Subscription satellite radio services like D.C.-based XM Satellite Radio and New York-based rival Sirius do not have to abide by the same on-air decency standards as traditional broadcast stations, the Federal Communications Commission said. The FCC denied a request from Los Angeles-based radio broadcaster Mt. Wilson FM Broadcasters, which had sought to prohibit satellite stations from airing profanity and other graphic content. The ruling is important, since Sirius recently signed a pact with radio shock jock Howard Stern, who will join the service in 2006.
