RadioRocksMyPhone.com Promotes FM Cell Phones

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, September 28, 2010

NAB has launched a new consumer-oriented web site, RadioRocksMyPhone.com, promoting radio-capable mobile phones and educating Americans on the benefits of the technology. The site details the benefits of radio-enabled cell phones, noting that the U.S. market lags behind other countries with regard to the integrated technology. It also encourages visitors to write their lawmaker expressing support for the technology.

"There is a movement taking place, and radio fans are asking why cell phone gatekeepers are resistant to offering a free entertainment option that can also provide lifesaving emergency information," the web site reads. The few cell phone models that are radio-enabled and available in the U.S. are als highlighted.

Additionally, the site references a recent nationwide online poll conducted by Harris Interactive, which shows that 76% of American cell phone owners would consider paying a one-time additional fee to gain over-the-air access to free and local radio stations through their mobile phone.

Meanwhile, the Consumer Electronics Association revealed Tuesday that 75% of adults say consumer electronics manufacturers should determine what's included in devices, not the government, while 80% said the government shouldn't require cellphones to include an FM chip. CEA also reports that most consumers are not interested in receiving FM broadcasts on their phones.

Commenting on the poll, NAB Executive VP Dennis Wharton said, "NAB stands by the findings of Harris Interactive, a nationally recognized polling firm with the highest integrity. Ironically, CEA's own member companies build cell phones with radio capability that are in high demand in numerous markets outside the U.S. Only in the America, where exclusive contracts between manufacturers and carriers govern the mobile phone market, is radio-capability relegated to third-class status."