Sirius Drops C-SPAN

Sirius Satellite Radio dropped C-SPAN radio from its subscription satellite-radio service.

C-SPAN said in an item posted on its Web site that it was unable to reach a new distribution deal with Sirius “because they demanded rights for extensive pre-emption of our channel in order to carry sports programming, which we contend affects the integrity of our public-affairs event coverage.”

Radio listeners can still access audio programming on C-SPAN’s Web site and on Sirius rival XM Satellite Radio, where the service is available on channel 132.

C-SPAN, which is funded by cable operators, debuted on Sirius in 2002.

Sirius spokesman Andrew Fitzpatrick didn’t return a phone call Friday afternoon.