Sirius-ly Behind The Scenes
XM and Sirius satellite radio networks are moving quickly toward consolidating operations in the wake of the FCC's approval of their merger so I thought it would be a good time to take a look behind the curtain. Last week I toured Sirius's Manhattan headquarters, which will serve as home base for the new entity, and here's what I found:
Sirius chief Mel Karmazin's office is curiously accessible to staff, separated only by glass walls. Other executive offices are similarly positioned along the edge of an expansive cubicle farm. Some of the cubes were deserted (the downsizing has already begun and there's more to come).
Howard Stern's compound is isolated from the rest of the Sirius studios and requires an additional key-card swipe to gain access. That's by design so the shock jock's guests (celebrities, porn stars, exotic dancers) and props (don’t make me explain) do not offend folks at The Catholic Channel, Martha Stewart Living and other family friendly stations.
Speaking of the magical Ms. Stewart, guests on her channel are not allowed to cook in-studio due to building code but there's nothing against a little potluck. Covered dishes and plastic utensils lined the countertop of her glass-walled domicile. Another note about dear Martha -- she reportedly brought in her own experts to stencil a perfect studio logo.
Sirius routinely hosts in-studio performances and has a small space for that purpose. The room is sound-proofed and a special raised floor was built but apparently the jam sessions still cause the suits in the office suite downstairs some consternation. Visiting musicians are also invited to autograph several white walls in the lobby before leaving.
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Not a bad view from Sirius headquarters in Manhattan
Howard Stern's perch (Don’t ask to sit in his chair. That's a big no-no)
Howard Stern's couch where celebs are interviewed (and embarrassed)
Sirius front desk and lobby
One of several autograph walls for visiting musicians to sign
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