This is regarding the letter “AM Digital — What Is the End Game?,” which was a response to an earlier commentary by Michelle Bradley.
The author wrote: “Michi made the point that, ‘The automotive and radio receiver industry needs to make HD Radio, standard equipment, not a ‘luxury option’ like with some manufacturers.’ So, when is the FCC going to step in and mandate HD Radio in all cars? It’s the only way this will happen.”
Well, I have to call BS. Why do you think every vehicle comes with SiriusXM? Because they did what they had to do to get them there. I’m sure there were financial inducements.
Money talks. But as far as I can tell, there was never a broadcaster initiative to get the radios in the cars. I don’t know what discussions iBiquity had with the auto manufacturers, but it was spectacularly ineffective. Relying on big ol’ Uncle Sam to mandate HD Radios in all cars seems like such a copout.
John Terhar
Largo, Fla.
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