Broadcasters Want Lawmakers to Require Consumers to Want FM Radio

Seldom do we see such a blatant case of an industry searching for a handout with a sense of entitlement. US broadcasters are attempting to negotiate policy issues, which they apparently hope will be rubber-stamped by US lawmakers and impose design requirements on the cellular phone industry. Namely, the broadcasters want lawmakers to require cell manufacturers to include FM radio receivers on new phones.

How the broadcasting industry felt so entitled to drag an unrelated class of manufacturers into this fight is anyone's guess. How the broadcasters also felt that this is something worthy of legislation is a mystery as well. Well, not really. Seems somebody is thinking it's time to collect on all their campaign contributions.

I once had a mobile device that picked up FM radio. It was called a Walkman. The year was 1989. I haven't had one since...nor have I missed or longed for it. A law making me pay for one seems a bit anti-consumer to this consumer.

Original Story:
New York Times - Music royalty talks consider cell phone mandate