XM Satellite Radio channel history

This is a list of former channels on XM Satellite Radio, in addition to information on format changes of existing channels. Also included is information on temporary channels and seasonal channels.

Format changes

These XM channels still exist on the lineup, but have made changes to its presentation method or playlist.
* ESPN Xtra - Was 24/7 ESPNEWS TV audio rebroadcast until 2008-02-04 [cite press release |publisher=PRNewswire "via" xmradio.com |date=2008-01-28 |url=http://xmradio.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=1560 |title=ESPN and XM Satellite Radio to Launch 'ESPN Xtra' Radio Channel |accessdate=2008-01-28] .
* XM Café - Was formerly titled Starbucks XM Café from 2007-07-31 until 2008-09-30.
* Quoi de Neuf - Was Art and Entertainment news and information until 2007-04-09.
* Radio Parallèle - Was Men's Lifestyle and Sports Talk until 2007-04-06. This channel titled SportPlus until 2007-04-06 and Franc Parler from 2005-11-17 to 2006-04-17.
* Fuego - Was Latin Pop until August 14, 2005. This channel titled Alegria until April 17, 2006.
* The Pink Channel - Was a simulcast WLTW in New York City, New York until December 1, 2003, and formerly titled Lite. Following the format flip, the channel was titled Sunny. This title remained until 2008-08-18. Among the formats for Sunny were Beautiful Music until May 1, 2006, Nostalgic Music until June 2006, AM Gold music, and finally Early AC.
* Highway 16 - Was 90s and 2000s Country on channel 15 until December 1, 2003. Formerly titled Highway 15.
* KISS - Simulcast KIIS-FM/KVVS in Los Angeles, California until December 1, 2003. Flipped to hits of the 90s and today in June 2006.
* MIX - Simulcast KHMX in Houston, Texas until December 1, 2003. Changed again May 1, 2006 to play wider array of hit music from 1970s onward.
* Nashville! - Simulcast WSIX in Nashville, Tennessee until December 1, 2003. Formerly titled WSIX.
* The Verge - Was Unsigned Artists until November 17, 2005. It is now a channel programmed by Canadian Satellite Radio. Its original name was Unsigned, and after that, (un)Signed.
* Top Tracks - Played Classic rock until shifting to Early Classic Rock on March 1, 2006. Later Classic Rock was spun off into Big Tracks.

Defunct channels

These channels are no longer part of the XM platform.
* BET Uptown (XM62) - Urban Adult Contemporary station from BET. Brought in-house and changed to Suite 62.
* C|Net Radio (XM130) - A simulcast of KNEW in San Francisco. The station was about news and information regarding technology. It changed formats due to financial losses. (Removed on 2/1/04)
* C-Wave (XM105) - Outsourced Chinese language music channel. Was deleted when XM decided to move more programming in-house. (Removed on 8/26/02.)
* CNNfn (XM128) - Complete coverage of business news. The network was shut down in 2002. (Removed on 12/2/02.)
* CNN Sports Illustrated (XM141) - Sports News and In-Depth Features. The network was shut down on May 15, 2002. (Removed around 5/12/02)
* USA Today (XM121) - News from USA Today and its staff in collaboration with XM. (Removed on 12/2/02.)
* Discovery Channel Radio (XM161) - Discovery Channel programming. Originally programmed 24/7, then during nights and weekends. (Was removed on 9/1/05)
* Babble On (XM168) - Talk channel geared towards teenage audience, deleted for low listenership. One of the first programming casualties of XM. (Removed on 12/2/02.)
* Playboy Radio (XM205) - Premium channel provided by Playboy for an extra $4.99 a month. Was deleted due to low subscription turnout. (Added to lineup on 8/26/02. Removed on 9/1/05.) It has now resurfaced on Sirius Satellite Radio. It is available without an additional fee, but subscribers must "opt in" to receive the channel.
* MTV Radio (XM155) - MTV audio simulcasts and pop hits. Also included Headbangers Ball and various MTV award shows. (Original channel that was on 25. Moved to 155 on 2/1/04. Removed from satellite lineup on 9/30/05.)
* VH1 Radio (XM156) - VH1 audio simulcasts and pop hits. Also included Behind the Music. (Original channel that was on 24. Moved to 156 on 2/1/04. Removed from satellite lineup on 9/30/05.)
* Buzz XM (XM166) - Hot Talk station provided for Clear Channel terrestrial talk shows, renamed "America Right" to complement Air America (originally called "America Left" but changed when Air America signed an exclusive deal with XM) (Was removed on 4/5/04)
* XM News (XM120) - In-house news service. Third party channels defeated its purpose. (Was removed on 8/26/02.)
* Tejano (XM93) - Tejano music channel owned and produced by Univision. When XM went to commercial free music, Univision pulled out.
* Radio Taj (XM104) - Outsourced Indian language music channel. Was deleted when XM decided to move more programming in-house. (Removed on 8/26/02.)
* Red Cross Radio (XM248) - A temporary channel used to aid victims of the Hurricane Katrina crisis.
* NASCAR 2 (XM145) - Second NASCAR channel for pit crew audio. Added on 9/4/04. This station ended after the 2005 racing season and has not returned.
*Sporting News Radio (XM143) - This channel simulcasted the entire Sporting News Radio lineup until 8/28/06, when it was replaced with XM's in-house sports channel XM Sports Nation. The new channel still plays select SNR shows, especially on weekends.
*MSNBC (XM130) - TV audio rebroadcast. Was removed on 9/4/06 due to scheduling changes across the XM platform.
*NASCAR Radio (XM144) - NASCAR Racing and Talk. Was removed on 1/1/07 as the NASCAR contract expired and NASCAR's new deal with Sirius started. XM Produced shows were merged into XM Sports Nation, which now occupies the channel number.
*Hear Music (XM 75) - The Voice of Music at Starbucks. Was removed on 2007-07-31, as bandwidth was used for XMX. This channel merged with XM Café to create Starbucks XM Café.
*ABC News & Talk (XM 124) - News/talk and entertainment. Was removed on 2007-09-24, as Citadel Broadcasting will be shutting down operations of, or selling off, its satellite networks as a cost-cutting measure.
* The Flow (XM61) - Neo-soul music. This channel moved from the satellites to online only. Removed on 2008-07-15.
* The Torch (XM31) - Christian rock music. This channel moved from the satellites to online only, and was also on DirecTV. Removed on 2008-07-15.
* Luna (XM95) - Latin Jazz music. This channel moved from the satellites to online only, and was also on DirecTV. Removed on 2008-07-15.
* On the Rocks (XM79) - Lounge music. This channel moved from the satellites to online only. Removed on 2008-07-15.
* XM Music Lab (XM51) - Progressive rock and jam bands. This channel moved from the satellites to online only. Removed on 2008-07-15.
* Fuego (XM90) - Reggaeton & Hispanic Rhythmic. This channel moved from the satellites to online only, and was also on DirecTV. Removed on 2008-07-15.
* Special X (XM154) - Freeform novelty music. This channel moved from the satellites to online only, and was also on DirecTV. Removed on 2008-07-15.
* WSIX (XM161) - Simulcast of Nashville, TN-based Country music station. Removed on 2008-08-08.
* XM Live (XM120) - Concerts, Festivals, Interviews, & Special Features. Removed on 2008-09-30.

Channels which have changed ownership

*The Torch - Programmed by Salem Communications until 2006, now programmed by XM Radio.
*The Message - Programmed by Salem Communications until 2006 under Salem's trademark brand The Fish, now programmed by XM Radio.
*Spirit - Programmed by Radio One, Inc. until 2004, now programmed by XM Radio.
*The Verge - Programmed by XM Radio until November 2005 as Unsigned, now programmed by XM Radio Canada.
*The Flow - Programmed by Radio One, Inc. until 2004, now programmed by XM Radio. This station is not present on the XM satellites anymore.
*RAW - Programmed by Radio One, Inc. until 2004, now programmed by XM Radio.
*The City - Programmed by Radio One, Inc. until 2005, now programmed by XM Radio.
*Fuego - Programmed by Hispanic Broadcasting Corporation under the name Alegria with a Latin Pop format, until it merged with Univision Radio in 2002. Univision Radio programmed the channel until 2004. It's now programmed by XM Radio, who changed its name and format. This station is not present on the XM satellites anymore.
*Caliente - Programmed by Hispanic Broadcasting Corporation, until it merged with Univision Radio in 2002. Univision Radio programmed the channel until 2004. It's now programmed by XM Radio.
*Aguila - Programmed by Hispanic Broadcasting Corporation] , until it merged with Univision Radio in 2002. Univision Radio programmed the channel until 2004. It's now programmed by XM Radio.
*Vibra - Programmed by Hispanic Broadcasting Corporation, until it merged with Univision Radio in 2002. Univision Radio programmed the channel until 2004. It's now programmed by XM Radio, and is a DirecTV exclusive.
*Caricia - Programmed by Hispanic Broadcasting Corporation, until it merged with Univision Radio in 2002. Univision Radio programmed the channel until 2004. It's now programmed by XM Radio. On 2008-01-01, this channel returned to the satellite broadcasting with a Spanish Oldies format.
*America Right - Programmed by Clear Channel Communications until May 2006. It's now programmed by XM Radio.
*ABC News & Talk - Programmed by ABC Radio until 2007-06-12. Programming was turned over to Citadel Broadcasting as part of the merger between Citadel and ABC Radio. This station is not present on the XM satellites anymore.
*The Power - Programmed by Radio One, Inc. until 2008-01-01, now programmed by XM Radio. [cite news |first=Robert |last=Redding Jr. |title=Radio One to sever ties with XM |url=http://www.reddingnewsreview.com/newspages/2008newspages/radio_one_to_sever_ties_with_xm_08_091000001.htm |date=2008-01-01 |accessdate=2008-01-02 ]

Channels canceled before launch

* XM announced in April 2006 that in late spring/early summer six regional News & Talk channels (XM 134-XM 139) would be added and provide regional news coverage for every area of the continental US. These channels were to have been provided by Clear Channel Communications and were to have been located in "Regional News, Talk & Music Channels." According to Jon Zellner via a subscriber email [http://www.xmfan.com/viewtopic.php?t=66362] , Clear Channel decided to forego the launch of these channels. The category still exists for the 5 music channels and WLW. The original plan was to create a set of regionalized, five-minute newscasts. Each newscast was to carry 90 seconds of advertising, with the 3:30-minute balance devoted to regionally targeted news. The channels were to be titled:
**Northeast News and Talk
**Southeast News and Talk
**Midwest News and Talk
**Middle America News and Talk
**Southwest News and Talk
**Northwest News and Talk

Channels of unknown status

* XM Announced in 1/31/06 that they would be adding Traffic & Weather channels for Cincinnati, Cleveland, Denver-Boulder, Milwaukee-Racine, Portland, Providence-Warwick-Pawtucket, Sacramento, San Antonio and Wilmington, DE to their NavTraffic product during the first quarter 2006. NavTraffic requires a subscription separate from the regular XM service. More information can be found [http://www.orbitcast.com/archives/xm-navtraffic-expanding-to-nine-new-markets.html here] [http://www.xmradio.com/navtraffic/ or here] . Rumors are reporting that a Traffic & Weather station could be dropped for Cincinnati due to the recent addition of WLW on XM channel 173.

easonal/holiday channels

These channels are season- and holiday-based, and are only around for a part of the year. It is not uncommon that they take the place of an existing channel.

* Holly (XM 103) - Holly is one of XM's annual month-long Christmas music channels that plays all the holiday musical hits. Its playlist is similar to what one would find on an FM Adult Contemporary station that has switched to Christmas music.
* Holiday Traditions (XM 104) - Another one of XM's holiday channels, Holiday Traditions focuses on older seasonal pop recordings.
* Music City Holiday (XM 105) - This temporary XM holiday channel features country themed Christmas music. Formerly known (in 2005) as "A Nashville Christmas".
* A Classical Christmas (XM 106) - This XM holiday channel plays choral and orchestral music with a Christmas theme. It replaces XM Pops in December and is therefore presented in XM HD Surround. Formerly known (in 2005) as "Pops Holiday Classics".
* Special Xmas (XM 107) - The most unusual of XM's holiday channels, Special Xmas features novelty holiday music. From songs by the likes of Alvin and the Chipmunks and Barney, to the more grown-up xL tastes from punk rock bands. Special X also plays this channel online and on DirecTV.
* Radio Hanukkah (XM 108) - This channel was debuted in 2006 for the Hanukkah celebration. Radio Hanukkah featured the best in Jewish music, comedy, Broadway, talk and kids programming. This was the first radio channel dedicated exclusively to Jewish culture.

Micro-channels

These channels are specialty themed channels aired to coincide with an event, or devoted to a single personality or musical artist.

* Me-103 (XM 103) - In celebration of XM's 4 million subscribers, they held a contest for a listener to program his/her own channel for a day.
*FIFA World Cup 2006 (XM 148) - Was the home for English World Cup Soccer Commentary and Play-by-Play. Added on 3/24/06. This station left the day after the completion of the 2006 World Cup. (Removed on 7/10/06.)
* XM Green (XM 76) - Between 2007-03-16 and 2007-03-18, this channel featured Irish folk music in honor of Saint Patrick's Day on channel 200. [cite press release |title=XM to Offer First-Ever Irish Music Channel as Part of St. Patrick's Day Holiday Programming Lineup |publisher=XM Satellite Radio |accessdate=2007-03-23 |date=2007-03-07 |url=http://xmradio.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=1429 ] In 2008, XM Green preempted Fine Tuning on channel 76 from 2008-03-15 to 2008-03-17.
* Play Ball! (XM 120) - A special program of baseball-themed songs and spoken word bits, timed to coincide with Opening Day of the Major League season. Aired on channel 200 between 2007-03-30 and 2007-04-02, and on channel 120 between 2008-03-29 and 2008-03-30.
* Larry! (XM 130) - Between 2007-04-16 and 2007-05-04, channel 130 featured replays of "The Larry King Show" along with interviews and new material. [cite press release |url=http://xmradio.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=1443 |title=XM Celebrates Larry King's 50 Years in Broadcasting With Dedicated Channel From April 16-April 20|accessdate=2008-01-02 |date=2007-04-05
publisher=PR Newswire "via" xmradio.com |quote=24/7 Channel to Offer Retrospective of King's Career With Classic Interviews, Greatest Moments From Radio and Television, One-on-One Interview With XM's Bob Edwards and More] Originally scheduled for 5 days starting on 2007-04-16 the broadcast was extended due to the Virginia Tech Massacre and replayed the CNN coverage of "Larry King Live" that was aired during that week.
* XM Summer (XM 120) - This channel, featuring a marathon of summer-themed songs, first aired on channel 120 between 2007-06-20 and 2007-06-22. [cite web |url=http://www.xmradio.com/onxm/features/summer_2007.xmc |title=Summer 2007 |accessdate=2007-06-11] It re-aired on 2008-06-21.
* Uncle Sam (XM 120) - This channel, featuring patriotic American music for the Fourth of July, aired on channel 120 between 2007-07-03 and 2007-07-05. [cite web | url=http://www.xmradio.com/onxm/features/uncle-sam.xmc |title=Uncle Sam | accessdate=2007-07-05] It re-aired on 2008-07-04.
*Earth Sounds (XM 39) -Between 2007-07-07 and 2007-07-09, this channel featured nature sounds of the earth, aired on channel 39. This micro-channel was a part of XM's Live Earth coverage. [cite web |url=http://www.xmradio.com/onxm/features/liveearth.xmc |title=Live Earth |accessdate=2007-07-09]
* Christmas In July (XM 120) - Between 2007-07-25 and 2007-07-26, this channel featured popular Christmas music themed in the middle of summer. The channel aired on XM Live 120. [cite web | url=http://www.xmradio.com/onxm/features/christmas_in_july.xmc |title=Christmas In July | accessdate=2007-07-26]
*Car-B-Q (XM 120) - Between 2007-09-01 and 2007-09-03, this channel featured a mix of songs about traveling and Car music aired on XM Live Channel 120. [cite web | url=http://www.xmradio.com/onxm/features/120_car-b-q.xmc |title=Car-B-Q | accessdate=2007-10-29]
*P.O.T.U.S `08 (XM 130) - Produced in conjunction with C-SPAN and covering the 2008 U.S. Presidential election, this channel launched on 2007-09-24 and will run until after the election on 2008-11-04. [cite press release |title=XM Radio To Launch 2008 Presidential Election Channel 'P.O.T.U.S. '08' On September 24 |publisher=PR Newswire "via" xmradio.com |accessdate=2007-09-19 |date=2007-09-19 |url=http://xmradio.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=1504]
*Igor (XM 120) - Between 2007-10-29 and 2007-11-01, this channel featured a mix of Halloween music aired on XM Live Channel 120. [cite web | url=http://www.xmradio.com/onxm/features/igor.xmc |title=Igor | accessdate=2007-10-29]
*Party City (XM 120) - Between 2007-12-26 and 2008-01-01, this channel featured a mix of music to bring in the New Year that aired on XM Live Channel 120. [cite web | url=http://www.xmradio.com/onxm/channelpage.xmc?ch=120 |title=Party City | accessdate=2007-10-29]
*XM LED: The Led Zeppelin Channel (XM 59) - Between 2007-11-08 and 2008-03-08, this channel featured Led Zeppelin music 24/7 on channel 59. [cite press release |title=Dedicated Led Zeppelin Channel to Launch Exclusively on XM Beginning November 8 |publisher=XM Satellite Radio |accessdate=2007-11-07 |date=2007-11-07 |url=http://xmradio.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=1531 |quote="XM LED: The Led Zeppelin Channel" To Feature U.S. Premiere of "The Song Remains the Same" Reissue with Previously Unreleased Material, Interviews with Led Zeppelin and More]
*XM THRILLER (XM 63) - Between 2008-03-01 and 2008-03-31, this channel featured Michael Jackson music 24/7 on channel 63, in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of Jackson's "Thriller" album. [cite press release |title='XM THRILLER: The Music of Michael Jackson' to Launch March 1 on XM |publisher=PR Newswire "via" xmradio.com |accessdate=2008-04-01 |date=2008-02-11 |url=http://xmradio.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=1569 |quote=Quincy Jones to Serve as Executive Advisor for the Month-Long Channel to Commemorate 25th Anniversary Release of Michael Jackson's "Thriller"]
*Strait Country (XM 17) - Between 2008-04-01 and 2008-05-31, this channel featured the music of country singer George Strait 24/7 on channel 17, temporarily pre-empting US Country. [cite press release |title=Dedicated George Strait Channel To Launch Exclusively on XM Beginning April 1 |publisher=PR Newswire "via" xmradio.com |accessdate=2008-04-01 |date=2008-03-12 |url=http://xmradio.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=1581 |quote='Strait Country' to Feature Music from Strait's Entire Recording Catalog, Exclusive Interviews, Original Programming and More to Coincide with the Release of New Album, 'Troubadour']
*Papal U.S. Visit '08 (XM 120) - Produced in conjunction with EWTN Global Catholic Network, this channel covered Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the U.S. on channel 120 from 2008-04-15 to 2008-04-20. [cite press release |title=XM Radio Joins with EWTN Global Catholic Network to Launch 'Papal U.S. Visit '08' Channel on XM |publisher=PR Newswire "via" xmradio.com |accessdate=2008-04-14 |date=2008-04-03 |url=http://xmradio.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=1597 |quote=XM, EWTN to host six-day XM channel devoted to Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the United States April 15-20]
*30 Days of Coldplay (XM 51) - From 2008-07-15 to 2008-08-15, channel 51 played the music of Coldplay 24/7, along with interviews and exclusive live performances. [cite press release |title='30 Days of Coldplay' to Launch July 15 on XM |publisher=PR Newswire "via" xmradio.com |accessdate=2008-06-25 |date=2008-06-24 |url=http://xmradio.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=1628 |quote=Month-Long Dedicated Coldplay Channel to Feature Exclusive, Uncut Live Performances from Viva La Vida Tour, Tracks from their New Album, Interviews With the Band and More]
*Mandatory Metallica (XM 51) - From 2008-08-16 to 2008-09-30, channel 51 played the music of Metallica 24/7, along with interviews and exclusive live performances. [cite press release |title='Mandatory Metallica' to Launch August 16 on XM |publisher=PR Newswire "via" xmradio.com |accessdate=2008-08-09 |date=2008-08-08 |url=http://xmradio.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=1649 |quote=Six-Week Dedicated Metallica Channel Hosted by the Band to Feature Complete Catalog, Rare, Live Performances, Interviews and More]
*AC/DC Radio (XM 53) - From 2008-09-15 to 2009-01-15, channel 51 will play the music of AC/DC 24/7, along with interviews and exclusive live performances, temporarily preempting Fungus. [cite press release |title='AC/DC Radio' to Air on XM Radio |publisher=PR Newswire |accessdate=2008-09-15 |date=2008-09-09 |url=http://prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/09-09-2008/0004881780&EDATE=]

XM on AOL Radio

On 2008-04-30, the XM channels were no longer offered on AOL Radio [cite press release |publisher=PRNewswire "via" xmradio.com |date=2008-03-07 |url=http://xmradio.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=1579 |title=XMRadio.com to Become Exclusive Home on the Internet for Unrivaled Commercial- Free Music Plus Oprah, Dylan, Opie & Anthony and More |accessdate=2008-04-30] , thus ending a partnership between the two entities.

References