New deal with radio, negotiated by Hoosier broadcaster, makes Sprint first U.S. wireless carrier to offer local FM radio on a broad array of devices
Sprint has announced a preliminary arrangement with representatives of the American radio industry that will enable Sprint customers to listen to local FM radio stations from a broad spectrum of radio companies on select Android and Windows smartphones during the next three years. FM radio could be delivered through the NextRadio tuner application or other radio apps or services.
This announcement marks the first time a U.S. wireless carrier would offer the ability to access local FM radio on a broad array of its devices. Consumers today can listen to radio on smartphones by streaming over the Internet, but as part of this plan, Sprint customers could use their smartphones and the NextRadio tuner to listen to local FM radio stations.
With the NextRadio tuner – expected to be available later this year – Sprint customers would enjoy a wide range of interactive listener features not available today and would have the availability of local FM radio at their fingertips to access all forms of broadcast information.
This announcement marks the first time a U.S. wireless carrier would offer the ability to access local FM radio on a broad array of its devices. Consumers today can listen to radio on smartphones by streaming over the Internet, but as part of this plan, Sprint customers could use their smartphones and the NextRadio tuner to listen to local FM radio stations.
With the NextRadio tuner – expected to be available later this year – Sprint customers would enjoy a wide range of interactive listener features not available today and would have the availability of local FM radio at their fingertips to access all forms of broadcast information.
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| SMULYAN: Radio's top negotiator with Sprint |
"We look forward to bringing Sprint customers another entertainment choice through NextRadio," said Fared Adib, Sprint SVP of product development and operations. "This new, easy-to-use service adds another dimension to the versatility of our wide array of smartphones and will deliver a new avenue for thousands of local radio stations across the country to reach our customers."
Jeff Smulyan, CEO of Indianapolis-based Emmis Communications, who acted as principal negotiator for the radio industry, added, "Today is a remarkable day for our industry. I am gratified by the unity I have seen in our industry. It seems every broadcaster I know has supported this effort, and I am grateful to the tireless efforts of industry leaders, from the largest companies to the owners of the smallest stations … all of whom have helped us reach this agreement. While there is much work to be done, today is a critical first step."
Jeff Smulyan, CEO of Indianapolis-based Emmis Communications, who acted as principal negotiator for the radio industry, added, "Today is a remarkable day for our industry. I am gratified by the unity I have seen in our industry. It seems every broadcaster I know has supported this effort, and I am grateful to the tireless efforts of industry leaders, from the largest companies to the owners of the smallest stations … all of whom have helped us reach this agreement. While there is much work to be done, today is a critical first step."
