Backers Of 'Audio Flag' May Make Lame-Duck Push

BACKERS OF 'AUDIO FLAG' MAY MAKE LAME-DUCK PUSH
[SOURCE: Technology Daily 11/10, AUTHOR: Andrew Noyes]
Some policy watchers in the high-tech sector believe there might be an attempt in Congress' post-election session to pass a bill that would bar consumers from making copies of digital and satellite radio transmissions. Outgoing Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) supports the "audio flag" anti-piracy technology because of his ties to Nashville, the nation's country music headquarters, an aide said. Mitch Bainwol, chief executive officer of the Recording Industry Association of America, is Frist's former chief of staff. Sen Frist is retiring from Congress and is said to be contemplating a run for president in 2008. Earlier this year, the Senate Commerce Committee included the audio flag in its telecommunications bill, but a House-passed telecom measure does not have the provision. Meanwhile, Rep Mike Ferguson (R-NJ) in March introduced a bill, H.R. 4861, that would implement the audio flag. Officials at the Consumer Electronics Association and National Association of Broadcasters have heard rumors of Frist's potential plan to resurrect the push for an audio flag in the lame-duck session. NAB spokesman Dennis Wharton said his group will "vigorously oppose this effort should it surface." CEA's Michael Petricone echoed his remarks.
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