National Public Radio (NPR) is continuing the assault by terrestrial broadcasters in opposing the proposed merger of Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. and XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc.In a letter sent to FCC Chairman Kevin Martin earlier this week, NPR called for an HD Radio capability mandate and 25% of the spectrum to be reserved for non-commercial programming - as opposed to the 8% proposed by the companies.
NPR, which is also carried on Sirius, touted that public radio has been at the forefront of HD Radio broadcasting and "a merger condition requiring the inclusion of HD Radio technology in all new satellite receivers would ensure a competitive market for digital terrestrial broadcasting, while preventing monopolistic market forces from squeezing out this growing service."
As for the spectrum set-aside requirement, NPR CEO Dennis Haarsager said, "Reserving an appropriate percent of the satellite radio spectrum for programming from non-commercial public and minority broadcasters will contribute to the multiplicity of voices that is an inherent component of the dialogue of America's democracy."
[FMQB]
Is there a light at the end of the tunnel, or is it a train ?
Mel and Gary will make it a train wreck.
did somebody just fart?
but Daddy---I want an ompa lumpa
When will this nonsense end? I've never seen such a money grab in my life. If they want HD radio so bad let them make their own. Why should the stock holders of SXM be responsible for building up their competitors mode of distribution? SXM already offers several NPR channels. What more do they want? Moreover, NPR is now a commercial enterprise since the gov started letting them have advertisers. What a scam. Those guys just want to line thier pockets with the hard earned dollars from others.
Unbelievable.
Ms. Tate needs to get with the program and make herself known. This has gone on long enough. She has had ample time to address her concerns and form an opinion and a decision in almost 500 days.
Keep in mind that all this bullshit is continuing simply because one female FCC board member (Tate - female) can't decide whether she wants to shit or get off the pot.
I dont want HD Radio you NPR morons.. if i really wanted HD Radio I would have never got Sirius. thats why HD Radio Receivers how cheap they are not selling cause people want a service that is unrestricted. Plus i never heard of a companies getting a completely free ride. its like hey suckers u guys put up the money to develop radios and technology and we add our POS HD Radio service because its a monopoly.
last time i checked Clear channel owns almost all the radio stations out there and also owns HD Radio stations.
Before these idiots start spouting monopoly maybe they should look in the mirror.
Why do people get so excited about this merger attempt? Does anyone believe these comments add anything to the mix?
NPR? Can you imagine PBS bitching about HBO?
Yet but another desperate gasp ..... a smitten of hope for the hopeless.
Aren't you glad your tax dollars pay for public radio to protest something that you want?
25%? Say this out loud.
Seventy Five Channels.
75!
Utter Crap.
Hello entire world, I have a question for you. Do you, entire world, EVER get ANYTHING for free? I didn't think so. PS - NPR, could you please do me a favor? Could you please, if it's not too much trouble...... DROP DEAD! Thanks.
Good one Mat!
hey AC, if you have to ask why people get excited about this merger, you shouldn't be in this forum. Your comments certainly DON'T add anything to the mix. So feel free to get lost.
i think they should put ipod capability in the new receivers too... ya know... just to make things fair
"HD Radio: Fun with Math"
"I think it is fair to say that the audiophile community, those people who take their FM seriously, is dead set AGAINST HDRadio. Not only do most people never intend to buy a radio, unless as a plaything for early adopters and collectors, but are aghast at the FCC for even allowing IBOC to thrash up the FM bandwidth. Plus, people with enough technical savvy to read the specs are insulted by the false claims of 'CD sound quality' or even 'near-CD sound quality'. These are transparent marketing hype, beyond mean puffery. Sorry, but HDRadio has sworn enemies. This goes beyond just business but has political reprecussions for FCC and for Congress. This has the whiff of political scandal - and I'm a rock-ribbed Republican! The Corporation for Public Broadcasting is especially vulnerable. My advice for any businessman is to avoid any association with HDRadio."
http://www.hear2.com/2006/06/hd_radio_fun_wi.html
And, these are the swindlers that bilked Congress out of tens-of-millions.
For the record, and for the first time on Orbitcast, I predict the merger announcement in the next 24 hours.
How about all AM/FM has to have Sirius receivers?
How about NPR stop using my tax money.
How about FM give up between 88 and 93 to open leasing for Sirius?
YAWN.
I hope Mel at least got to bang the old bag Tate in all their closed door meetings - now picture that.
We know a soon to be removed channel now :P
After looking at it I think SXM should allow the HD radio feature except they should make it so freakin UN-user friendly and separate its function from the satilite funtion part and make it almost impossible and crappy to use for any HD radio user. That would be a laugh and a half. lol.
Please G*d save me from my enemies.
National Public Radio, the radio of the educated people.
NPR (National Public Radio) is an internationally acclaimed producer and distributor of noncommercial news, talk, and entertainment programming. A privately supported, not-for-profit membership organization, NPR serves a growing audience of 26 million Americans each week in partnership with more than 860 independently operated, noncommercial public radio stations. Each NPR Member Station serves local listeners with a distinctive combination of national and local programming. With original online content and audio streaming, NPR.org offers hourly newscasts, special features and ten years of archived audio and information.
NPR was incorporated in 1970 pursuant to the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967, but it is not a government agency. NPR is not a radio station itself nor does it own any radio stations, but NPR programs can be heard on more than 860 public radio stations across the United States.
NPR:
produces, acquires and distributes programming that meets the highest standards of public service in journalism and cultural expression
represents its member stations in matters of their mutual interest
On average, public radio stations (including NPR Member stations) receive the largest percentage of their revenue (34%) from listener support.
HD Radio is the future of radio broadcasting. At NPR member stations nationwide, that future is unfolding right now.
• FM broadcasts with CD-quality sound.
• AM broadcasts with FM stereo quality.
• Broadcasts will be static-free, without pops, hiss, and signal fading.
• New data services, such as artist and song title, plus scrolling text, traffic updates, weather reports and more.
• Opportunities for entirely new services, like surround sound, multiple audio channels, store-and-replay radio, a "buy" button for music, sports, and concert tickets, and more.
• It's FREE, just like today's analog AM and FM radio.
Satellite radio is a subscription service that requires users to pay monthly fees for content delivered to them from networks of satellites. HD Radio broadcasting is commonly referred to as "terrestrial digital radio" because it operates compatibly with the same frequencies AM and FM stations are on currently. And, while you'll need a new receiver to get the new digital content, once you get that the service is free.
NPR CEO Dennis Haarsager said, "Reserving an appropriate percent of the satellite radio spectrum for programming from non-commercial public and minority broadcasters will contribute to the multiplicity of voices that is an inherent component of the dialogue of America's democracy."
Pocketradio = TROLL
Pocketradio = DEBUNKED
Woman shouldnt vote this just proves it. Go home and make babies.
If woman were not allowed to vote again we would not have to worry about hitlery and Obama Osoma Hussien
O&A forevever!
Hey, maybe if they put in an HD tuner it will be able to FM transmit to itself. There could be an upside here since all FM transmitters today suck. I still use 2 old radios that transmit about 1/4 of a mile. Should the merger be approved eventually they will not work and instead of 1 radio to cover my entire house I'll need one new radio for each room I want SDARS in. Consumer interest...
Take NPR off of Sirius, now!
Mel should win the Nobel Prize for Peace.
Any other CEO would have gone crazy!!!
25% for non-commercial use? Do they realize how many channels that consists of? I mean, there isn't than much non-commercial programming to go around- not even close. What are they smoking? More importantly, what are they proposing? A channel covering non-stop, gavel to gavel coverage of Knoxville's Tennessee's city council meetings?
25%?
Sirius and Xm should have their operating license's pulled by the FCC and HEAVY FINES and RESTRICTIONS should be handed down for past, and current violations.
Someone educate Mat, now!
Someone educate Mat, now!
I think Mel may have aged 10 years in the last 3 and so have most stockholders.
Reporting for Communist Re-education camp, comrade!!
Hey I listen to NPR.
Public Radio does not equate crap. I do agree the demand it outrageous but having a few channels (ala the current agreement) of public radio is good for the consumers.
NPR is already on Sirius!
"The Wonderful World of HD Radio"
"Perhaps it is because it is the American Public that has been paying a large portion of the development costs for HD radio? Yup, that is you and I. An FCC filing from North Carolina’s Public Radio Stations cites: Just a few weeks ago, the House Appropriations Committee approved an additional $40 million to assist public radio stations’ transition to HD radio technology.”
http://tinyurl.com/57ksx6
"HD Radio: Will More Awareness Translate To Sales?"
"Unfortunately, Ibiquity does not: Yes, they have gotten many radio stations to make the $100,000 or so investment required to add HD Radio broadcasting, but what the leave out of their PR spin is that MANY of these stations were Public Radio/NPR stations that had their equipment paid for by special funding from Congress. So tell me, senior executives from, say, Sony, Mitsubishi, Best Buy, etc.: How do you feel about Ibiquity''s lobbyists getting US taxpayers to pick up the tab for many of their transmitter sales? Wouldn''t it be great if your lobbyists could get Congress to mandate that US taxpayers be required to buy your products, too? Do you even slightly care? Ibiquity will take their money and run, and HD Radio will join a long list of failed formats, like Dolby FM radio, Elcassete, mini disk (in the US), etc."
http://tinyurl.com/37pe7t
Half Dead Radio - what a scam!
Caption for the picture :
Dear god , why did I get myself in this mess ?
Will this EVER end???!!!
Seems to me just make a radio that does everything and let the chips fall where they may!! And let terrestrial subsidies some of the costs along with everyone else that is making all the fuss about it!!!
Seems to me just make a radio that does everything and let the chips fall where they may!! And let terrestrial subsidies some of the costs along with everyone else that is making all the fuss about it!!!
to impose HD radio be installed is insanity... HD receivers are made by one company and one company will profit from this in a huge way. This is not a good proposal in any way and anyone mentioning the addition of HD radio to a Satellite receiver is mearly a puppet.
to impose HD radio be installed is insanity... HD receivers are made by one company and one company will profit from this in a huge way. This is not a good proposal in any way and anyone mentioning the addition of HD radio to a Satellite receiver is mearly a puppet.
Woman shouldnt vote this just proves it. Go home and make babies.
If woman were not allowed to vote again we would not have to worry about hitlery and Obama Osoma Hussien
O&A forevever!
You're gay.
the average joe-American has no idea what thief government is up too. I hope a few of you smart guys and girls are taking notes for a new book on crime and coruption paid for by taxpayers. An outrage like never seen in business history and being perpetrated under the noses of American citizens.
To become a Commissioner it takes three steps to secure the five year term. The President NOMINATES, the Senate CONFIRMS and the nominee is SWORN IN. After fulfilling the five year term of a previous commissioner, Tate was reNOMINATED by President Bush on June 20,2007 to serve her own five year term. According to her bio on the FCC home page thats as far as it went. The Democrat controlled Senate has yet to CONFIRM Tate to her five year term. Since Obama may end up as President, it is likely the Senate will continue to stall confirmation since the FCC would remain in Republican control. Martin and McDowell still have time on their terms and Tate would start her five year term. If Obama wins, the Senate will vote down Tate's confirmation and the President (Obama) will NOMINATE a Dem which will pass the Democrat controlled Senate and the FCC will be in control of the Dems. Tate should vote YES and pray that McCain becomes president. Otherwise she is TOAST. It is likely she would then pass the Dem controlled Senate since they would look silly holding up Tate, then Martin, then McDowell. This is all about control of the FCC and individual careers. Just a thought.
how about we give 10% to the homeless...don't they deserve a voice?
i just hope this doesn't ruin howards month long vacation.just another gov't conspiricy against howard by the bush administration.with all the stress howard must be going thru,merger,wedding,4 day work week,13 weeks vacation and entertaining a 4 million listeners on sirius every day,this is just too much.
we should all be thankful for a man like howard.a man we can all look to in these dark times for inspiration.
if mel fails in this swindle he's trying to pull off and howard doesn't get resigned for another 500 million i don't know what all of us are going to do.a sad day in history indeed
ron and fez noon to three
Pocketradio posting more FUD. His fear and desperation is getting worse by the day.
"While not everyone has HD radio yet, it is becoming more popular and the receivers are becoming more affordable."
"So while conventional radio listeners will be able to hear the new lineup, secondary programming will be available on the HD2 stream. The third stream will broadcast yet another format 24 hours a day."
"I recognize that these decisions will not appeal to all current listeners, But in the long run ...this enhanced public service will be best for the future"
"More than 1,700 broadcasters have added higher-quality HD Radio signals to their current traditional AM/FM ones. And programmers are using the extra broadcast channels that digital technology provides to woo audiences accustomed to niche-targeted Internet and satellite radio stations."
HD Digital Radio • IT'S TIME TO UPGRADE!
HD Digital Radio. It's here. It's local. It's free. DISCOVER IT!
www.hdradio.com/
Pocketradio = TROLL
Pocketradio = DEBUNKED
also i hope howard uses lube to take mels package cause you know he is really gay and stuff. both of them that is what they do on vacation lube and stuff. 4 days a week for 4 hrs what a loser.
ron and fez noon to three
"how about we give 10% to the homeless...don't they deserve a voice? "
Yeah! Bring back Homeless Charlie!
ADELSTEIN HAS NO FUCKING SPINE - SELL OUT FUCKHEAD !
We all knew it was a No anyhow...
Adelstein makes offer
By JOHN DUNBAR – 15 minutes ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — The potential deciding vote in the U.S. government's review of the $3.1 billion merger between satellite radio companies tells The Associated Press he will vote in favor of the deal if the companies agree to tougher conditions.
So far, two of the five members of the Federal Communications Commission have voted to approve Sirius Satellite Radio Inc.'s buyout of rival XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. That is one vote shy of a majority.
FCC commissioner Jonathan Adelstein, a Democrat, wants the companies to cap prices for six years and make one quarter of their satellite capacity available for public interest and minority programming, among other conditions.
If the executives agree, Adelstein told the AP that he will be in favor of the deal.
Talk about monopoly. If HD capability is required on every satelite receiver, HD interests gets rich whether anybody listens to hd or not. This equates to the HD advocates doing the very same thing that they accuse sat rad of doing if the merger is approved, having a monopoly and exploiting it to make money, and they've done it with gov't financing. Also, no doubt sat rad receivers will go way up in cost if the hd function is added causing the price of the receiver becoming a barrier to entry for the average consumer. So, HD makes money for doing nothing and sat radio growth is stunted because of the high price of the receivers. IF hd advocates can't stop the merger, they at least want to "poison the well" enough to keep sat rad on life support.
I'd agree to that concession if they put SAT capabilities in every FM radio too. That way every device has all possibilities and the playing field is level.
Thanks JA ..at least you're moving the ball. Tate is such a cunt someone needs to move.
What the fuck are a bunch of monkeys going to do with 75 channels. Adelstein is one big fucking loser. This is not about what could be offered on the 25%, its trying to crimp what satellite radio has to offer by reducing their capacity even if the airwaves on the 25% are silent. It's their spectrum & these pieces of shit want it for free.
Tate needs to step up big here for this merger, throw them a bone and up spectrum concession to 10%, no HD chips and enforcement action on the concessions. They will accept that & done deal.
I don't even want to hear from that 5th donkey as it will be similar to this jackass.
Looks like Adelstein is carrying the water for Markey in his quest for Chairman if Obama wins the election. Tate can close the door and get this done. She is toast. If McCain wins I hope he asks for her resignation or withdraws her nomination yet to be confirmed by the Democrat controlled Senate.
what if howard ran for office.with his millions of daily listeners he could win in a landslide.now that we all know what he makes there should be no problem.
finally a politician that is above board and not just out for himself.
oh, wait,umm,well
ron and fez noon to three
U.S.-based Clear Channel Radio's Total Traffic Network (CCTTN) today announced that half a million active and current paid users are now signed up for the company's real-time traffic service delivered over RDS-TMC.
“Four out of the top five navigation suppliers choose CCTTN for their real-time traffic data”, said CCTTN. The current partners of Clear Channel include BMW, MINI USA, Volvo, Garmin, TomTom, NAVIGON, Mio Technology, Delphi, Kenwood, Clarion, Harmon Kardon, Panasonic, Siemens and Cobra Electronics. Clear Channel's Total Traffic Network serves 65 markets with RDS-TMC in the United States as well as Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto in Canada.
If we assume that mainstream consumers will continue to prefer a low cost, no subscription, out of the box navigation experience, then RDS-TMC – and other technologies using the radio wave such as MSN Direct or HD Radio - are likely to remain a key delivery method for real-time traffic for many years to come in the United States and elsewhere.
HD Digital Radio • IT’S TIME TO UPGRADE!
HD Digital Radio. It's here. It's local. It's free. DISCOVER IT!
www.hdradio.com/
I don't get very good reception for anything terrestrial in my building. And I know I listen to the NPR stations on Sirius more than anything else. If these conditions bankrupt the business, then I can't listen to NPR ever again.
I sure wish Bryant Park Project wasn't being cancelled.
Two strikes for NPR this week. What's the third going to be.