Students who use iPods or satellite radio devices in their cars could be forced to find another way to listen to their music. National Public Radio is asking the Federal Communications Commission to recall millions of FM modulators because the organization claims it interferes with NPR broadcasts.
The devices take an existing audio signal and transmit it on a lower frequency FM band, typically between the range of 88.1 to 91.1 MHz. CEO Ken Stern sent a letter requesting the recall in October to FCC Chairman Kevin Martin.
In the letter, Stern said the modulators have contributed to unacceptable degradation of the audio quality of public radio stations.
“Left unaddressed, these modulators pose a significant threat to the provision of public radio’s free, over-the-air public and community service,” Stern said in the Oct. 12 letter.
A study conducted by NPR found that nearly 40 percent of the devices sold have signal strengths that exceed FCC limits. A similar study conducted by the National Association of Broadcasters puts that figure closer to 75 percent.
This means that someone driving alongside another individual using an FM transmitter could have his radio interrupted by an overbearing signal. One could be listening to NPR one minute and Howard Stern the next.
Senior computer engineering major Jimmy Rapier said he doens’t understand how the devices could be that powerful.
“They were too weak; it didn’t work well in my vehicle,” Rapier said. “I don’t see how they could actually cause interference in someone else’s vehicle.”
The letter marks the first time NPR has taken a stance on the issue. The NAB had already sent two letters to Martin alleging regulatory violations as well, a recent article on BusinessWeek.com said.