By Gino Lattarulo
There is talk that the FCC may still mandate Sirius XM (SIRI) receivers be HD capable. They just can't leave well enough alone can they? Of course, the notice of inquiry comes from Clear Channel and iBiquity itself which is producing the HD system. Shocking I know.
The satellite industry has spent billions developing and producing receivers to liberate the masses from the stranglehold of terrestrial radio. Clear channel is trying to go back to bullying 'ol reliable and spineless FCC into letting them leach HD technology onto satellite receivers without having to spend the money to compete hardware for hardware. 
I say sure, let them do it. But pay the owners of satellite technology and the manufacturers of the receivers for the right to do it. Otherwise, use your own money to develop the separate HD receiver and do it the hard way like Sirius did. Then Sirius can lobby against Clear Channel to make HD receivers Satellite capable. Fair is fair right? No of course not my friends. Not when it comes to the self serving and manipulative behavior of politicians and lobbyists.
Clear Channel, the NAB, and the FCC have thoroughly embarrassed themselves over the 18 month delayed merger of Siri XM and have ultimately become a villain in the eyes of the public. So I have this to say to the NAB and Clear Channel. It is over. Get a life. Do you really want to get ahead? Concentrate on your business model and the well being of the stock holders. YOU NEED CONTENT. HD is not your savior. Content is. Content Content. Why do you think Sirius is signing content like crazy? It's not because the sound quality is all that great, it's because they know people will tune in to CNBC and Baseball. Stop being so thick headed about such a remedial concept.
I am literally surprised that Clear Channel didn't find some reason to lobby against Apple for daring to produce the IPod. I know it is a ridiculous thought isn't it? But then again, this whole political puppet show is ridiculous.
No wonder people don't bother to vote. I am truly sick to my stomach.
Disclosure: Long SIRI
