By Brandon Matthews
Actual Audio Clip After The Jump
Satwaves is proud to announce that Sirius XM Radio’s (Nasdaq:SIRI) Howard Stern has taken up the issue of the FCC’s proposal to allow some wireless services to interfere with satellite radio broadcasts. Stern discussed the issue live on his show yesterday, quoting and reading directly from an article I wrote several days ago, titled “Will The FCC Interfere With Sirius XM Yet Again?.”
With a tone of disgust that should be expected of anyone now familiar with the decade long issue, Stern rightly noted that the FCC seems to go after him no matter where he is, through whatever means possible. Unfortunately, Stern fell short of mentioning Satwaves by name, and did not get into the details of our suggestion for listeners to fight for their rights….yet!
Although the FCC staff proposal has yet to be made public, one of the most disturbing aspects of the plan is an indication that includes higher limits than the WCS itself has requested. In fact, the FCC staff on its own initiative is proposing to double the limits that were requested. This is indicated in a letter penned by Sirius XM CEO Mel Karmazin, which further indicates that the staff “bluntly” expressed that interference to the Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service (SDARS) will occur. This is direct opposition to the WCS coalition defense that it will not interfere with Sirius XM broadcasts, which is what this case is all about.
Since bringing this issue to light, the FCC has received over 250 new comments from concerned listeners, and that number is growing on a daily basis. These comments are in addition to the thousands that have been submitted previously, including opposition from nearly every car manufacturer. These include Kia, Chrysler, Ford (NYSE:F), Hyundai, Toyota, General Motors, Volvo, Land Rover, Mercedes and BMW, to name only a few.
We are again encouraging Satellite Radio listeners to voice their opinion on the matter, by using the comment form at the FCC. Simply follow this link and click on docket number 07-293.
(Thank you Mike & Chris)
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