XM, Red Cross Use Sat Radio for Relief

XM Satellite Radio on Wednesday said that it had launched a new channel with the American Red Cross specifically aimed at the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. Called "Red Cross Radio," the station will be used by the organization to broadcast messages to its workers in the field 24 hours a day. XM will donate radios to relief workers, shelters and aid stations.

The station can be heard on XM channel 248. It will broadcast regular updates on relief efforts, as well as locations where the Red Cross is assisting evacuees. The service also has the Emergency Alert Channel on XM channel 247 that updates clean-up, road closures, school closings, and other pertinent information from local officials.