What's new in truckers' radio?

The latest thing is satellite radio, which is immensely popular.

Why so?

The main reason is that the signal is so clear and free of interference, and because it's coming from a network of satellites, you don't have to keep re-tuning as you cross the country. And many of the channels are completely commercial-free.

Plus, there are almost no "dead spots." In fact, many truckers use it in Canada, even though it was not legal up there until just recently.

While most people fasten these magnetic satellite antennas to the roof or hood of their vehicle, the editor found they worked just fine on top of the dashboard of his car. A non-slip cell phone pad keeps them from moving around.

Why would I want to listen to truckers' radio?

To find out as much as you can about what's going on in your business - and with your employees.

And, satellite radio programs on truckers' radio get re-run during the day, when it might be easier for you to listen.

Can I only listen in the car?

For home or office use, you can buy a device that turns your satellite radio receiver into a sort of boom box, or that allows you to feed the signals into an existing stereo system.

Can I listen via the Internet?

With a few unfortunate exceptions, if you've paid your fees, you can listen to streaming audio on your home or office computer.

Unfortunately, on both Sirius and XM, one of those exceptions is the truckers' channel. For legal reasons, they're not available over the Internet.

How does the car unit work?

The receiver actually contains what amounts to a tiny FM radio transmitting station.

The signal you select from the satellite is sent to this FM transmitter, which literally broadcasts it just a few feet, so that your car radio antenna can pick it up. Then, you simply tune the FM radio in your car to the appropriate frequency to pick up the satellite channel.

Are there problems?

With some of the older receivers especially, there sometimes weren't enough frequencies available, so local interference by regular FM stations could cause a problem.

Best bet is to make sure the receiver you buy has lots of available frequencies. Some offer upwards of 100, and that's usually enough to be able to find a clear channel.

If you experience interference from local FM stations, and if you have a cassette player, an ordinary adaptor, like those sold for portable CD players, may be the solution for you. Some satellite radio kits are packaged with these.

What can we expect to hear?

Sirius and XM are satellite radio services first and foremost, so you'll have dozens of channels of every type of music imaginable, news, talk, weather and every sort of entertainment.

Each network also has a special channel designed for truckers. On Sirius, it's channel 138, the "Satellite Trucking Network." On XM, it's channel 171, called the "Open Road."

How do they differ?

XM's "Open Road" offers music - mostly country - plus talk/music programs. Truckers' radio veterans Dave Nemo, Bill Mack, Steve Summers (and now his son, Dale Summers) blend music, phone calls from truckers and musical requests with information about the industry, weather, highway conditions and news.

There's a strong sense of "community," with many "regulars" phoning almost every day, using their CB "handles" instead of their real names. And there's a lot of personal sharing.

In addition, XM has a number of informative features. Dave Nemo often welcomes a guest from TMC to discuss the latest in truck technology. And right after the Steve Summers show, the Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) takes to the air for an hour of its program, "Landline Now."

And on Sirius?

There's a sense in which Sirius is a bit more "serious." While there are specific parts of the day for music - again, mostly country - the principal programs on the Sirius Trucking Network are basically news/talk.

The Midnight Trucking Radio Network (MTRN), which has been broadcasting for years out of flagship station WBAP in Dallas/Fort Worth and its network affiliates nationwide, runs its regular program with Eric Harley and Gary McNamara every night between midnight and five Central time. Callers aren't allowed to use "handles," only real names.

And, there's "The Open Road Café" (not to be confused with "The Open Road" channel on XM) with host Mark Willis. It airs from five to eleven AM Central time.

Both programs focus on news, talk and information about trucking, and both have a whole roster of guests from the industry, doing everything from diagnosing business and maintenance problems to providing advice on personal relationships.

And these programs are rebroadcast?

Yes. So you don't have to catch them live, especially the late-night ones. That's true of both Sirius and XM.

How can we find out more?

Both Sirius (sirius.com) and XM (xmradio.com) have web sites where you can check out the programming and channels available, find out about equipment, monthly fees and how you can get started.

And what can we expect from satellite radio?

If you did nothing but use it for the entertainment options, we think you'd find it well worth the investment, especially if you are one of those people who gets a lot of "windshield time."

And, if you'd like to know what drivers are talking about, what interests them, who's recruiting them and what the industry is saying to them, it's a great way to fill in gaps in your knowledge.