Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.
The merger that formed SiriusXM occurred in 2010, combining Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio.
Answer: False
Explanation: The merger that established SiriusXM as a unified entity occurred in 2008, not 2010, combining Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio.
The merger between Sirius and XM was approved by the FCC after a review process lasting approximately 17 months.
Answer: True
Explanation: The merger of XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. and Sirius Satellite Radio, Inc. was approved by the FCC on July 29, 2008, following a review process of 17 months.
Upon its formation, the merged SiriusXM entity had approximately 14 million subscribers.
Answer: False
Explanation: The merged SiriusXM entity commenced operations with approximately 18.5 million subscribers, not 14 million.
The FCC approved the Sirius-XM merger despite concerns about creating a monopoly, reasoning that competition existed from other audio entertainment sources.
Answer: True
Explanation: The FCC approved the merger, acknowledging monopoly concerns but ultimately reasoning that competition from other audio entertainment sources justified the approval.
Martine Rothblatt founded XM Satellite Radio and served as its first CEO.
Answer: False
Explanation: Martine Rothblatt was instrumental in the founding of Sirius Satellite Radio, not XM Satellite Radio. While her company's petition contributed to the development of XM, she did not found XM itself nor serve as its first CEO.
The satellite radio industry's origins trace back to a 1990 petition filed by Martine Rothblatt for satellite radio frequencies.
Answer: True
Explanation: The satellite radio industry originated from Martine Rothblatt's 1990 petition for satellite radio frequencies; Rothblatt, David Margolese, and Robert Briskman were instrumental in its early development.
The company originally founded as Satellite CD Radio was renamed XM Satellite Radio in 1999.
Answer: False
Explanation: The company originally founded as Satellite CD Radio was renamed Sirius Satellite Radio in 1999, not XM Satellite Radio.
Sirius and XM receivers were initially incompatible due to using identical compression and conditional access systems.
Answer: False
Explanation: Sirius and XM receivers were initially incompatible because they employed different compression and conditional access systems, not identical ones.
Before the merger, Sirius offered 'lifetime subscriptions' that were universally transferable to any new radio unit purchased by the customer.
Answer: False
Explanation: Prior to the merger, Sirius's 'lifetime subscriptions' were associated with the specific radio unit purchased, not universally transferable to any new unit.
Through what process was SiriusXM formed, and in what year?
Answer: Merger of Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio in 2008.
Explanation: SiriusXM was formed in 2008 through the merger of Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio.
What was the approximate valuation of the merger deal between Sirius and XM when it was formed?
Answer: US$3.3 billion
Explanation: The merger deal between Sirius and XM was valued at approximately US$3.3 billion upon its formation.
Which of the following was a key condition imposed by the FCC for approving the Sirius-XM merger?
Answer: Freezing subscription rates for three years.
Explanation: A key condition imposed by the FCC for approving the Sirius-XM merger was the freezing of subscription rates for three years.
Who founded Sirius Satellite Radio?
Answer: Martine Rothblatt
Explanation: Sirius Satellite Radio was founded by Martine Rothblatt.
What was the original name of the company founded by Martine Rothblatt that eventually became Sirius Satellite Radio?
Answer: Satellite CD Radio
Explanation: The company originally founded by Martine Rothblatt, which eventually became Sirius Satellite Radio, was named Satellite CD Radio.
Why were Sirius and XM receivers initially incompatible?
Answer: They employed different compression and conditional access systems.
Explanation: Sirius and XM receivers were initially incompatible because they employed different compression and conditional access systems.
What was the nature of Sirius's 'lifetime subscriptions' before the merger?
Answer: They were tied to the specific radio unit purchased.
Explanation: Before the merger, Sirius's 'lifetime subscriptions' were associated with the specific radio unit purchased, not the subscriber's lifetime.
SiriusXM Holdings, Inc. was officially incorporated on May 21, 2013.
Answer: True
Explanation: SiriusXM Holdings, Inc. was officially incorporated on May 21, 2013.
In January 2020, SiriusXM reorganized its corporate structure, making Sirius XM Radio Inc. a separate, independent entity.
Answer: False
Explanation: The corporate reorganization in January 2020 resulted in Sirius XM Radio Inc. becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of SiriusXM Holdings, Inc., not a separate, independent entity.
Liberty Media provided a significant loan to SiriusXM in early 2009, preventing potential bankruptcy and acquiring a substantial equity stake.
Answer: True
Explanation: Liberty Media provided a US$530 million loan in February 2009, securing a 40% equity stake and averting SiriusXM's potential bankruptcy.
SiriusXM reported its first-ever quarterly profit in the first quarter of 2010.
Answer: False
Explanation: SiriusXM reported its first-ever quarterly profit in the fourth quarter of 2009, not the first quarter of 2010.
In March 2023, SiriusXM announced layoffs affecting 8% of its workforce, totaling approximately 475 employees.
Answer: True
Explanation: In March 2023, SiriusXM announced layoffs affecting 475 employees (8% of its workforce), citing economic uncertainty and the need for operational agility.
SiriusXM reached a settlement in December 2014 with 45 states and the District of Columbia regarding billing and renewal practices.
Answer: True
Explanation: The December 2014 settlement reached by SiriusXM concerned allegations related to misleading billing and service renewal practices.
When was SiriusXM Holdings, Inc. officially incorporated as a holding company?
Answer: May 21, 2013
Explanation: SiriusXM Holdings, Inc. was officially incorporated on May 21, 2013.
How did the corporate structure change in January 2020 involving SiriusXM Holdings, Inc. and Sirius XM Radio Inc.?
Answer: Sirius XM Radio Inc. became a wholly owned subsidiary of SiriusXM Holdings, Inc.
Explanation: In January 2020, Sirius XM Radio Inc. became a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of SiriusXM Holdings, Inc. as part of a corporate restructuring.
Who succeeded Mel Karmazin as the permanent CEO of SiriusXM in April 2013?
Answer: James E. Meyer
Explanation: James E. Meyer succeeded Mel Karmazin as the permanent CEO of SiriusXM in April 2013.
SiriusXM reached a settlement in December 2014 concerning allegations related to:
Answer: Misleading billing and service renewal practices.
Explanation: The December 2014 settlement reached by SiriusXM concerned allegations related to misleading billing and service renewal practices.
SiriusXM plays a role in the Emergency Alert System (EAS) as a secondary information source.
Answer: False
Explanation: SiriusXM functions as a primary entry point for the Emergency Alert System (EAS), not merely a secondary source.
SiriusXM Marine provides graphical weather and fishing information specifically for boaters.
Answer: True
Explanation: SiriusXM Marine is a service providing graphical weather and fishing information specifically for boaters.
SiriusXM Aviation offers pilots real-time traffic data but does not provide weather information.
Answer: False
Explanation: SiriusXM Aviation provides pilots with satellite-based graphical weather information, in addition to other data, not solely real-time traffic data.
The SiriusXM 360L platform integrates satellite signals with streaming content delivered via a vehicle's cellular data modem.
Answer: True
Explanation: The SiriusXM 360L platform integrates satellite signals with cellular streaming, providing access to additional channels and personalized content.
SiriusXM holds 'Listen Free' events annually, allowing non-subscribers to sample the service.
Answer: False
Explanation: SiriusXM conducts 'Listen Free' events twice annually, not just once a year, to allow non-subscribers to sample the service.
SiriusXM offers exclusive channels like TODAY Show Radio and Comedy Central Radio.
Answer: True
Explanation: SiriusXM offers exclusive channels such as TODAY Show Radio and Comedy Central Radio, among others.
SiriusXM provides concept-based channels such as 'The Coffee House' and 'Yacht Rock Radio'.
Answer: True
Explanation: SiriusXM offers concept-based channels like 'The Coffee House' and 'Yacht Rock Radio', providing curated listening experiences.
SiriusXM offers live play-by-play coverage for major professional sports leagues like the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL.
Answer: True
Explanation: SiriusXM provides live play-by-play coverage for major professional sports leagues such as the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL.
What specialized service does SiriusXM offer to boaters?
Answer: SiriusXM Marine Weather and Fishing Information
Explanation: SiriusXM offers SiriusXM Marine, a service providing graphical weather and fishing information specifically for boaters.
What capability does the SiriusXM 360L platform add for vehicle receivers?
Answer: It enables receivers to combine satellite signals with cellular streaming.
Explanation: The SiriusXM 360L platform enables vehicle receivers to integrate satellite signals with streaming content delivered via cellular data, expanding content access.
What is the purpose of SiriusXM's 'Listen Free' events?
Answer: To offer a free trial period for potential customers to sample the service.
Explanation: SiriusXM's 'Listen Free' events serve to offer potential customers a trial period to sample the service without a subscription.
Which of the following is a prominent news channel mentioned as being available on SiriusXM?
Answer: All of the above
Explanation: SiriusXM offers a wide array of prominent news channels, including Fox Business Network, CNN, and MSNBC.
What types of live sports coverage does SiriusXM offer?
Answer: Live play-by-play for NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, and all NASCAR/IndyCar races.
Explanation: SiriusXM provides live play-by-play coverage for major professional sports leagues such as the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL, along with NASCAR, IndyCar, and PGA Tour events.
Which of the following is an example of an artist-branded channel offered by SiriusXM?
Answer: The Beatles Channel
Explanation: The Beatles Channel is an example of an artist-branded channel offered by SiriusXM.
SiriusXM acquired the streaming music service Pandora in February 2019 for approximately $3.5 billion.
Answer: True
Explanation: SiriusXM completed the acquisition of Pandora on February 1, 2019, for US$3.5 billion.
In addition to Pandora, SiriusXM acquired Stitcher in 2020 and Conan O'Brien's podcast assets in 2022.
Answer: True
Explanation: Besides Pandora, SiriusXM acquired Stitcher (2020), 99% Invisible Inc. (2021), and Conan O'Brien's digital media assets (2022).
SiriusXM acquired the streaming service Pandora in which year?
Answer: 2019
Explanation: SiriusXM acquired the streaming service Pandora in 2019.
As of January 2025, SiriusXM had seven functional satellites in orbit, including three XM satellites.
Answer: False
Explanation: As of January 2025, SiriusXM had six functional satellites in orbit: two XM satellites, two Sirius satellites, and two SXM satellites.
The SXM-7 satellite, launched in December 2020, was declared a total loss after suffering failures during in-orbit testing.
Answer: True
Explanation: The SXM-7 satellite, launched in December 2020, was declared a total loss after suffering in-orbit testing failures in January 2021.
Sirius satellites broadcast in the S-band frequencies between 2.3200 and 2.3325 GHz.
Answer: True
Explanation: Sirius satellites broadcast in the S-band frequencies ranging from 2.3200 to 2.3325 GHz.
How many functional satellites were part of the SiriusXM constellation as of January 2025?
Answer: Six
Explanation: As of January 2025, SiriusXM had six functional satellites in orbit: two XM satellites, two Sirius satellites, and two SXM satellites.
What happened to the SXM-7 satellite after its launch in December 2020?
Answer: It suffered failures during testing and was declared a total loss.
Explanation: The SXM-7 satellite, launched in December 2020, was declared a total loss after suffering in-orbit testing failures in January 2021.
SiriusXM Holdings Inc. is primarily known for providing satellite radio and online radio services within the United States.
Answer: True
Explanation: SiriusXM Holdings Inc. is primarily recognized for its provision of satellite radio and online radio services within the United States.
Sirius launched its initial service phase in February 2002, covering four major cities.
Answer: True
Explanation: Sirius launched its initial service phase in February 2002 in four cities, subsequently expanding nationwide.
XM Satellite Radio's initial service launch was delayed due to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Answer: True
Explanation: XM Satellite Radio's initial service launch was postponed due to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Mel Karmazin gambled that the FCC would deny the merger waiver, leading him to proceed cautiously.
Answer: False
Explanation: Mel Karmazin, then Sirius CEO, proceeded with the merger, gambling that the FCC would grant a waiver despite existing rules, by emphasizing competition from other audio services.
Howard Stern and Martha Stewart were prominent programming assets featured on XM at the time of the merger.
Answer: False
Explanation: Howard Stern and Martha Stewart were prominent programming assets featured on Sirius at the time of the merger, not XM.
The National Association of Broadcasters supported the Sirius-XM merger, viewing it as beneficial for the industry.
Answer: False
Explanation: The National Association of Broadcasters strongly opposed the Sirius-XM merger, arguing it would create a monopoly, rather than supporting it.
By the end of 2012, SiriusXM's subscriber base had grown to approximately 23.9 million.
Answer: True
Explanation: By the end of 2012, SiriusXM's subscriber base had grown to 23.9 million.
By 2017, SiriusXM had achieved roughly 75% penetration in the new car market, with about 40% of owners converting to subscribers.
Answer: True
Explanation: By 2017, SiriusXM achieved approximately 75% penetration in new cars, with about 40% of owners converting to subscribers.
SiriusXM received FCC approval to add service in Alaska and Hawaii in December 2010.
Answer: True
Explanation: SiriusXM received FCC approval for service in Alaska and Hawaii on December 21, 2010, enabling nationwide coverage.
Howard Stern won his lawsuit regarding stock bonuses, receiving the full $330 million he claimed was owed after the merger.
Answer: False
Explanation: Howard Stern's lawsuit for US$330 million in stock bonuses was ultimately ruled in favor of SiriusXM, as courts determined XM subscribers should not count towards his bonus targets.
SiriusXM's Canadian affiliate, Sirius XM Canada, is solely owned by Sirius XM Holdings Inc.
Answer: False
Explanation: Sirius XM Holdings Inc. holds a 70% equity interest in its Canadian affiliate, Sirius XM Canada, meaning it is not solely owned by the U.S. parent company.
XM Radio Canada and Sirius Canada merged their operations in November 2010, with CRTC approval following in April 2011.
Answer: True
Explanation: XM Radio Canada and Sirius Canada merged in November 2010, with CRTC approval granted in April 2011.
What is the primary business of SiriusXM Holdings Inc. as described in the source?
Answer: Providing satellite radio and online radio services primarily in the US.
Explanation: The primary business of SiriusXM Holdings Inc. is providing satellite radio and online radio services, predominantly within the United States.
What percentage of equity does SiriusXM Holdings Inc. hold in its Canadian affiliate, Sirius XM Canada?
Answer: 70%
Explanation: SiriusXM Holdings Inc. holds a 70% equity interest in its Canadian affiliate, Sirius XM Canada.
What market claim does SiriusXM make as of mid-2022?
Answer: The largest audio entertainment company in North America.
Explanation: As of mid-2022, SiriusXM claims to be the largest audio entertainment company in North America.