Markey Proposal Subject To FCC Review…

Tuesday, September, 30, 2008 by Mel Phillips.

Massachusetts Representative Ed Markey’s introduction of the Radio All Digital Receiver Act was done during the current period of FCC review of what radio receivers should be required to carry.  After approving the XM-Sirius merger the agency announced that they were conducting a period of review on the subject so Markey offered his proposal.  The Act would require that satellite radio receivers that can receive AM and FM signals also be capable of receiving terrestrial digital radio or HD Radio.  Just a thought but wouldn’t it be great if those receivers could also pick up extra-terrestrial signals?  Can you imagine picking up the first alien signal on a radio???

The NAB, hearing the news of Markey’s Act being introduced wasted little time expressing their view.  After his 28th consecutive cartwheel, NAB president/CEO David  breathing heavily said this, “NAB salutes the leadership of Chairman Markey and a bipartisan group of lawmakers for sponsoring this important bill that will boost the integration of HD Radio in satellite radio receivers, including those installed in automobiles.”  There was more, ending with this statement, “this legislation will extend and enhance these services as radio stations embrace our digital future.”  David then began a series of jumping jacks…

There’s no way of knowing whether or not the Markey Act will be approved but in a climate of adding as much as possible to radio receivers, hey, why not?  I still like my idea of including extra-terrestrial signals too… 

10 Timeline Memories:

1. 1946] Justice received: An international military tribunal in Nuremberg, Germany, finds 22 top Nazi leaders guilty of war crimes…
2. 1947] Brought to you by: The World Series is televised for the 1st time with sponsors playing a “hefty” $65,000 for the entire Yankee-Dodger series…
3. 1949] Airlift lands: The Berlin airlift, which delivered 2.3 million tons of food and fuel to West Berliners despite a Soviet blockade, ends…
4. 1950] Premiered on this date: Radio’s ‘Grand Ole Opry’ is televised for the first time…1951] “The Red Skelton Show” debuts for a 20-season run…1960] “The Flintstones” becomes the first primetime animated series on its way to 6 years in first run and forever in syndication…1982] “Cheers” kicks off an 11-year run…
5. 1955] Hollywood tragedy: 24-year old Hollywood star James Dean is killed in a two-car collision while racing near Cholame (CA)…
6. 1960] Howdy goes back in the box: “The Howdy Doody Show” bows out with the silent Clarabelle (played by Bob Keeshan, future “Captain Kangaroo” speaking for the 1st time. Clarabelle simply says: “Goodbye kids”.  This is the actual clip…
7. 1962] With more to come: The 1st-year New York Mets lose a record 120th game and they hit into a triple-play to boot but they still had the best team song…
8. 1972] A hero to the end: Future Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente picks up his 3,000th and final hit as he’ll go down in a tragic plane crash on New Year’s Eve…
9. 1985] Howard exits: Howard Stern is fired by WNBC after 3 years but he will quickly resurface at WXRK (K-Rock)…
10. 2004] Pulling the plug on Vioxx: Merck & Co. pulls Vioxx, its heavily promoted arthritis drug after a study finds it doubles the risk of heart attacks and strokes…

Music Memories:

• 1965] Premiered on this date: Donovan makes his debut on “Shindig”, which will last 2 seasons. Donovan will last a lot longer…
• 1971] Number One on this date: “Maggie May” - Rod Stewart. MM was the original “B” side of “Reason To Believe“…

Commentary:

So sorry to hear of the passing of veteran record exective and promotion pro, Walter Lee.  His son David sent me an e-mail about Walter’s passing on Sunday night.  Walter had an advanced stage of colon cancer that had spread to his liver.  Walter started out as a local Boston promotion man who went national with Motown and Capitol, settling in Los Angeles.  Walter’s family requested that in lieu of flowers, you can make a donation to his favorite charity, The Animal Rescue Foundation by going to www.arf.net .  R.I.P. my friend… Just a reminder about the WNBC Pay As You Go Party on Friday, October 3rd at Hurley’s, 232 West 48th Street at 6 p.m.  There is no entrance fee.  If you worked at WNBC - you’re in.  The occasion is the 20th anniversary of WNBC’s signoff on October 7, 1989…Also, an RKO Radio Reunion is being planned next year in Los Angeles.  Organizers are searching for those that worked at WOR, WOR-FM/WXLO, WRKO, WROR, WGMS, WAXY, WHBQ, WFYR, KHJ, KFRC, RKO Radio Reps and the RKO Network.  If you’re interested in finding out more, email RKORadioReunion@gmail.com …

“Happy Birthday…happy birthday“:Martina Hingis (28), Jenna Elfman (37), Fran Drescher (51), Deborah Allen (55), Marilyn McCoo (65), Len Cariou (69), Johnny Mathis (73), Angie Dickinson (77) and Elie Wiesel (80)…

Timeline Countdown: One day until the MLB playoffs begin and 23 days until the World Series…

Posted in Today's Post | No Comments »