XM Defends Itself to Listeners

XM Satellite Radio sent an explanation to listeners of the record label lawsuit against it for alleged copyright infringement. Titled “Defending the XM Nation,” the satcaster describes the Pioneer Inno and Samsung Helix and NeXus devices as similar to TiVo, giving users “the ability to enjoy the sports, talk and music programming whenever you want.”
“The music industry wants to stop your ability to choose when and where you can listen,” states XM. “Their lawyers have filed a meritless lawsuit to try and stop you from enjoying these radios.”
The record labels liken the Inno to a download service because the user can record, store and disaggregate music; therefore, they argue, XM should pay more than it does now for music copyright fees.
The satcaster says the new radios complement download services but don’t replace them.
“Instead of going after pirates who don’t pay a cent, the record labels are attacking the radios used for the enjoyment of music by consumers like you. It’s misguided and wrong,” XM wrote.
“We will vigorously defend these radios and your right to enjoy them in court and before Congress, and we expect to win.”