Group CEOs Call For FM Tuners in Cell Phones
| RADIO ONLINE | , , | :am CT |
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Group heads and CEOs from evey major broadcast group, including Cumulus, Entercom, Clear Channel, Commonwealth, Bonneville, Emmis, Greater and Citadel met in separate meetings with FCC Commissioner Michael Copps, Commissioner Meredith Attwell Baker, Commissioner Mignon Clyburn and Commissioner Robert McDowell on Tuesday.
During the meetings, the CEOs explained how including FM receivers in cell phones would enhance public safety. In particular, cellular customers would have "one-stop shopping" for both emergency alerting and in-depth emergency information and instructions. Also, FM radio integrated circuits are ready today, and could easily penetrate the marketplace during the typical 22-month churn of cellular handsets. Total cost for FM radio functionality is approximately $1 or even less per handset.
In addition, the CEOs expressed support for the request of the Joint Parties to increase authorized power for HD Radio service. They urged the Commissioners to act quickly to adopt the recent proposal agreed upon between iBiquity and NPR for an interim, across-the-board power increase.
Additionally, the CEOs discussed the importance of radio to local communities.
