Satellite : Markey Bill Eyes Digital Radio/Sat Radio Capabilities

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Ed Markey, the Massachusetts Democrat and chairman of the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, on Monday introduced a bill that would require the availability of digital terrestrial radio services in key audio electronics, including satellite radio receivers.

Specifically, Markey's "Radio All Digital Channel Receiver Act" would mandate that devices that get satellite radio signals and terrestrial AM/FM broadcasts have the capability to receive digital radio signals from AM and FM stations. "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," the lawmaker said in a statement.

Markey said the summer merger of satellite radio companies XM and Sirius "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."

The bill has support from other lawmakers. Co-sponsors of the legislation include Reps. Lee Terry (R-Neb.), Charlie Gonzalez (D-Texas), Greg Walden (R-Ore.), Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), and Dan Burton (R-Ind.).