NPR Asks FCC To Recall Sat, iPod FM Modulators

NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO has joined the NAB's crusade against satellite radio's use of overpowered built-in FM modulators in their receivers, asking the FCC to order all SIRIUS and XM receivers with the modulators -- and iPod aftermarket FM transmitters -- recalled to fix the problem.

The BALTIMORE SUN reports that NPR LABS' study of the devices showed 40% exceeding FCC power limits (the NAB's earlier study claimed over 75% exceed the limits).

NPR CEO KEN STERN wrote in the OCTOBER 12 letter to FCC Chairman KEVIN MARTIN that the devices "have contributed to ... unacceptable degradation of the audio quality of public radio stations" and that "left unaddressed, these modulators post a significant threat to the provision of public radio's free, over-the-air public and community service."

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