Pai Backs AM Revitalization at NABA Symposium
Broadcasters need to become more aggressive in meeting consumer demand, FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai told the North American Broadcast Association in a speech Thursday. "Internet streaming and podcasts are good examples of radio broadcasters reaching out to meet listeners where…
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they are," Pai said. “Broadcast and broadband are complements, not substitutes.” That most cellphone FM chips aren’t activated is “perplexing,” Pai said. Activating them would preserve spectrum, he said. “Streaming FM stations on consumers’ smartphones using cellular networks just doesn’t make much sense. All of that data is unnecessarily using spectrum and contributing to network congestion.” But Pai said he wouldn't support mandatory activation of the chips. “If there is consumer demand for activating FM chips -- and I believe that there is -- I am optimistic that we will continue to see progress on this issue as a result of commercial negotiations and competitive pressure in the private marketplace,” said Pai, known for his role in championing radio and AM in particular. The role of government in radio is to get rid of obsolete regulations, such as those preventing cross ownership, he said. The FCC should take action on AM revitalization because it has broad support, Pai said. “It’s no secret that the FCC has been deeply divided on many key issues recently,” Pai said. “AM revitalization is one area where we could come together to advance the common good.”