4-16-14
Even though Pandora openly claims it is taking listeners and advertising dollars away from radio, and claims it is the number one "station" in some of the biggest cities in America, the FCC isn't buying it. Pandora now says it has 9% of all radio listening in the United States. The Commission argues they are a national product and there is no evidence they compete locally (FLASHBACK: Read how a local car dealer is using Pandora over Radio HERE).
The FCC's detailed explanation why it's not allowing more deregulation is very specific about what radio is expected to deliver. In rejecting the NAB's increased competitive environment, the FCC points out that Satellite Radio and Internet Radio are "national platforms," not likely to respond to competitive conditions in local markets. And, no evidence was provided that either plan to become local. The FCC said, "only local broadcasters provide programming based on the unique characteristics of their respective local markets. As the Commission has stated previously, it is the competition between such rivals that most benefits listeners in a local market and serves the public interest."
Add a Comment Send This Story To A Friend
