Broadcasters Beasley, Citadel, Entercom, Greater Media, Lincoln Financial Media and Saga Communications have filed a joint filing asking that the FCC consider relaxing ownership restrictions when deciding on the Sirius-XM merger.
"...one essential protection would be the elimination of local radio ownership rules, which would allow AM and FM broadcasters to offer more diverse services to compete with SDARS on the local level."
An interesting concept, and one that's obviously using the satellite radio merger for self-serving interests. The joint filing goes on to suggest a fully interoperable receiver - one that supports terrestrial radio as well as satellite radio - be designed as part of the conditions:
"In addition, the Commission could require, in a manner similar to the television All Receivers Act, or to cable's Must Carry, that all satellite radio receivers be capable of providing SDARS, AM and FM analog, and AM and FM HD broadcast radio signals in order to facilitate more direct competition among service providers."
Now that's actually not a bad idea. Not only would it foster more direct competition, but would also move a lot more product off the shelves. Plus we all know that satellite radio subscribers tend to listen to terrestrial radio more than "regular" listeners, so that's just empowering the consumer. Never a bad thing.
But let's take it a step further...
It's obviously hypocritical for terrestrial radio to oppose the merger while at the same time seeking a relaxation of media ownership regulations. And at the same time, it's hypocritical for satellite radio merger proponents to oppose media ownership regulations (though - it can be argued - that there's already been a relaxation in media ownership rules, which is why we're in this mess to begin with).
But what about localism? There also shouldn't be a restriction on satellite radio from providing local programming. Why does the "government sanctioned monopoly" shoe only fit for satellite radio - when terrestrial radio has been enjoying a monopoly on local broadcasts since the 1930s?
And at the same time, let's apply the same performance fees to artists that satellite radio and internet radio pay. Why does terrestrial radio get a free ride? Do they provide more "promotional value" than satellite or internet? I don't think so.
If they want a level playing field - then let's give it to them.
[Read Joint Filing (PDF) via Yahoo! Message Boards]
Thanks Tony!
They want XsiriusM to pay the freight of adding and AM/FM tuner AND and AM/FM HD tuner to their SATELLITE tuners???? Are they willing to offset the cost of that hardware or what? Stoooooopid.
If they were willing to pay the cost to to insert these features into recievers, that would fantastic for satellite. However,bc am/fm are already in all cars, i dont see the point. IT seems HD would be the only benefit for terrad. It would make the recievers far more appealing however. And the end result would be terrad paying a ton and not gaining any listeners. Satrad would really be the only thing used.
Actually, I wish my Helix had a built in AM-FM radio. Why the heck not? When I bought any MP3 player, it HAD to have a radio. Moreover, why don't radio equipped MP3 players come with AM as well as FM? If memory serves, not one radio equipped MP3 player offered AM. I know- I searched.
I like the versatility of having all of these media on one device. And as far as cost concerns, an AM-FM receiver is cheaper than dirt in many instances, especially in portable devices.
.... awaiting NAB comments concerning this ......
I think if you ask the owners of one of the smaller stations being crushed under Clear Channel's gorilla like weight what they think about easier consolidation they might disagree with loosening the ownership rules.
I like the idea of having a radio tuner on my satellite radio. Granted the reception at my house is crap and of the 5 stations I can actually receive here two are top 40 (from some other mystery era) and the other two are hard rock stations, neither set I like, but hey, it would be nice to have the option.
But guess what? My satellite radio receiver in the car is already wired into my car RADIO. Yep, the same one that already receives AM/FM while I drive. Providing me ready access to the same terr. bands that I rarely use because the programming is so utterly generic it makes me want to gut my own ears rather than put up with it.
And in my workshop where I use my Sportster's FM transmitter, what's playing it? An AM/FM radio.
It certainly seems I've already got plenty of access to the terr. bands. I simply don't want to listen to them.
"all satellite radio receivers be capable of providing SDARS, AM and FM analog, and AM and FM HD broadcast radio signals in order to facilitate more direct competition among service providers.""
SURE THING, but at the same time lets require that EVERY radio has the capibility of recieving Sat Radio too. even those 10 dollar alarm clocks...shall we..? or maybe just add the Sat Radio add in card slots to EVERY radio that should help save your testicle radio
do we really want am/fm on our tuners? I don't. The reason I pay for XM is that regular radio is not an option for me anymore, I'd rather sit in silence.
Any yes, FM is a more promotional vehicle. It's listened to by hundreds of millions more people than SDARS. Sorry to spoil the party but simply the truth.
Well, I wouldn't mind a Terrestrial/HD radio tuner integrated into my Satellite radio either.
The sole purposes would be for listening to the local news/weather/traffic as well as Rush Limbaugh.