New radio technologies have music industry and radio officials at odds over fair use of audio and video digital transmissions.
The implementation of audio and video flags to block unauthorized distribution and replication could be one solution, experts testified Tuesday before the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet. However, opponents of the flags say they would still block even legal use of music by consumers.
The Audio Broadcast Flag Licensing Act, currently pending before the committee, would authorize the Federal Communications Commission to implement technologies to prohibit unlawful transmission and copying from satellite and HD radio.
“Specifically, it provides that technical licensing agreements currently taking place between satellite/HD radio and developers of digital audio broadcast systems include a broadcast flag or similar technology that limits the unauthorized dissemination, duplication and redistribution of the content,” said Rep. Mike Ferguson, R-N.J., sponsor of the proposed bill.
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September 8 2027: The FCC today announced the implementation of the “audio flag chip.” The audio flag chip must now be implanted in every new-born’s ear. In addition citizens are asked to make appointments with their doctors to have chips implanted in their ears ASAP. All citizens have one year to comply. The chip allows the hearing of only AUTHORIZED songs; this includes songs that are trasmitted via radio played by bands in nightclubs bars or in concert or those that might be heard by accident such as somone whistling or singing them. Once the chip is implanted citizens must must pay $1.00 per song that they wish to hear during their lifetimes.Songs may be renewed yearly for $.50 each. All audio flag chips will be controlled by wireless electrical impulses issuing forth from the RIAA headquarters. Attempts to over-ride this system will result in the explosion of the citizen’s head. Happy listening!