[SatNews] Radio Broadcasters of all types are facing growing headwinds due to the slowdown in the US economic recovery.

Sirius XM — the sole satellite radio provider — is negotiating a slowdown in new car sales, while Internet radio broadcasters are facing increased competition. The Bedford Report examines the outlook for companies in the Services Sector and provides investment research on Sirius XM Radio, Inc. and Pandora Media, Inc. Despite concerns about how the weak economy will affect the car market, Sirius XM Radio has been helping its cause by achieving a growing rate of penetration with new car sales. During the second quarter of 2011, SIRIUS XM said it added 452,147 net subscribers, which raised the company's total subscriber base to over 21 million at the end of June 30, 2011. Additionally, Sirius has hiked its rates on existing subscribers. The price of basic service will go from $12.95 to $14.49 per month, Sirius said earlier this month. Sirius hasn't raised that price since the service launched in 2002.

Shares of Pandora, the leading Internet radio company in the U.S., came under fire this month after Clear Channel launched its iHeartRadio app and website. Its new offering will let users create customized stations, a core feature at the center of Pandora's business model. Pandora is trying to expand its reach of late. Earlier this month, the company announced that it now offers a dozen new workout radio stations. After adding a genre station, each individual listener can further personalize and refine the station by providing thumbs-up and thumbs-down feedback.

The Bedford Report provides Investment Research focused on equities that offer growth opportunities, value, and strong potential return. The Bedford Report has not been compensated by any of the above-mentioned publicly traded companies. The Bedford Report is compensated by other third party organizations for advertising services. We act as an independent research portal and are aware that all investment entails inherent risks.