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Public Broadcasters Push Merger Conditions
A group of public broadcasters wrote the Federal Communications Commission about the pending XM/Sirius merger, suggesting that a consolidation of the two companies would "reduce the diversity of programming and choices available to consumers."
But, just like others pushing conditions for the deal, the broadcasting group told the agency that there is "still an opportunity to safeguard the public interest" through the ongoing license transfer review process tied to the merger.
Echoing similar suggestions from broadcast interests, the group said a combined satellite radio company should be required to place HD Radio technology in all new satellite radio receivers. HD Radio is the digital audio format that AM and FM stations are utilizing in their efforts to deliver next-generation radio services.
The public broadcasters also said a single satellite radio entity should set aside 25 percent of capacity for non-commercial public service channels and minority and emergency programming. Details of a spectrum set-aside should be outlined in a separate FCC rulemaking with a comment period of six months to one year, the group added.
"Requiring satellite radio to provide adequate space for non-commercial, educational, minority broadcasters and emergency services will affirm the value of this programming and ensure that this content can continue to serve the American public well into the future," the groups letter said.
The letter was signed by representatives from American Public Media, Public Radio International, American Public Radio, Minnesota Public Radio, Southern California Public Radio, WNYC in New York, WGBH in Boston, Chicago Public Radio and Classical South Florida.
A group of public broadcasters wrote the Federal Communications Commission about the pending XM/Sirius merger, suggesting that a consolidation of the two companies would "reduce the diversity of programming and choices available to consumers."
But, just like others pushing conditions for the deal, the broadcasting group told the agency that there is "still an opportunity to safeguard the public interest" through the ongoing license transfer review process tied to the merger.
Echoing similar suggestions from broadcast interests, the group said a combined satellite radio company should be required to place HD Radio technology in all new satellite radio receivers. HD Radio is the digital audio format that AM and FM stations are utilizing in their efforts to deliver next-generation radio services.
The public broadcasters also said a single satellite radio entity should set aside 25 percent of capacity for non-commercial public service channels and minority and emergency programming. Details of a spectrum set-aside should be outlined in a separate FCC rulemaking with a comment period of six months to one year, the group added.
"Requiring satellite radio to provide adequate space for non-commercial, educational, minority broadcasters and emergency services will affirm the value of this programming and ensure that this content can continue to serve the American public well into the future," the groups letter said.
The letter was signed by representatives from American Public Media, Public Radio International, American Public Radio, Minnesota Public Radio, Southern California Public Radio, WNYC in New York, WGBH in Boston, Chicago Public Radio and Classical South Florida.