XM public radio channel due

XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. said Thursday it would launch a public radio channel, signing such well-known talent as award-winning newsman Bob Edwards.

XM, which has more than 2.1 million subscribers, will launch the new channel on Sept. 1, featuring programs from Public Radio International and its satellite radio unit American Public Radio; American Public Media, the national production and distribution branch of Minnesota Public Radio; and Boston station WBUR.

Edwards, who drew 13 million listeners a week to his “Morning Edition” show on National Public Radio, will host a new morning interview program, “The Bob Edwards Show,” set to debut Oct. 4.