Medford
5 High Street, Suite 101
Medford, MA 02155
781-396-2900
Framingham
188 Concord Street
Suite 102
Framingham, MA 01702
508-875-2900
TTY Line: 508-820-1802
Washington, D.C.
2108 Rayburn House
Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
202-225-2836
Home
Sep. 27, 2008 - Markey Bill Boosts Future of Free, Local Radio
Bipartisan legislation seeks to ensure key consumer electronic devices will be able to receive digital radio signals
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Edward J. Markey (D-MA), chairman of the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, introduced legislation that will assure consumers that they have seamless access to free, over-the-air digital radio in key consumer electronic devices. A bipartisan group of Energy and Commerce Committee members all cosponsored the bill, H.R. 7157: Representatives Lee Terry (R-NE), Charlie Gonzalez (D-TX), Greg Walden (R-OR), Joe Wilson (R-SC), and Dan Burton (R-IN).
Rep. Markey said,
"Millions of Americans today rely on local broadcast radio for news, public
safety bulletins, sports, weather, traffic and other information.As the broadcast radio industry migrates to
digital broadcasting technology, this legislation will ensure that consumers
are able to readily receive free service through consumer electronics systems
that are otherwise receiving satellite digital audio radio and traditional AM
or FM stations.
"Further, the recent merger of the only two satellite
radio providers, XM and Sirius satellite radio, has underscored the importance
of ensuring consumer access to a diversity of sources for digital radio
content, in particular content originating in their local communities.My bill therefore simultaneously seeks to
address the long-term competitive health of local radio while ensuring that
their local, digital services are readily received by radio consumers."
