Introduction of the ``Radio All Digital Channel Receiver Act''

Floor Speech

INTRODUCTION OF THE ``RADIO ALL DIGITAL CHANNEL RECEIVER ACT'' -- (Extensions of Remarks - September 28, 2008)

SPEECH OF
HON. EDWARD J. MARKEY
OF MASSACHUSSETTS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2008

* Mr. MARKEY. Madam Speaker, I rise to introduce the ``Radio All Digital Channel Receiver Act.'' This legislation will assure consumers that they have seamless access to free, over-the-air digital radio in key consumer electronic devices. It will also help to safeguard the viability of free, over-the-air radio into the future. I am pleased to introduce this bipartisan legislation today with Energy and Commerce Committee colleagues Representatives Lee Terry (R-NE), Charlie Gonzalez (D-TX), Doug Walden (R-OR), Joe Wilson (R-SC), and Dan Burton (R-IN).

* Madam Speaker, millions of Americans today rely on local broadcast radio for news, public safety bulletins, sports, weather, traffic and other information. The broadcast radio industry is increasingly migrating to digital broadcasting technology that will avail radio stations of the ability to transmit CD-quality digital content and offer multiple streams of service. This legislation is designed to ensure that consumers are able to readily receive such free service through consumer electronics systems that are otherwise receiving satellite digital audio radio and traditional AM or FM stations.

* The recent merger of the only two satellite radio providers, XM and Sirius satellite radio, has underscored the importance of ensuring consumer access to a diversity of sources for digital radio content, in particular the free radio content originating in their local communities. This bill therefore simultaneously seeks to address the long-term competitive health of local radio while ensuring that their local, digital services are readily received by radio consumers.

* With the 110th Congress in its final days of session, this legislation will obviously have to wait until the next Congress for action. I look forward to continuing to work with the original cosponsors of this bill as well as other Energy and Commerce Committee colleagues and other interested members of the House.

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