XM WX in danger of ban?

[Tandem46]

Read this in September issue of FLYING magazine (I can't seem to copy it into here, so I'll just type it out.

XM Weather Target of Broadcast Association

The National Association of Broadcasters is again pushing members of Congress to support bills in both houses seeking to ban satellite radio providers from providing "locally differentiated" services and "locally oriented" programming. The ban, a disappointment and inconvenience for radio listeners, would create a significant safety issue for pilots who have come to rely on XM WX as a strategic weapon in dealing with adverse weather. Opponents of the effort to ban the service contend that satellite weather provides crucial public interest benefits and has revolutionized air safety by providing comprehensive graphical weather displays 24/7. The threat is serious; the house bill (HR998) has some 120 cosponsors. To express your concern about the effects of a ban on XM's satellite weather, XM Radio recommends you write to your congressperson and urge him or her to oppose HR998, and to send a copy of the letter to XMWXinfo@xmradio.com, to allow XM to show the scale of the objection from the pilot community.

[N395V]

Not as bad as it seems at first Glance

[Tandem46]

Good follow-up info. Thanks Milt.

[N395V]

Originally Posted by tobinbasford

Good follow-up info. Thanks Milt.

I agree with your original posting though. A call or letter to our elected idiots against this thing won't hurt.

[Dgamble]

Originally Posted by N395V

Not as bad as it seems at first Glance

Looks to be an unintended consequence of government being asked yet again (via large "campaign contributions," no doubt) to protect an obsolete business model. When will they learn?

[yarddart]

They never will!

[n3aprv]

Check AOPA's web site. They are active in opposition to the proposed change and highlighted the subject in today's newsletter.
Al Paulsen
Flying 6-A - FS

[AlexPeterson]

Originally Posted by Dgamble

Looks to be an unintended consequence of government being asked yet again (via large "campaign contributions," no doubt) to protect an obsolete business model. When will they learn?

When we stop electing them. We need only look in the mirror. Don't like your party's candidate? Get involved in the primaries. We get the government we deserve.

Look at the basic premise of this rotten bill - to prevent competition. The commies would be proud.

EOSB

[RVbySDI]

Originally Posted by Dgamble

Looks to be an unintended consequence of government being asked yet again (via large "campaign contributions," no doubt) to protect an obsolete business model. When will they learn?

Hmmm, sounds very familiar to the aviation community opposing changing an obsolete method of bumping up octane by mixing lead in aviation fuel; or refusing to accept electronic ignition as a viable aviation ignition system; or accepting fuel injection over carburation; or GPS as a reliable navigation tool; or . . .

Originally Posted by yarddart

They never will!

I wonder if "They" is a familiar group!

[Jamie]

I guess this means XM will probably lose it's traffic and weather audio channels? Those are definately region-based.

XM radio in my garage is one of the best tools I've ever purchased. Listening to hours of music while working in the garage and never hearing a commerical or the same 5 songs repeated ad infinitum is very nice. I guess Congress isn't happy unless we're subjected to complete and total consumerism (advertisements) 24/7.