The distinction between satellite radio and terrestrial broadcasting is getting blurry.For years, terrestrial broadcasters have opposed the use of terrestrial repeaters to augment the signals of satellite companies like Multiple Offerings From Orbit (MOFO) Satellite Radio. Today, MOFO fires back.
The argument from terrestrial radio has always been that MOFO should not be allowed to use terrestrial repeaters to compete unfairly with local broadcasters, by offering local content and selling local commercials. MOFO so far has complied, but now seeks to level the playing field.
In today's letter to the FCC, MOFO claims that terrestrial radio is doing exactly what they fear MOFO wants to do. Large radio corporations offer centralized and often satellite-delivered shows on a national basis, and allow local AM/FM stations to sell local ads and do traffic/weather cut-ins. The local AM/FM stations are thus no more than high-powered terrestrial repeaters, MOFO says, and they are unfairly allowed to localize.
Calling their requests a plea for fair competition, the satcaster boldly asks for a rulemaking that 1) MOFO be granted the right to sell local ads and offer local content, so far prohibited, and 2) transmitter power be equalized among AM/FM stations and MOFO's repeaters.
A.T.E.! Analysis: If your market has AM or FM stations that are basically "terrestrial repeaters" with up to 100,000-watt signals, things could get interesting! Has AM and FM effectively become satellite radio, all the while fighting the existence of companies like MOFO? Is this too heavy or serious a topic for us? For you? Should we let Johnny Van Suedanbitter have this one? Would you rather we just re-run "Keep F**king That Chicken?"
