Business & Basis of Presentation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]


	Business & Basis of Presentation

Business

We broadcast our music, sports, entertainment, comedy, talk, news, traffic and weather channels, as well as infotainment services in the United States on a subscription fee basis through our two proprietary satellite radio systems. Subscribers can also receive music and other channels, plus new features such as SiriusXM On Demand, over the Internet, including through applications for mobile devices. We have agreements with every major automaker (“OEMs”) to offer satellite radios as factory- or dealer-installed equipment in their vehicles from which we acquire the majority of our subscribers. We also acquire subscribers through the sale or lease of previously owned vehicles with factory-installed satellite radios. Additionally, we distribute our satellite radios through retail locations nationwide and through our website. Satellite radio services are also offered to customers of certain daily rental car companies.

Our primary source of revenue is subscription fees, with most of our customers subscribing on an annual, semi-annual, quarterly or monthly basis. We offer discounts for prepaid and long-term subscription plans, as well as discounts for multiple subscriptions. We also derive revenue from other subscription-related fees, the sale of advertising on select non-music channels, the direct sale of satellite radios, components and accessories, and other ancillary services, such as our Internet radio, Backseat TV, data, traffic, and weather services.

In certain cases, automakers include a subscription to our radio services in the sale or lease price of new and previously owned vehicles. The length of these prepaid subscriptions varies, but is typically three to twelve months. In many cases, we receive subscription payments from automakers in advance of the activation of our service. We also reimburse various automakers for certain costs associated with satellite radios installed in their vehicles.

Basis of Presentation

Our financial statements include the consolidated accounts for Sirius XM Radio Inc. and subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and footnotes. Estimates, by their nature, are based on judgment and available information. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Significant estimates inherent in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements include asset impairment, depreciable lives of our satellites, share-based payment expense, and valuation allowances against deferred tax assets.