Satellite Radio Fans Whistling Growth Tune

Satellite radio fans are bracing for a strong second half of the year from the extraterrestrial purveyors of music, news and talk.

XM Satellite Radio's (XMSR Quote) blowout second-quarter subscriber gains have observers looking for a big performance over the next six months.

Both XM and sole rival Sirius Satellite Radio (SIRI Quote) typically find that user growth accelerates as the year progresses. Apparently consumers look for a reason to sign up for $13-a-month pay radio service, and as recent history shows, the holiday gift season tends to provide the needed boost in spending. ...