The Buzz Out group at C/Net tackled the issue (episode 1293) of this proposal from the NAB and the RIAA that the government force all cell phone manufacturers to include an FM receiver in cell phones. They have a very firm opinion on the subject. The use of terms like “Obsolete technology” and “propping up a failed business model” should give a hint of their opinion.
Molly Woods coming out about the problems with the iPhone4 antenna was probably what pushed apple to change their posiion on the issue. They do have significant influence among the under 50 population who don’t listen to radio.
They didn’t mention the subject of whether the FM equipped cell phone would then be able to record and save the music in the memory of the cell phone. Want to bet what the answer is?
Everyday I read new examples demonstrating Charles Dickens opinion of “the law,” read, The Government. In addition to providing for the national defense, assuring sound infrastructure and adhering jointly and severally to the literal version of the Constitution of the United States, I have but three things more to ask of my American Mandarins — Stay out of our hair, Get out of our wallets and Get off our backs. Demand should be the dynamic that decides these things, not ham-handed fiat from arrogant, tin-eared, manipulative Machiavellian morons in an increasingly bloated, detestable government.