9-18-2012
In his opening remarks at the Radio Show in Dallas, Wednesday, National Association of Broadcasters CEO Gordon Smith said it's important for radio to continue its fight to have an FM Chip in all mobile phones. He also said, while the wireless industry is trying, a 90-character text message during an emergency just isn't enough. "They are wise to direct their customers to turn to local media for the full story. We are natural partners, and we must work together. Radio can supplement these emergency alert efforts, since our medium doesn't have these types of limitations."
The NAB has been lobbying members of Congress, most recently the Homeland Security Committee last Friday. The wireless industry has been reluctant, although many phones already have an FM chip installed. It's just that few people know how to activate them and fewer salespeople ever explain that to the consumer. Smith says the NAB "discovered that all of the top 10 best-selling smartphones in the U.S. were already equipped with radio chips.
But, unfortunately, none of them had the chip activated. Activating these radio chips presents huge opportunities for listeners, wireless companies, and broadcasters alike. We just need to continue educating our friends in the wireless industry about the benefits of providing their customers with built-in radio. The bottom line is radio provides a great service to the public ? and we must continue to inform all Americans about the facts."
(9/20/2012 6:12:25 PM)
We recently had a tornado watch in this area and my Verizon phone alerted me with a very loud beeping tone and a description of the emergency. Why would I want an FM radio that wouldn't be able to alert me to a problem?
(9/20/2012 10:42:59 AM)
Every time Gordon opens his mouth I feel like I need to take a shower. I guess that's the nature of a lobbist and I'm sure it bets laying on your back all day for the money.
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