NAB wants to work with the record labels to figure out a compromise over content protection issues associated with HD Radio, rather than relying on Congress to mandate a solution. It opposes mandatory encryption of the digital signal at the source, however, and tells the RIAA that such a proposal could obsolete both IBOC receivers and transmission equipment now in use.
In a letter to RIAA Chairman and CEO Mitch Bainwol, New NAB President/CEO David Rehr said the broadcast rollout is "well" underway and broadcasters have a lot invested in making the transition successful. "The goal for our industry is to find a resolution that balances protection of copyrighted works against the important objective of ensuring the continued and rapid expansion of digital audio broadcasts. Such a balanced approach could, in fact, aid the HD Radio rollout by removing regulatory and legislative uncertainty from the marketplace." NAB questions the degree to which HD Radio threatens copyright or will facilitate unauthorized, digital distribution of sound recordings, states Rehr.
"Those desiring to obtain and listen to pure, uninterrupted performances of sound recording in lieu of radio already have an abundant number of means to do so. Peer-to-peer file sharing and the hours of uninterrupted music that can be stored on CDs and discs are but a few such means. iPod uploads and digital music on the Internet would seem to present much larger and more immediate threats to copyright holders."
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