
The long-running lawsuit against SiriusXM over alleged violations of Americans with Disabilities Act for failing to provide podcast transcripts has a new judge. The case was reassigned to Hon. Jeannette Vargas, following her November appointment.
The National Association of the Deaf and Disability Rights Advocates (DRA) originally filed the case in December 2021, accusing SiriusXM of excluding over 48 million deaf and hard-of-hearing Americans by not offering transcripts for podcast libraries on the platform. The suit extends to Stitcher and Pandora, which were acquired by the satellite broadcaster in 2018 and 2020, respectively.
The plaintiffs argue that transcripts are relatively simple to implement due to advancements in automation technology. NAD contends that providing access to information, including podcasts, is a “fundamental human right.”
Despite settlement discussions in 2023, no agreement has been reached.
Judge Vargas will preside over the case, with a pretrial conference scheduled for June 25 in New York City. Both parties have been ordered to submit a Post-Fact Discovery Joint Status Letter by February 14 and a Post-Expert Discovery Joint Status Letter by June 18.
The change comes as SiriusXM also prepares for a legal change of its own: General Counsel and Secretary Patrick Donnelly announced his retirement, effective later this year. A transition plan is in place while the company searches for his successor.
Donnelly’s departure comes as SiriusXM navigates two other high-profile legal battles. In 2023, SoundExchange filed a lawsuit accusing SiriusXM of withholding $150 million in royalties by undervaluing satellite radio revenue in bundled packages. SiriusXM denies the claims and has countered that SoundExchange misinterpreted federal regulations, with the case now in New York courts.
Additionally, BMI initiated a rate court case against SiriusXM in September, further adding to the company’s legal challenges during this leadership transition.