SiriusXM Announce Lineup Changes

SiriusXM announced changes to their lineup that will take place May 4th.

Sirius XM Satellite Radio has announced it is reorganizing and reordering many of its channels. A statement from the satcaster says the changes "will make it simpler to navigate through the lineup so you'll spend less time searching and more time listening to what you like the most." The new changes take effect next Wednesday, May 4. Sirius XM subscribers' receivers will download and update the new channel information on May 4 once they are turned on that day.

Among the changes to Sirius XM's channel lineup: XM radios will now receive "SiriusXM Hits 1," which was previously available only on Sirius radios and XM Radio Online. "20 on 20," previously only available on XM radios and Sirius Internet Radio, will be available on Sirius radios beginning May 20th (Channel 3). For Sirius and XM radios, "SiriusXM Limited Engagements" on Channel 18 will be the new, dedicated home for our unique and exclusive 'pop-up' channels featuring music, comedy, talk and more.

Sirius XM has also combined "Sirius Left" and "American Left" to create "SiriusXM Left" (Channel 127). "Willie's Place" has joined forces with "The Roadhouse" to become "Willie's Roadhouse," on Sirius XM Channel 56, featuring music from Willie Nelson, along with other classic country artists.

Despite being merged for years, Sirius and XM have remained drastically different over the years, both relucting to take on many of their partner's channels. This move signals one of the first real changes in that stance since the two sides merged back in 2007. How this plans to affect future lineup changes and channel realignment is yet to be seen but it shows that the two sides are becoming more open to each other's content.

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Nick Cannon: The Next Big Radio Mogul?

Move over Ryan Seacrest, there could be a new king of top 40 radio. CBS Radio announced that Nick Cannon will be getting his own nationally syndicated talk show within the month.

CBS Radio announces that actor, comedian, TV and WXRK (92.3 NOW)/New York morning host Nick Cannon will host of a new weekly countdown show to be broadcast on CBS stations and syndicated by Citadel Media. Cannon's Countdown will be available for both CHR Pop/Rhythmic and Urban stations, featuring a mix of music and celebrity interviews. The four-hour and three-hour shows, respectively, will debut in two dozen markets including New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Houston, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Detroit, Phoenix, Oklahoma City, New Orleans and Little Rock the weekend of April 23.

Launching in conjunction with Cannon's Countdown is cannonscountdown.com, an online destination showcasing the program’s weekly list of the most popular Urban or CHR Pop/Rhythmic songs. The show will be available for streaming online at cannonscountdown.com and through the Radio.com mobile application. National over-the-air advertising and syndication will be managed by Citadel Media. Dom Theodore, Vice President of CHR/Top 40 Programming for CBS Radio, will serve as executive producer of the programs.

"CBS Radio has been an incredible partner," says Cannon. "With the success that we’ve had together with my morning show on 92.3 NOW in the New York City tri-state I am thrilled to now have the opportunity to reach radio listeners nationwide with my new Cannon’s Countdown show."

CBS Radio SVP of Programming Chris Oliviero added, "Nick is a unique personality who is a trusted source when it comes to music and pop culture for this generation. His uncanny sense of humor and engaging style will bring a new and modern twist to the countdown format and allows him to speak candidly while interviewing guests and breaking down celebrity gossip. With the launch of www.cannonscountdown, Nick will give his audience a 360-degree experience on-air and online while sharing his latest interests and insights via the web."

"Nick Cannon represents a dynamic brand and provides an ideal vehicle for advertisers wanting to reach the young-end consumer," said Ed Rivera, SVP of Sales for Citadel Media. "He has demonstrated his ability to attract top level advertisers and seamlessly integrate their messaging while affording them a connection to his loyal fans. Cannon’s Countdown will offer significant opportunities for sponsorships and product integration and our team is looking forward to leading the national sales effort."

Cannon, who currently hosts the morning show on WXRK in New York, will have his show featured on more then 20 stations around the country in markets such as NYC, Chicago and San Francisco. That show will be picked up by CBS Radio as well as Citadel Broadcasting, giving the show a large listener base right off the bat.

Cannon, is an actor and musician as well as being a radio host. His show on WXRK is the station's highest rated show and 2nd in it's time slot to z100's Elvis Duran Morning Show.