FCC Could Address Digital Radio Multicasting Next Meeting
The FCC is likely to address digital radio multicasting and copyright protection issues at its agenda meeting Sept. 15, Commission sources said. “Parts are still in flux, but the FCC will address the issues,” an FCC source said.
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Digital radio multicasting would help broadcasters compete with satellite radio and let them provide more local services, but it raises concern about further concentrating radio ownership, a source said. Current limits let a station own up to 8 stations -- 5 FM and 3 AM -- in a market.
Last year, when the FCC issued an inquiry into digital radio, Comr. Copps said many questions remain, such as how digital radio can enhance political discourse, the larger public interest obligations and the effects of digital radio and multicasting on local competition. “What does it mean for competition if a company that would be permitted to own 8 radio stations in a market also obtains the ability to multicast many more programming streams?” Copps asked then.
The FCC likely will consider a request from the music industry to add copy protections to digital broadcasts, sources said. Music companies fear listeners will misuse the content for profit.
The Commission also will decide whether to permit digital AM broadcast at night, a source said. Night broadcasts are barred due to concern about interference with analog AM stations, some of which distant listeners can pick up at night. The FCC has been testing interference, a source said.
The FCC meeting also could address a cellular competition report and a notice of proposed rulemaking on the universal service fund (USF), a source said. Further details weren’t available but another FCC source said the USF item, which involves changing the procedure for carriers to contribute into the fund, probably won’t be ready in time for the meeting.