1-8-2013
The press release came from Sprint but the heavy lifting was done by Emmis CEO Jeff Smulyan. With a target date of May, Sprint customers will be able to listen to local radio stations without having to download an individual station app or use up valuable and expensive data.
Emmis and the NAB have been developing a tuner called NextRadio, which is expected to be available later this year. The tuner will be the "app" on the face of select Android and Windows smartphones that will allow consumers to listen to their favorite local radio stations. It will also enable the radio industry and Sprint to generate additional ad revenue. Here's Emmis CEO Jeff Smulyan with more details on the deal.
Vice President of Government Affairs for the International Association for the Wireless Industry ( CTIA) told Radio Ink, "This is an example of how markets and private sector collaboration work to provide choices for consumers. We hope that this agreement ends any discussion about the possibility of a government mandate on this issue."
Consumer Electronics Association President Gary Shapiro told Radio Ink, "This is fantastic! Just the way it should happen. Cutting a deal without the government being involved! Everyone is a winner!"
NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith, said, "This opportunity combines the strengths of the Sprint network with the impact of America?s radio stations. It is the type of business-to-business partnership that recognizes the unique strengths of the wireless networks and the radio industry and provides services that are so important to the American people.?
(1/9/2013 8:56:13 PM)
Can I listen to the commercial free BBC on it?
Didn't think so.
Thanks for adding extra cost to the phone for no real benefit.
First of all, CONGRATILATIONS for Mr. Smulyan for the tremendous effort he has put in advocating for the FM chip, as well as for everyone who suppprted his effort. In appreciation for SPRINT, I will continue using their services...
As for Gary Shappiro, so called President of the American Associatoon of Consumer Elecyronics, you're a woos, a coward---you've got NO B_LLS, because you've been the #1 OPPONENT of the FM chip, and now you're saying this is a fantastic day??? What a piece of sh_t
(1/9/2013 3:19:11 PM)
Radio Guy - Windows has 3% of market, and their original WP7 phones had FM radios. Unfortunately the new WP8 phones dropped it, and Sprint is VERY late coming to the table with WP8 commitment. I for one already dumped my Sprint account because they only carried the HTC arrive, a subpar WP7 phone at best. Hopefully this new initiative will roll out without issues. WP8 is a great operating system, adding FM back is a step in the right direction.
(1/9/2013 1:56:27 PM)
Mr. Smulyan's efforts over the past couple of years, to get the phone-makers to include/activate FM chips, have been documented in the radio trades. I think we all owe him a debt of thanks for all of his work to get our collective foot-in-the-door. It's a step in the right direction and an exciting one, at that.
Congratulations - and thanks - to Jeff Smulyan for your persistence. Kudos to Sprint for seeing the value.
Thank you Mr.Smulyan. Your efforts are appreciated.
I am current Sprint customer, and will continue since they support my industry.
I urge my fellow broadcasters to support products and vendors that support our industry.
Damon Collins
WLYB-FM
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