Digital Radio, Satellite Radio and LPFM Top NAB Radio Board Discussion

Despite the shortened legislative Congressional calendar due to the Senate and House races and the Presidential race this year, lawmakers have focused on several issues affecting broadcasters. NAB head lobbyist John Orlando told the NAB board members that members of both the House and Senate are zeroing in on: indecency, digital radio and TV, spectrum reform, LPFM and satellite radio.
As far as LPFM, the board discussed Sen. John McCain’s legislation that would authorize the FCC to put into law the recommendations made in he Mitre report; to drop 3rd adjacent channel protections and allow more LPFMs on the FM band. Orlando briefed the board on efforts by House Commerce Committee members Heather Wilson, R-N.M. and Frank Pallone, D-N.J., to have the General Accounting Office evaluate the report, which NAB considers technically flawed.