SIRIUS Satellite Radio to Launch Weekly Talk Show Hosted by Fitness Expert Richard Simmons

08-11-2005

Best Selling Author, TV Personality Will Inspire, Motivate with Direct Phone Calls to Listeners

NEW YORK, Aug 11, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- SIRIUS Satellite Radio (Nasdaq: SIRI) today announced that world renowned fitness expert Richard Simmons will create and host a weekly three hour talk show that will air exclusively on SIRIUS beginning on Sunday, October 2nd.

The best-selling author and television personality is now turning to satellite radio as a means to inspire and motivate the nation. Simmons receives many letters each day from Americans with weight and self-esteem problems who are reaching out for his support, advice and motivation. On his SIRIUS radio show, airing Sundays from 3 pm to 6 pm ET, Simmons will read people's letters on the air and then call them to give advice, provide a proverbial shoulder to cry on or just make them laugh. Simmons will often broadcast the show live from his Beverly Hills weight loss center, SLIMMONS, with a live studio audience who will have the opportunity to interact directly with him. In addition, he will give the latest information on health, diet, fitness and overall well-being.

"The exciting thing about this show on SIRIUS is being able to reach a national audience on a personal level. SIRIUS enables me to directly respond to listeners, and to help and support millions of people across the country as they listen in the privacy and comfort of their own car or home," says Simmons.

"Richard Simmons is a great addition to SIRIUS' all-star lineup. He has a tremendous fan base throughout the United States and this will allow him to have intimate and personal conversations with his supporters on a weekly basis, as if each and everyone of them were in his studio in Beverly Hills. Richard's quick wit, passion and enthusiasm will make truly entertaining and enlightening radio," said Scott Greenstein, SIRIUS President of Entertainment and Sports.

Simmons has released 50 fitness videos, which have sold over 20 million copies. An accomplished author, Simmons has written nine books including the New York Times best seller, Never Say Diet, his autobiography Still Hungry- After All These Years, and three bestselling cookbooks.

For many years, Richard Simmons has helped and touched the hearts of millions of people through his books, videos and personal appearances. Simmons has the unique gift of using humor and laughter to help those with serious issues. He also has had enormous longevity with his programs that focus on weight loss, exercise and most importantly, positive encouragement. Many fad diets have come and gone but Simmons' simple philosophy of balanced eating programs and exercise has continued to help millions of people. Simmons' success as a fitness expert led to many national and television appearances, including his own nationally syndicated television series The Richard Simmons Show, which ran for four years and received several Emmy Awards. He continues to be one of the most in-demand public speakers on fitness and diet and gives lectures around the country. In addition, Simmons created SLIMMONS, a weight loss, exercise and motivational center in Beverly Hills where he still teaches weekly aerobic classes.