NAB Says FM Radios No 'Burden' to Cell Makers
Aug 27, 2010, 7:52 AM by Eric M. Zeman
The National Association of Broadcasters has responded to criticism from electronics makers of its plan to mandate FM radios in all mobile devices. Speaking to Cnet, NAB executive vice president Dennis Wharton said, "There would be a public benefit to have free and local radio on all of these devices. I don't think it's a huge burden on cell phone manufacturers to add this device. We understand their opposition. They'd rather usage based pricing, to have FM over IP so they can charge for it. That's where their business model is headed." The real impetus behind the FM radio mandate is to help settle a royalty dispute between broadcasters and the recording industry. Earlier this week, a group of six consumer electronics organizations blasted the NAB and RIAA's plan, saying, "Calls for an FM chip mandate are not about public safety but are instead about propping up a business which consumers are abandoning as they avail themselves of new, more consumer-friendly options." The NAB and RIAA's proposal has not been finalized, but it hopes to complete work on it soon and get it in front of Congress.
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