New York – A new survey commissioned by the National
Association of Broadcasters (NAB), a radio industry trade group, found that 76%
of U.S. cell phone owners would consider paying "a one-time fee of 30
cents" to gain access to local radio stations on their phones. Conducted
by Harris Interactive, the survey of 2,587 U.S. adults found that 66% would
listen to local radio on their cell phones if such a feature was available,
rising to 71% among 18-34 year-olds.
Some 61% said they were unaware that radio receiver technology for mobile phones already existed.
The poll results come as the radio
industry has been pressing Congress to mandate inclusion of radio receiver
chips in mobile phones — a move strongly opposed by consumer electronics
makers.
"A chip mandate is the wrong answer. Government-dictated design
would reduce innovation and limit consumer choice," said Jot Carpenter,
vice president of wireless trade group CTIA, in response to the poll results.
"In reality, FM capability is available today for consumers who want to
access over-the-air radio on their mobile devices. Contrary to NAB’s
self-interested assertions, a majority of consumers do not want that
capability, and the notion that they want to pay more for a functionality they
do not want is ridiculous."
Related Links:
http://tinyurl.com/2fxe4sf
(NAB)
http://tinyurl.com/2fqmav4
(CTIA)
http://tinyurl.com/2gylrvc
(DMW previous coverage)
