Can The FCC Mandate FM Radio For Cell Phones???

Wednesday, September, 30, 2009 by Mel Phillips.

The answer to whether or not the FCC can mandate FM radio for cell phones is no. However, how many of you ever believed the agency could mandate that analog TV become digital? I didn’t think so. Jeff Smulyan has championed the inclusion of an FM signal on all cell phones but like the name he chose for his company, Emmis, he believes in the truth - the literal Hebrew to English translation of his company name. Smulyan admits the industry hasn’t asked for a mandate but he is “very excited about our chances. We are certain this makes great sense for the wireless industry as well as the radio industry.” Verizon Wireless, AT&T and T-Mobile have already begun to include FM on some phones. Will other wireless companies follow???

One thing the FCC likes about the prospect of FM on cell phones is its use as a vehicle that would expand emergency alert coverage. The agency would like to get the two industries to work together rather than mandate FM inclusion. FCC Commissioner Meredith Baker’s acting legal advisor Bill Freedman says “our belief is there is a role of the FCC to provide support and encourage getting cellular carriers and broadcasters together.” At last week’s NAB Radio Show Freedman said, “we’re reluctant to mandate — this may be something worked out in the marketplace.” You mean like analog to digital TV was???

For the record, I am opposed to mandating anything. Am I happy that I watch digital TV instead of analog? You bet but I paid for the right to choose digital way before it was mandated. As much as mandating FM radio for cell phones would be a boon for the radio industry, the public should have a right to choose. That right should not be mandated…   

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. Red Barber and Mel Allen comment on the series in this clip…
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 Old 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”…
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…
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“…

“Happy Birthday…happy birthday“: Martina Hingis (29), Jenna Elfman (38), Crystal Bernard (48), Fran Drescher (52), Deborah Allen (56), Marilyn McCoo (66), Len Cariou (70), Johnny Mathis (74), Angie Dickinson (78) and Elie Wiesel (81)…

Timeline Countdown: 5 days until the end of the MLB regular season, 7 days until the MLB playoffs begin and 28 days until the World Series…

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