Trade groups spar over proposed mandate for FM radio on cell phones

In the latest phase of a battle of unusual bedfellows, wireless providers are panning survey result released by broadcasters on Sept 14 that suggest American consumers would welcome access to FM radio on their cell phones. The National Association of Broadcasters said on Tuesday that three-quarters of cell phone owners "would consider paying a one-time fee of 30 cents to access local radio stations through a built-in radio chip," according to a survey by Harris Interactive and commissioned by the NAB. About the same amount of cell users indicated such a feature could be important, with the results showing receptiveness from young adults.

The wireless association CTIA immediately pounced on the results. CTIA, the Consumer Electronics Association and other groups for cell manufacturers are in a stand-off with the broadcasters over whether Congress should require radio reception on phones. "Contrary to NAB's self-interested assertions, a majority of consumers do not want that capability, and the notion that they want to pay more for a functionality they do not want is ridiculous," said CTIA vice president Jot Carpenter. He said "government-dictated design" would hurt innovation and consumer choice, adding that FM radio is already available on cell phones for the consumers who want it. The FM mandate is being pushed by the unusual pairing of the Recording Industry Association of America and the NAB, who have been at odds for years over whether the broadcasters should have to pay performers and the recording industry to play their songs on the radio.