And a bill has been introduced in Congress to keep satellite radio national. Rep. Chip Pickering, R-Miss., has introduced the Local Emergency Radio Service Preservation Act of 2005. The bill would not restrict the satellite radio companies from airing local content, such as their local traffic or weather channels, but would make sure they keep airing those nationwide, and not solely in local markets.
Rep. Pickering says he has satellite radio in his truck and enjoys it. If passed, he said, subscribers would not see a change in service.
The measure also instructs the FCC to study the impact on local broadcasters of satellite radio companies providing local content including questions of community needs, public affairs, local voice, amber alerts, traffic conditions and emergency broadcasts.
Pickering and Democratic Rep. Gene Green of Texas introduced identical legislation last year.
Pickering Introduces Bill to Keep Satcasters National
Pickering Introduces Bill to Keep Satcasters National
