LOOK! IN THE SKY! IT'S---the future of radio?

It's not difficult to understand the downfall radio is experiencing in modern America. Very few people even utilize the radio anything besides a space filler on their dashboard. Is this the end of the line for what used to be the main way to premier new music?

In Bruce Elbert's book The Satellite Communication Applications Handbook, the author discusses the technicalities of XM Satellite Radio. He outlines the specifics of the program and its beginning stages when the satellites were first sent into space. Humorously enough, the two satellites are named "Rock" and "Roll"...well, I thought it was funny. The XM Satellite Radio service operates as a subscription program where users pay a monthly fee to gain access to the many music channels offered by the company.

For XM to replace the soon-to-be hole left by the demise of traditional radio, they are going to need an overhaul on their subscription fees. As the situation currently stands, most families are not inclined to pay the required amount of money in order to keep what is usually a free trial and installation of the satellite radio. A shift in XM's pricing will give more individuals the opportunity to engage in the new form of radio.