(CelebrityAccess News Service) — Sirius Satellite Radio ended 2003 with 261,061 subscribers, up from approximately 30,000 subscribers at the end of 2002. This represents an increase of 772% over the year-ago figure. Sirius added over 100,000 subscribers in the fourth quarter of 2003 alone, due to increased sales at retail during the holiday season.
"Satellite radio was clearly one of the outstanding items at retail this holiday selling season," said Joseph P. Clayton, president and CEO, Sirius. "Sirius products sold nearly as fast as stores could get them on the shelves, and our new transportable Plug &Play products sold exceptionally well."
This holiday season marked the first time that Sirius had a full complement of products to offer, especially in the transportable Plug &Play category. The Plug &Play satellite radio products can be moved from the car to the home, boat or RV, with special docking kits that install easily. According to company officials, Sirius' new Audiovox Plug &Play product was a best seller, and exceeded sales expectations in the retail market.
"During 2003, we not only refined our 100% commercial-free music offering, but we also added more sports to our line-up, which now includes the NBA, NHL and NFL," added Clayton. "Sirius is now the official satellite radio broadcaster of the NFL, and we'll be broadcasting their games beginning next football season. We believe that our tremendous selection of music, news, sports and original programming firmly positions Sirius as the premium content provider in satellite radio, and we also believe that this is increasingly being recognized by consumers." –Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen
