Sirius picks up BBC Radio 1

Sirius Satellite Radio has signed an agreement with the BBC to carry Radio 1 in the United States.

"Radio 1 on Sirius will be a unique entertainment offering unmatched in the U.S.," said Sirius' president of entertainment and sports, Scott Greenstein. "is renowned for its support of up-and-coming British artists, and reflects the enormously vibrant British music scene in its daily programming and special events. Sirius subscribers will soon be able to hear Radio 1's cutting-edge music in their cars, homes or other locations."

Subscription-based and commercial-free satellite radio service such as Sirius and rival XM are a growing alternative to FM and AM stations in the US.

"This is such an exciting development," said Andy Parfitt, controller of BBC Radio 1. "Radio 1 already has a strong international reputation amongst music fans around the world, including the U.S.. Now the station can be heard easily across America. With our commitment to great new UK music we hope that we can help British acts make inroads into the massive US music market."

Radio 1 will be broadcast on Sirius with a timeshift so that the station's schedule airs as intended in the US timezones.