FCC Commissioners Like FM Chip Idea

4-9-13

In a session entitled "Straight Talk From the Top. FCC Commissioners -- America's Communication Regulators," at the NAB Show in Las Vegas, Commissioners Ajit Pai and Jessica Rosenworcel both made pro-radio statements about FM chips in cell phones. Earlier in the day, Verizon CEO Lowell McAdam told NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith that radio on cell phones is a very small issue for his customers. He said they were more interested in streaming customizable audio. The commissioners had a different take.

Commissioner Rosenworcel indicated, that over time, that will change, and as consumers use FM chips in their phone more and more, they'll demand it more and more. Pai, who's been a radio hero at this year's NAB show, believes that from a consumer perspective it would be helpful to have FM chips in phones, "especially during emergencies." Emmis CEO Jeff Smulyan has worked out a deal with Sprint to get FM chips in cell phones later this year. Smulyan told Radio Ink he's very excited the commissioners support the idea. "We'd like FM chips in every cell phone in the United States." It's important to note that there was no mention of a government mandate to put FM chips in cell phones.

(4/9/2013 7:11:19 PM)
Too bad the FCC can't do jack about it!

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NAB Wants FCC Commissioners Confirmed.

You may have read that some politicians may attempt to block President Obama's two nominations to the FCC. Republican Senator Chuck Grassley vowed to hold up the nominations of Jessica Rosenworcel and Ajit Paiunless unless he got some answers about a company called LightSquared. The FCC has refused to give Grassley any information. Yesterday, NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith sent a letter to the Senate Commerce Committe urging Congress to confirm the nominations.

"The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) strongly encourages the Senate Commerce Committee to act promptly on these nominations and ensure that the FCC has a full complement of Commissioners next year and beyond, a time during which the agency will be making major decisions that will impact radio and television broadcasters and the entire telecommunications industry. You have worked closely with Jessica and Ajit, so you already know that they are highly qualified, knowledgeable and thoughtful public servants. We believe that these attributes and their combined years of experience - both at the FCC and in Congress - will be of significant value to the Commission. With the Senate's approval, NAB and our nation's broadcasters look forward to working with Jessica and Ajit for many years to come."

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President Nominates Two New FCC Commissioners

The commission has been working shorthanded lately, with only three of the five seats filled. Today President Obama nominated Jessica Rosenworcel and Ajit Pai to serve as commissioners to the FCC. Both need to be approved by Congress.

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said of the appointments "I look forward to returning to a five member Commission. I had the pleasure of working with Jessica when she served in the Office of Commissioner Mike Copps and recently while at the Senate Commerce Committee. She is a tireless public servant who, if confirmed, will bring a unique perspective to our discussions at the FCC. Ajit, if confirmed, will bring a wealth of experience from both the public and private sectors as well as a solid understanding of the issues that come before the Commission. American consumers will be well served by his strong background. I wish both Jessica and Ajit well in the confirmation process."

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