Short Take: Sirius launches final satellite for radio programming

Sirius Satellite Radio, a digital music and talk-radio broadcasting start-up, successfully launched its third and final satellite, clearing the way for the company to begin offering its nationwide service in 2001. Sirius plans to offer up to 100 channels--50 channels of commercial-free music and 50 channels of news, talk and information--for a monthly fee of $9.95. Backed in part by Loral Space & Communications, Sirius will target U.S. motorists and will compete against XM Satellite Radio. XM will launch its first satellite in January.