Now here’s a deal I haven’t seen before. You know I’m a Sirius subscriber since I’ve written about it before. I’ve been wondering when or how or if the satellite radio people will try to target the most logical immediate customers for their product. It looks like they’ve been doing a little work. Although farmers are just “regular” people who like all that programming wouldn’t it be nice if they offered farm news?
NCGA Offers Deal on Satellite Radio to Growers
National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) members can take advantage of substantial discounts for XM and Sirius satellite radio. XM and Sirius provide commercial-free music in various formats, from country to rock to jazz and blues. They also offer several news stations, such as CNN, The Weather Channel and MSNBC, and sports broadcasts, such as NASCAR, Major League Baseball and college athletics.
“NCGA continues to look for things that will assist growers and benefit our operations,” said Dave Boettger, chairman of the Grower Services Action Team. “I encourage our members to check out this opportunity. It gives growers instant access to news, weather and sports.” Equipment prices start at $77.75. The monthly fee is $12.95 per month. Please visit http://www.ncga.com/aboutus/main/index.html for more details.
“This is a great opportunity for our members,” said Byron Keelin, NCGA’s membership manager. “We’re offering substantial discounts on these products. It’s another way that NCGA is trying to build value for our members.”
NCGA sent members coupon books in May with savings on software, test kits, publication subscriptions, Internet access, magazine and newsletter subscriptions and more. Keelin said NCGA is always on the lookout for getting discounts for growers.
“We’ve been able to give growers some excellent deals recently, and we’re continuing to keep an eye out for new ones,” Keelin said.
Hi Chuck,
I can appreciate the NCGA membership initiatives to try to add value to memberships and encourage membership renewals and new memberships; however Farm information on satellite radio is not likely to be a part of any programming options. The Satellite folks have made it very clear that the number of potential subscribers would be only a fraction of the millions they require to be a target demographic. Yes, farmers are people and enjoy various entertainment options; however when Satellite radio becomes a detraction from AM & FM Local radio for farmers, the potential negative impact on the reliable and timely service they now receive may be in question.
Advertiser support of Farm Broadcasting on the NAFB stations and networks is imperative to provide this FREE service to Agriculture and any thing that detracts from that relationship can only be detremental to the agricultural community.
Example this week. The volitile commodity markets have very significant impact…Corn and soybeans prices have fallen 10% in 48 hours.. Billions of dollars in produciton value that impact the lives of the entire agricultural community…. did you hear about it on Satellite Radio?? NO ..
Local Farm Broadcast Radio IS the most timely and vital daily media link serving this important segement of the American economy and the entertainment options are vast and FREE!!
Thanks for listening.
Great points Gene. As I’ve written here before, I’ve made numerous attempts to generate interest in farm news with both the major satellite companies. One never responded at all (XM) and the other (Sirius) basically said what you said. It’s just not a big enough target for them. I even offered to put together the programming for them but that made no difference.
We’re certainly in a time of fast change in information delivery. Even satellite radio is about to become the “old” technology as we are able to put earphones on our phones and listen to “live” audio anywhere/anytime.
What started my attempt to contact the satellite folks was a comment by a good friend who had a farmer point to his satellite radio and say “You need to be on here. This is what we’re listening to now.” Serious food for thought!