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."

The full text of H.R. 7157: Radio All Digital Channel Receiver Act

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 27, 2008

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