As SiriusXM rolls out its 2024 brand overhaul, it will be adding electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian to its list of carriers. This integration, which will go to all Rivians via an over-the-air update, is the latest audio addition from the brand which cut AM years ago. Once the update is installed, SiriusXM will allow all owners to activate a three-month trial subscription.
The satellite broadcasts will be available in both Rivian models, the R1T truck and the R1S SUV.
SiriusXM Chief Commercial Officer Joe Verbrugge expressed, “Rivian is a disruptor in the automotive industry and has an exceptional lineup of software-forward electric vehicles that deliver to their owners a truly tailored experience in a variety of different ways. We are excited to launch SiriusXM with Rivian and to meet listeners everywhere they are and everywhere they want to go.”
Rivian SVP of Software Development Wassym Bensaid added, “At Rivian, we’re committed to enhancing the driving experience and evolving our vehicles over time through software updates. We collaborated with SiriusXM on a digital integration.”
We have a module for newer vehicles that can add Am radio back in and other global FM stations as well. Call GCH for more info. 9518476299. Ask for Greg
Regarding the decline of AM radio–Could the broadcasters themselves be to blame? A lot of AM stations offer dreadful programming: political rants, hellfire and brimstone preachers, and dollar a holler infomercials. Others have decent programming, but the AM stations are not being promoted. Audacy is guilty of doing this. Audacy recently added FM simulcasts to some of their very successful AM stations, but they no longer mention the AMs at all! Among these are all-news KYW, Philadelphia. That station is a longtime occupant of 1060 kHz, but recently added a suburban Class A FM simulcast. KYW’s on-air promotions always mention “KYW 103-9”, even though the 50 kW AM signal is solid into areas where the FM signal is history. All-sports WFAN, New York, simulcasts on 101.9 FM, a Class B signal. The 50 kW flamethrower at 660 AM is never mentioned unless a sporting event scheduling conflict makes it necessary for WFAN to break the simulcast to put one event on AM and the other on FM. Yet the AM station puts a listenable signal into Philly and beyond during the day and covers at least 30 states at night.
People, if you are not promoting your AM stations, why should you even care that car manufacturers are dropping AM from the dashboard? And, yes, Sirius XM is a good choice as they offer programming that is no longer available on terrestrial broadcast radio, including many music formats that have gone extinct on AM and FM. Smooth jazz and beautiful music, anyone?
What a heartfelt and insightful piece. We appreciate you sharing with us. Let’s attempt to play the game together now.