A gaggle of major Internet content companies say they support the Federal Communications Commission’s proposed new net neutrality rules, and the signers of their letter include Sony Electronics. “This framework will ensure that consumers have access to an open Internet, one that would preserve a level playing field for all participants,” they write. “And it […]
Author Archive | Matthew Lasar
Catholic Radio blasts tribal preferences for radio licenses
The Catholic Radio Association has a serious problem with the Federal Communications Commission helping Native American tribes get more radio stations. That’s putting it mildly. As we’ve reported, in Febuary the FCC ruled that Federally recognized Native American Tribes and Alaska Native Villages who apply for AM or FM radio stations will get ‘Tribal Priority’ (here’s the […]
Decision time coming for Sirius XM vs. WCS bands
The Federal Communications Commission has announced that it will issue a Report and Order with coexistence rules for Sirius XM (SIRI) and the Wireless Communications Services band at its next Open Commission meeting, scheduled for May 20: “WCS-SDARS Report and Order: A Report and Order that enables robust mobile broadband use of 25 MHz of spectrum […]
Sirius XM accuses wireless companies of "warehousing" spectrum next door to satellite radio
The great accusation fest which is the struggle between Sirius XM (SIRI) satellite radio and a host of wireless companies went to its next round on Friday, with Sirius accusing the companies of “warehousing” their licenses nearby the service’s bandwidth: “There can be little question that WCS [Wireless Communications Service] licensees have warehoused spectrum in hopes of […]
Pandora's new Facebook app – should privacy be an issue?
If you’ve ever wondered what kind of music your Facebook friends listen to on Pandora, the online streaming Internet service now has an app for that. Linking your Pandora account to your Facebook account enables you to survey the channel tastes of your Facebook friends. After months of “furious activity,” the feature is now ready, Pandora […]
NPR billboards return of Canadian indie band
National Public Radio Music released on-demand streams for a couple of indie band’s new albums on Monday morning: Broken Social Scene‘s Forgiveness Rock Record and The Hold Steady‘s Heaven Is Whenever. The streams are available on NPR’s “Exclusive First Listen” series. As I write this I’m listening to NPR’s stream of Broken Social Scene, a […]
Ofcom puts another nail in local radio's coffin
Commercial radio broadcasters on both sides of the Atlantic are no doubt praising the United Kingdom’s move to allow licensed stations to cut down on their news and local fare. “Changes in the advertising market, greater competition for audiences’ attention and technological developments mean that the radio industry is facing significant challenges and is having […]
Pandora promises background listening for the iPhone
You can listen to Pandora just about anywhere if you’ve got an iPhone, BlackBerry, or Android (or at least anywhere that your respective network can reach). But there’s one thing missing on the iPhone: background listening. That, however, is about to change, according to Pandora’s Tom Conrad. “Some weeks ago Apple invited us to a […]
Wireless companies blast Sirius XM in spectrum controversy
The Federal Communications Commission has called for comment on proposed rules intended to prevent interference between Sirius XM radio (SIRI) and wireless broadband in the 2.3 GHz band area. But when Sirius XM asked for a one week extension on the comment deadline, the organization representing the various wireless companies blasted the request. “At virtually […]
Remembering Radio Free Europe's balloon crusade
No doubt many Radio Survivor readers remember and still love Nena’s 80s rock song, Ninety Nine Red Balloons. It’s about a couple of kids who let loose a slew of balloons, and trigger the early warning systems of Europe, unleashing nuclear war. Ninety-nine dreams I have had And every one a red balloon It’s all […]