Satellite Radio

Satellite Radio started in 1992, when the FCC allowed space on the S spectrum to be used for Digital Audio Radio Service. Currently out of reach of FCC regulations, satellite radio offers uncensored, unformatted radio entertainment. Satellite radio formats offer commercial free programming in all venues. The appeal of the unstructured freedom has radio personality celebrities such as Howard Stern breaking away from standard radio broadcasting to join the satellite radio broadcasting arena. Satellite radio carriers are becoming more widespread in popularity, despite the fact that you are essentially paying to listen to the radio broadcasts. With the payment, there are definite advantages, such as: freedom - without the FCC regulations regarding decency, programming is not censored in content or language. Availability of programming is another distinct advantage of satellite radio over standard radio formats. Satellite radio allows you listen to radio programming from all parts of the world. Unlike

the days of AM radio, the transmissions are much more audible. Having the availability to listen to a radio format from other cultures could help bridge the gaps between cultures. Satellite radio is increasingly becoming more portable. Satellite radio units for the home, car and now personal sized portable units, allow people to receive their satellite radio signals anywhere. With the availability of having commercial free radio formatting at your fingertips, it makes me wonder if satellite radio will have a negative impact on the recording industry, or at the very least cd sales, given the fact that between mp3 players and satellite radio will there really be a need to purchase cds?