NAB's Rehr Encourages Apple to FM to iPhone, iPod

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NAB President/CEO David K. Rehr is urging Apple COO Timothy Cook to begin including FM radio as a feature in future iPhones and iPods. Noting that radio is still the number one method by which consumers discover new music, Rehr described the benefits FM radio reception would provide Apple, including additional revenue through song tagging.

"NAB would like to encourage Apple, as a recognized leader in both the mobile phone and portable music player arenas, to include FM radio as a feature in future iPhone and iPod products," Rehr wrote in a letter to Apple. "Providing FM broadcast reception capability in mobile phones and portable music players creates multiple benefits for consumers as well as for the broadcasting, music and personal device manufacturing industries."

"I am taking the liberty to share my letter to you with the 9,346 FM radio stations across America," Rehr continued. "I am certain they will eagerly support positive indications from Apple on the inclusion of built-in FM radio in future Apple products."

A 2008 NAB Fastroad report outlines the potential benefits that could result from an increase in the penetration of FM radio receivers in mobile phone handsets. The study concluded that mobile phone service providers, radio broadcasters, and handset manufacturers all stand to benefit from the expansion of FM-capable mobile phones, a platform that could reach 257 million American subscribers.