A new station premiering on SIRIUS Satellite radio will be an all-Catholic format. SIRIUS satellite radio is a nationwide subscription based radio service that competes with XM satellite radio. The new all-Catholic format will be dubbed The Catholic Channel. It has a lifestyles format with call-in shows, live daily Mass, Notre Dame football, and reflections on current affairs.

The Archdiocese of New York is working in conjunction with SIRIUS satellite radio in establishing this new Catholic channel. EWTN Radio is free online, available in many stations across the United States, and is also part of the SIRIUS lineup of radio stations (available in both the US and Canada).

I do hope that The Catholic Channel does work, but doesn't the Archdiocese of New York need to get permission from the Vatican to use the term 'Catholic'? Maybe they did, but EWTN is named thusly specifically because of this reason.

Nonetheless, here are some programming highlights of The Catholic Channel:

• The Catholic Guy, hosted by Lino Rulli (weekdays, 5-8pm). The 34-year-old Rulli is the Emmy award-winning host and executive producer of the popular TV show Generation Cross and a former TV reporter for the CBS affiliate in Minneapolis. With a master's degree in theology and a sometimes off-beat and humorous approach, Rulli has emerged a fan-favorite for younger generations of Catholics.
• Speak Now with Dave and Sue Konig, hosted by Susan and David Konig (weekdays, 12-2pm). She is a former newspaper columnist. He is an award-winning actor and stand-up comedian. They are married with four children and together will focus on married life, parenting and the issues facing today's families.
• Sleepless With SIRIUS, hosted by Father Paul Keenan (weekdays, 11pm-3am). Fr. Keenan, an experienced author and radio broadcaster, will help those who are seeking to add more meaning and purpose to their lives, and will be a comforting and understanding companion to those who are facing life's daily struggles and concerns.
• Live daily Mass from St. Patrick's Cathedral (weekdays, 8-8:30am).
• Notre Dame Athletics. SIRIUS is the Official Satellite Radio Partner of the University of Notre Dame and will air all Fighting Irish football and basketball broadcasts on The Catholic Channel.

(Hat Tip: Whispers in the Loggia)

For the Whispers in the Loggia posting click here.

For the news release click here.

Updated: The Catholic Channel has suspended their launch until Cardinal Edward Egan recuperates from a recent knee replacement surgery, or so says his spokesman. This will be for a 'few weeks', until Cardinal Egan can actively participate like he wants to with The Catholic Channel./Whispers in the Loggia