The NAB has submitted an ex parte filing to the FCC summarizing meetings that took place yesterday (11/10) between several radio executives, NAB staff members and the FCC regarding the inclusion of radio receivers in cell phones. Included in those meetings were Cumulus Chairman and CEO Lew Dickey; Entercom President and CEO David Field; Clear Channel President and CEO John Hogan; Commonwealth Broadcasting President and CEO Steve Newberry; Bonneville President and CEO Bruce Reese; Emmis President and CEO Jeff Smulyan; Greater Media President and CEO Peter Smyth; and Farid Suleman, Chairman and CEO of Citadel Broadcasting.

During the meetings, the CEOs explained how including FM receivers in cell phones would enhance public safety. They noted that following the disruption of cellular networks during 9-11 and Hurricane Katrina, Congress enacted the Warning, Alert and Response Network (WARN) Act of 2006, calling for the creation of the Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) to leverage the reach of mobile wireless technology. The cellular industry is developing an emergency warning system based on text messaging, but that is still years away from being a reality. However, FM radio reception in cellular handsets could make public safety information available today.

They also said that total cost for FM radio functionality is approximately $1 or even less per handset, and that internal FM antennas are already available in multiple models of cell phones. The CEOs noted that more than 30 percent of mobiles handsets worldwide already have FM service, and at least 17 models of handsets in the U.S. already have FM radio reception capability, with more anticipated in the near future.

In addition, they expressed support for the request of the Joint Parties to increase authorized power for HD Radio service. They urged the Commissioners to act quickly to adopt the recent proposal agreed upon between iBiquity and NPR for an interim, across-the-board power increase.