In the growing satellite radio market, most American's know the two big competitors - Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Radio. But few are familiar with one of the largest satellite radio companies - WorldSpace.

That's because WorldSpace's broadcast market includes the entire world with the exception of the United States. WorldSpace broadcast to five continents - South America, Europe, Africa, Australia, Asia. WorldSpace has invested in XM Radio, giving them a back door into the U.S. market. WorldSpace's business focus is on building market share throughout the rest of the densely populated world, not just focusing on the U.S. market.

WorldSpace has two satellites in geostationary orbit:: one satellite called AfriStar, servicing Africa and Europe; AsiaStar services Asian countries; and a soon to be launched satellite called AmeriStar which will service South America and Mexico.

WorldSpace broadcasts 40 channels of programming to five continents, some places that would not otherwise be able to receive regular programming signals. WorldSpace was the first company to begin broadcasting digital radio from satellites.

WorldSpace offers a dynamic programming choice and often keeps residents of a variety of countries informed on what's happening throughout the world. Programming channels include the BBC, NPR, CNN, Virgin Radio, Fox News and Bloomberg.

WorldSpace has a partnership with JVC, XM Radio Hitachi and Panasonic to manufacture digital satellite radios and satellite receivers.

WorldSpace estimates that they have a potential customer base of 4.6 million people. While this may be an optimistic estimate, it does seem that they are offering customers an opportunity to listen to pure, digital sound - and here the best in news and talk programming.