Harris Interactive Poll Shows Interesting Results For Radio On Cell Phones
The National Association of Broadcasters is applauding a recent Harris interactive poll that appears to indicate consumers want FM radio in cellular phones. The NAB hired Harris to conduct the survey which used 2,587 participants. While I have little doubt that FM as a feature would be a novel idea, the current state of the cell phone market typically avoids installing FM capability. The reasons surround cost as well as a lack of consumer demand. Cell companies are typically quite fast at seeking out and implementing consumer desires. The fact that most cell phones do not already have FM is telling in and of itself.
The NAB has tried to link the royalty debate to mandated inclusion in cell phones. Cell phone manufacturers balked at the suggestion that they be mandated to include FM radio in their phones. An FM receiver would allow terrestrial radio to pay less in royalties by avoiding people tuning in to the Internet feed (Internet radio pays higher rates). This would also limit data streaming on cell phones, which is a source of revenue.
According to the Harris Survey 76% of cell phone owners would consider paying a one-time fee of 30 cents to access local radio stations through a built-in radio chip.
– The survey says that local weather and music are the top reasons consumers would listen to their local stations on their cell phones. Seventy-three percent of cell phone owners indicated that having a radio built into their cell phone capable of providing local weather and emergency alerts in real-time would be “very” or “somewhat” important.
– 66% of adults would use a built-in radio, while young adults are even more likely to use such a feature. Seventy-one percent of 18-44 year olds as well as 73 percent of single and never married adults indicated they would use a built-in radio to listen to local stations if their phone was equipped to receive local radio stations without using mobile apps or their cell phone provider’s data plan.
As many are aware, the way a question is asked can carry a big influence on how it is answered. The NAB wants consumers to want FM in cell phones. It is a big money saver for terrestrial radio and mandated implementation would boost the business model of terrestrial radio.
Whether you agree with the poll or not, one thing is certain. The NAB will be lobbying for an FM inclusion mandate and cell manufacturers will be lobbying against it. Terrestrial radio is seeking a smart phone advantage over Internet radio providers such as Sirius XM Internet Radio, Pandora, and Slacker.
Wow, I really fall into the small fraction, my current android phone has FM Capability but I never have and never intend to use it for listening to FM/Terrestrial Radio. When I want music I fire up the streaming Sirius or find a podcast.
If cellular providers were interested in saving revenue they would offer more phones with WiFi capabilities that way they could save on their bandwidth fees.
Common Sense could go a very long ways for the US Cellular providers if they would only implement it. This would include removing the requirement in the use of the Cellular Bandwidth to utilize Skype. Hundreds of similar cost savings ideas could really help save everyone money.
When I wanted Fm on my phone there was 2 problems. 1. You had to use their ugly cord that had the antenna on it, and you headphone plugged into that. 2. the reception sucked. I think FM missed out on their oppertunity to really capture a market. Yes people will use them now, but I would bet more people use internet streaming services.
That harris poll is worthless. If the NAB hired Harris to do it, I would not trust the results to be accurate.
Harris is a struggling company with a business model that is becoming obsolete. Cell phone manufacturer’s influence will triumph over the feeble attempts from the NAB to add FM (which is junk IMO). FM is a thing of the past, and the NAB’s attempts will fail IMO.
Slow news day. Clown boy needed some clicks. Had to write about something. Such an irrelevant article.
I don”t think Mel is worried about this – NAB is pathetic and desperate.
The pollsters have been paid off imo. I do not want fm in my car let alone on my cell phone. Who are they kidding?
How about some info on the latest run-up? Options expire tomorrow. Will that mean that the stock price takes a quick dive today or tomorrow? Past experience says “Yes”, but I’m hoping we’ve seen a dramatic turn in events. Thanks for your great articles Spence!
The technical analysis and OEM CPO numbers and analysis went by the way side lately. No consistency here anymore. Seems like this site is fading lately, especially forum. Even the radio show died because of lack of guests.
Spencer –
You should try & merge with Ryan at Orbitcast & moreso Digital Radio Central . I think it would be a good fit since They talk of all things digital also (Slacker/Pandora)
There are way too many sites now vying for readers attention.
You need something to spark the interest again since Satwaves and Playground Radio carved out their niches.
Sorry, I like you and want to see this take off for you again.