heard live on XM channel 152)  I do hope to get together this week with “The Monsters” and there could even be a slight chance that you might hear me on the air with them.

Have a good one!