Emmis' Smulyan Says FM Chips Have Been Blocked

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, August 27, 2010 | 4:49pm CT

A report by NBC News details the battle between radio and wireless groups to require that FM chips be included in new cell technology. "It's a shame it's come to this," said Emmis President/CEO Jeff Smulyan (pictured). "The marketplace has been blocked." He notes that that wireless companies would rather sell paid music services than add free FM.

Rural Cellular Association President/CEO Steve Berry, who is battling the mandate says FM chips will add costs "for a functionality consumers may not ever actually use." However, Smulyan says that in most of the worldwide cell communities already ship with the FM chip installed.

Smulyan also maintains that in the event of an emergency, broadcasters who have backup generators are "really the only people who can inform the American public."