Sirius XM Radio (SIRI)

 

We have designed our executive compensation program to (1) support our corporate strategy and business by rewarding performance; (2) retain and recruit highly qualified and effective executive talent; and (3) create a strong performance alignment with stockholders’ interests. We have achieved these objectives through a compensation program consisting primarily of three elements: base salary, performance-based annual bonus and equity compensation.

 

Unprecedented global economic conditions presented challenges for many companies in 2008, including us. The decline in current market conditions and related changes in the status of our business caused us to make adjustments to our compensation program in 2008. Our Compensation Committee approved increases in the base salaries of our named executives officers (other than Mr. Karmazin and Ms. Altman), which were in keeping with our historical practices and which the committee believed were necessary in order to remain competitive and compensate the executives for increased responsibilities brought about by the merger and changing economic conditions. However, our Compensation Committee has not yet awarded any annual bonuses with respect to the year ended December 31, 2008. Changes in economic conditions in 2009 may cause us to make additional adjustments to our compensation program. As economic conditions change, we will respond with innovation and flexibility, as needed, to advance our objectives of motivating, attracting and retaining high-quality employees.