ATR PROGRAMMING UPDATE: 'Premier' choice reversed; Back to square one

[Kasept]

Here is the good news/bad news update regarding the Sirius side of the dial with ATR. Spoke Friday with Steve Cohen, (Developer/Producer of WFAN programming early on including Francessa and Russo, etc.), who heads up Sports at the network.

There does not appear to be an immediate solution to the 10a-7p overlap issue right now on Sirius Ch. 93. They are monitoring programming to find a new home for ATR and TVG from 10a-7p, but have no room as of right now. He also offered the option of going 7-10a to be 'live' on both Sirius 93 and XM 209, but I believe that will only make things more difficult for people to listen, particularly on the West Coast.

Until the network launches their new "2.0" Internet-based option for in-car units, it appears Sirius listeners will have to catch Hours 2/3 on the replay, via SportsZone on their SmartPhones through the App, or streaming from the ATR website. Or make the switch over to XM which remains unaffected by the ESPN programming on Sirius 10a-7p.

The good news is that SiriusXM has been stunned by the reaction of angry racing fans over the pre-empting of ATR and TVG 10a-7p on Ch. 93, and pledged that racing content, including ATR, is still high on the priority list for the network. I apologize to Sirius subscribers for the inconvenience and frustration, appreciate everyone's support, and will continue to try to find easier ways for Sirius listeners to get the 2nd and 3rd hours of ATR.

Steve