NAB Tries to Make Life Even More Difficult for Satellite Radio
In a post from a few weeks ago, I discussed some of the issues XM and SIRIUS were having with the FCC regarding emission-levels of their radio transmitters. The end result for both companies was a damaging but not crippling halt in production so that agreed-upon standards could be worked out and the products altered accordingly.
Now, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is calling for FCC-imposed recall of all currently released SIRIUS and XM transmitters. NAB president Donald Rehr, in a letter to FCC chairman Kevin Martin regarding “noncompliant devices already in consumers’ hands or those already shipped to retailers,” argues that a recall is entirely necessary in order to prevent further “disruption of listeners’ use and enjoyment of free over-the-air radio services.” This request, of course, has nothing to do with damaging terresitrial radio’s biggest competitors; it’s all about protecting the listners.
It will be interesting to see what kind of pull the NAB has with the FCC. See the NAB’s press release here.
Tip provided by Orbitcast.
UPDATE: In a conference call to investors, SIRIUS CEO Mel Karmazin called the NAB’s letter a “defensive” attempt to “muddy waters” regarding an issue that has received “very few complaints.” See the story here and a transcript of the call here.
