The selection procedures for leasing one “Qualified Entity” channel as part of its voluntary commitment stemming from the merger of Sirius and XM in 2008 follows the FCC’s criteria: The commission made this set-aside available only to lessees that are not directly or indirectly owned, in whole or in part, by SiriusXM or an affiliate of SiriusXM; do not share any common officers, directors or employees with SiriusXM or any affiliate of SiriusXM; and did not have any existing relationships with SiriusXM for the supply of programming during the two years prior to October 19, 2010.
SiriusXM is looking for the following in making its selection for this set-aside: Programming representing diverse viewpoints and/or diverse entertainment content; improved service to historically underserved audiences; original content of a type not otherwise available to SiriusXM subscribers; and access to new sources of content and new entrants to mass media.
Applications should demonstrate that the proposer has the financial, operational, and technical ability to perform its obligations under the lease. SiriusXM will select a programmer that, in its judgment, will be able to meet its obligations and deliver its proposed mix or type of programming for the duration of the lease term.
The satellite channel will be available only on SiriusXM satellite radios designed to receive SiriusXM’s expanded channel lineup, online at SiriusXM.com and via the SiriusXM Internet Radio App.
Applications are due by February 21. SiriusXM will inform the FCC of its tentative selection on or before April 16. SiriusXM expects to sign a lease agreement by May 31.
At the same time, SiriusXM will also select one additional channel for its public interest set-aside. This channel will also be receivable only on certain satellite radios designed to receive SiriusXM’s expanded channel lineup and online at SiriusXM.com and via the SiriusXM Internet Radio App.
