NEW YORK, Aug. 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Sirius XM Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) today announced that it has signed renowned sports talk personality Chris "Mad Dog" Russo to a new three-year contract that will keep his daily all-sports radio show exclusively on SiriusXM's Mad Dog Sports Radio channel.  Russo's on-air role will be expanded to include a significant presence on the MLB Network Radio channel on SiriusXM.

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Russo will continue to host his daily show, Mad Dog Unleashed, weekday afternoons on Mad Dog Sports Radio, SiriusXM channel 86.  Starting in September, with the beginning of NFL season, the show will air daily from 3:00-6:00pm ET/12:00-3:00pm PT.  The show is also available to subscribers through the SiriusXM Internet Radio App and online at SiriusXM.com.

MLB Network today also announced that Russo will join its roster of on-air talent to host a new weekday baseball show launching in the spring of 2014, in addition to appearing across its studio programming. The show will be produced by MLB Network and simulcast on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM. MLB Network's Emmy Award-winning studio show "MLB Tonight" is currently simulcast on MLB Network Radio on weekdays at 6:00 p.m. ET.

In addition to hosting Mad Dog Unleashed daily, Russo will take on an expanded role that will feature him prominently on the MLB Network Radio channel on SiriusXM (channel 89 on XM, channel 209 on Sirius Premier and on the SiriusXM App).  He will serve as SiriusXM's "baseball ambassador," hosting shows and specials and appearing regularly on the channel to comment on MLB news and issues. 

"I've always loved the on-air freedom that comes with being on SiriusXM," said Russo.  "I can do the kind of show here that I wouldn't be able to do anywhere else and I'm fortunate to be able to continue to give my listeners my kind of sports talk radio each and every day on Mad Dog Unleashed.  I'll also get to emphasize my passion for baseball with my new role on MLB Network Radio and MLB Network, where I'll be talking to dyed-in-the-wool baseball fans like me throughout the year.  This is a terrific opportunity that allows me to do what I do best, while also reaching new audiences."

"Chris is a one-of-a-kind sports radio talent, one of the best in the history of the medium, and we're very pleased to keep him on SiriusXM for years to come," said Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM's President and Chief Content Officer.  "Our listeners will continue to get his unique style of sports talk -- the biting commentary, the high profile interviews, the great rants -- on a daily basis.  And by expanding his role to the MLB Network Radio channel, we can better showcase his passion for baseball and his extraordinary knowledge of the sport.  This will enhance our overall sports programming and increase his reach, and will be a benefit to both Chris and our listeners."

"Chris Russo is one of the top sports voices in the country and he will be a terrific addition to our unparalleled roster of on-air talent," said Tony Petitti, President and CEO of MLB Network. "Expanding MLB Network's live programming has been a continued goal since our launch in 2009, and we look forward to bringing his refreshing take on baseball to MLB Network's weekday lineup in 2014."

Russo is widely credited for having helped popularize the sports talk format across the country and is known to sports fans everywhere for his feisty, unflinchingly candid approach to talking sports and unrestrained, rapid-fire delivery that earned him the nickname "Mad Dog."  He joined SiriusXM in 2008 after nearly 20 years in New York hosting the popular Mike and the Mad Dog show.  In addition to hearing him on SiriusXM daily, fans can follow Russo on Twitter (@MadDogUnleashed).

About Sirius XM Radio

Sirius XM Radio Inc. is the world's largest radio broadcaster measured by revenue and has more than 25 million subscribers.  SiriusXM creates and broadcasts commercial-free music; premier sports talk and live events; comedy; news; exclusive talk and entertainment; and the most comprehensive Latin music, sports and talk programming in radio. SiriusXM is available in vehicles from every major car company in the U.S., from retailers nationwide, and online at siriusxm.com. SiriusXM programming is also available through the SiriusXM Internet Radio App for Android, Apple, and BlackBerry smartphones and other connected devices. SiriusXM also holds a minority interest in SiriusXM Canada which has more than 2 million subscribers.

On social media, join the SiriusXM community on Facebook, facebook.com/siriusxm, Twitter, twitter.com/siriusxm, Instagram, instagram.com/siriusxm, and YouTube at youtube.com/siriusxm.

About MLB Network:

MLB Network is the ultimate television destination for baseball fans, featuring the multiple Emmy Award-winning MLB Tonight, live regular season and Postseason game telecasts, original programming, highlights, and insights and analysis from the best in the business, including Bob Costas, Peter Gammons, Jim Kaat, Al Leiter and Harold Reynolds. MLB Network debuted on January 1, 2009 in a record-setting 50 million homes and is currently distributed in 70 million homes throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. For more information and to find MLB Network in your area, go to www.MLBNetwork.com.

This communication contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future financial and operating results, our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions with respect to future operations, products and services; and other statements identified by words such as "will likely result," "are expected to," "will continue," "is anticipated," "estimated," "believe," "intend," "plan," "projection," "outlook" or words of similar meaning.  Such forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of our management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond our control.  Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements. 

The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements: our competitive position versus other forms of radio and  audio services; our dependence upon automakers; general economic conditions; failure of our satellites, which, in most cases, are not insured; our ability to attract and retain subscribers at a profitable level; royalties we pay for music rights; the unfavorable outcome of pending or future litigation; rapid technological and industry change; failure of third parties to perform; changes in consumer protection laws and their enforcement; and our substantial indebtedness.  Additional factors that could cause our results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, which is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and available at the SEC's Internet site (http://www.sec.gov).  The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date hereof, and we disclaim any intention or obligation to update any forward looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this communication.

P-SIRI

Media contacts:
Andrew FitzPatrick
SiriusXM
212.901.6693
andrew.fitzpatrick@siriusxm.com

Lorraine Fisher
MLB Network
201.520.2895
lorraine.fisher@mlb.com

 

SOURCE Sirius XM Radio