New York Times to Produce Content for XM

Deal between world known newspaper's radio division and satellite radio provider will see Times-branded content and music appearing on multiple XM channels.

XM Satellite Radio and the New York Times are out today with a deal which will see the latter’s content appear as sound bytes on various channels across XM’s channels. No date was given as to when the new material would appear.

The newly formed New York Times Radio unit, which includes classical musical station WQXR, will handle the XM relationship. XM will incorporate a series of information features on several of its talk channels, including reports, reviews, and commentaries from Times staffers. In addition, XM will present the WQXR music series “Reflections from the Keyboard” on one of its classical music channels as well as a jointly developed series of quarterly classical music specials.

The companies will also develop New York Times Radio hourly newscasts for select XM talk channels.

“XM is the leader in satellite radio, and will be very helpful with our new national initiative,” said Tom Bartunek, president of New York Times Radio and general manager of WQXR. “We hope that this initial agreement is the beginning of a long-term, growing collaboration.”

“New York Times Radio will provide a variety of high-quality talk radio, music, and news content for XM listeners,” said Eric Logan, executive vice president of XM Satellite Radio. “We look forward to working with The Times to offer a diverse selection of programming that will inform and entertain our millions of subscribers from coast to coast.”