The Sirius-XM satellite radio merger is set to go in effect tomorrow. Until today I was really excited about the merger. I had heard XM was going to add an a la carte service whereby subscribers could pick the channels they wanted on their plan much like you pick what you want on your plate at Bob Evans. Also, the companies were assuring that everyone’s radios would continue to work. After all, who wants to have to buy a new unit or worse yet, have their built-in dashboard XM or Sirius stop working while the two satellite giants are merging to supposedly offer better service to subscribers! No I said the audiophile.

So, with these hopes high in heart, I checked out the details of the merger offering which goes in effect tomorrow. I was well disappointed by my findings. The main push is for XM users to upgrade their plan for $4/month to get “the best of Sirius.” “The best” being the best and sounding the best to potential clients includes the following channels: two Howard Stern channels, NFL play-by-play, NASCAR, Martha Stewart and Playboy. To be blunt, I’m going to go with more of a no than a yes.

Out of all the offerings of Sirius they pick these? There’s got to be a money issue behind this; either that or marketing statistics which say that an overwhelming number of satellite radio users are men, but that doesn’t really explain the Martha choice. I don’t imagine too many truckers toggling between NASCAR, Playboy and Martha Stewart.

Additionally, what about family subscribers? Driving on the way to the beach for the family vacation with the toddlers car-seated like fighter pilots listening to Stern and bunnies. This seems to be a question they’ve preempted with a FAQ:

What if I don’t want some of the content (i.e. channels with frequent explicit language)? XM offers two “family-friendly” options that will not contain any of the “XL” channels that contain frequent explicit language, and these packages will be offered at a discounted monthly rate from that package’s standard monthly rate.

As to what the “family-friendly” packages are have yet to be revealed. More Martha Stewart and another NASCAR? Let’s hope not. How ’bout some music please.

Overall, the merger seems disappointing and I haven’t even told you about the need to buy a new radio receiver if you want to get the rumored a la cart service. I guess just plain old XM will have to suffice for the time being (which I love by the way). =)