Home Login RADIO ONLINE RSS Facebook
Find Radio Online
AM FM HD

Advertisement

NAB's Smith Touts Radio-Enabled Mobile Devices


NAB President/CEO Gordon Smith responded to a letter from several wireless and technology associations dismissing the benefits of radio-enabled mobile phones. In Smith's reply, he noted that more than 241 million Americans rely on local radio every day to provide news and important information. "As such, radio has long served as a critical lifeline for information during natural disasters and local emergencies, utilizing the emergency alert system."

Smith pointed to the last three months in Hawaii, Texas, Alabama, North Carolina, other parts of the South, Missouri and Massachusetts, where public safety is not just about brief warnings. "Often the public needs more information. In these situations, there is no communications system that matches the life-saving immediacy of a local broadcast signal," he added.

He continued, "We are pleased that mobile phone carriers are fulfilling their promise to Congress to enhance public safety by introducing an emergency alert messaging system, and we agree that it can be a supplement to the CUlTent EAS system. However, unlike broadcasting, the wireless industry's approach will be limited to a 90 characters message, which includes letters, numbers, spaces and punctuation. These warning messages are also subject to interruption or delay when a cellular network goes down."

A recent survey by Raycom Media followed the rash of tornados that devastated much of Alabama in late April. Of the random sampling of 1200 citizens in four Alabama areas, the survey showed that 32.6% were getting their storm information while 36.3% of 18-24 receive warnings via radio. In fact, over 85% relied on radio and TV to track the storms.

"For the safety of your constituents," Smith concluded, "incorporating broadcast radio into mobile phones should be a critical component of any next-generation wireless emergency alerting solution. A mobile handset with radio reception provides consumers with one-stop shopping for both emergency alelis and in-depth emergency information. Text-based warnings alone cannot provide this information."

Advertisement

Latest Radio Stories

High Plains Radio Network Seeks Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
High Plains Radio Network
High Plains Radio Network
High Plains Radio Network, a broadcaster operating in Texas, Arkansas and New Mexico, is seeking Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. With its petition filed in the Northern District of Texas, the company disclosed debts and assets each ranging between More

Kansas House Endorses AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act
Kansas Association of Broadcasters
Kansas Association of Broadcasters
The Kansas House made a significant show of support for Kansas broadcasters and AM radio by passing House Concurrent Resolution 5026, with a 109-14 vote. The resolution endorses the Federal AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. The measure, proposed in More

Share of Time Spent Listening to Radio Sources In-Car
Edison Research
Edison Research
Last year, Edison Research's Share of Ear was able to pinpoint the moment when daily time spent with on-demand audio passed time spent with linear audio overall in the U.S. In fact -- on demand had passed linear in every location years earlier -- More
Advertisement

vCreative and Evvnt Announce vTickets Reseller Partnership
vCreative vTickets
vCreative vTickets
vCreative has teamed up with Evvnt, the Events Commerce Platform, to introduce vTickets through a reseller agreement. This partnership unlocks new revenue streams for radio stations by enhancing ticketing and promotions opportunities via a suite of More

Tyler Murray Joins WEEI's Red Sox Radio Booth
Tyler Murray
Tyler Murray
Veteran New England sports talent Tyler Murray joins WEEI/Boston's radio booth covering the Red Sox for games this season. The Worcester Red Sox broadcaster, who has also been heard for years calling college hockey games, football and basketball More

Audacy Podcasts Launches ''Who Killed the Video Star?''
''Who Killed the Video Star? The MTV Story''
''Who Killed the Video Star? The MTV Story''
Audacy Podcasts launches "Who Killed the Video Star? The Story of MTV," an eight-part original series exploring the cultural history, impact and phenomenon of MTV. The series is hosted by former MTV VJ and Esquire Editor-at-Large Dave Holmes. The More

Return to Menu

Advertisement

Subscribe to our Newsletter
Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free.

Quick Snaps
Benztown: Benztown was at Radiodays Europe 2024, which was held in Munich on March 17-19th. Benztown hosted a well-attended party for customers and partners during Radiodays Europe 2024 on Monday, March 18. Pictured is a traditional Volksmusik band performed for Benztown party attendees at Munich's Augustiner-Keller restaurant. In front in black shirt raising a glass is Oliver Klenk, Head of Production & Composition, and to his right, also in black shirt, is Stephan Halfpap, General Manager, Maxmedia, Austria.

Advertisement

Advertisement