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Why do I choose satellite?


Microphone jpgI first got satellite radio as an option to my new car. It was a free test for a few months, but after having hundreds of channels with few commercials, it was hard not to continue.

My choice was Sirius for the infamous Howard Stern - if he was so inventive on terrestrial radio, how interesting would it be to hear him when there are no limits set? He was no disappointment. However, the variety of channels brought with it the radio channel hopping.

My dial was first set to Jazz, and it is a different stronghold for Sirius. Les Davis is an incredible jazz host in the evenings on Channel 72 — he brings with him such a wealth of information and love for jazz, it makes listening so much more enjoyable. I make imaginary calls to Les to talk about jazz, yet never have the time to actually do it.

Coffeehouse Acoustic (channel 30) is a great place to hear both the new artists and acoustic versions of old favorites. You can read about some of these artists in CafeYak New Music; I know you will dig this.

Cosmo radio I thought was a bit too young for me (as I am 29 and counting...), but it was Taylor′s sincere yet forward show in the mornings that continued to bring me there, with features like ″7 things you need to know″ among others. Taylor talks to everyone as if she is your friend and it's very genuine. I really hope Mr. Perfect turns out as good as Mr. Big (coming to the big screen soon).

There are many great music stations I could mention, but I will now jump to another satellite company — XM. The new Bob Dylan show is mesmerizing. It′s an unusual format — he talks as if it′s poetry. And he knows the music so well. I wish I was sitting there talking to him.

Deep tracks is another great channel on XM - you hear familiar voices on not so familiar tracks; it's refreshing.

Both satellite providers offer an excellent selection in music, talk, sports and many other formats. From Martha Stewart to Donny Deutch, Jim Cramer to Sean Hannity — there is diversity in talk as much as there is in music.

I still listen to terrestrial radio stations, but few and far in between. The music variety is just not the same. Yes, I will admit, there are plenty of good DJs on FM and especially AM radio, and NPR will always be on my dial, but it's just not enough to keep me there.

Written by Annie Bell

My Satellite channel picks

Company

Channel#

Description

Sirius

30

Singer-songwriters and Acoustic Rock

Sirius

72

Pure Jazz

Sirius

111

Cosmo Radio

Sirius

1

Top 40 Hits

Sirius

13

Elvis Radio

Sirius

16

Deeper Classic Rock Vault

Sirius

60

New Country

Sirius

100

Howard Stern

Sirius

107

E! Entertainment Radio

Sirius

129

CNBC

Sirius

115

Radio Disney

XM

40

Deep Classic Rock

XM

64

Old School R&B

XM

74

Bluesville

XM

15

Folk

XM

20

Top 20 Hits

XM

27

Movie Soundtracks

XM

72

Jazz

XM

127

CNBC

XM

156

Oprah and Friends

XM

164

Old Time Radio

XM

115

Radio Disney

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