Sirius XM Radio had already predicted that it would end 2010 with 20.1 million subscribers, so you knew this was coming. The satellite radio company announced on Tuesday, the last day of November, that it had passed the 20 million subscriber mark.
“Reaching and surpassing 20 million subscribers is a significant milestone for us. We have added the last 10 million subscribers faster than the first 10 million – despite a tremendously competitive environment – representing a strong endorsement of our service and our programming by discerning consumers who want and demand the best in audio entertainment. As a leader in audio entertainment, Sirius XM has assembled the best content, personalities, and entertainers that satisfy our subscribers’ diverse interests,” said a statement from CEO Mel Karmazin.
Sirius XM already has its celebration in place for hitting the 20 million mark. It will have a special, subscriber-only broadcast of an exclusive Paul McCartney concert at the Apollo Theater in New York City on December 13th.
RBR-TVBR observation: Congratulations are in order for Mel. 2010 is an up year for satellite radio subscriptions after a down year in 2009. Satellite radio has never come close to meeting the most enthusiastic Wall Street predictions of the 1990s, but it is a viable niche business.
