XM Radio reports that the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), a group that represents the large radio and television owners, is using its lobbyists, campaign contributions and political influence to stifle competition and stop XM Satellite Radio and Sirius from offering traffic and weather information and other "local oriented" services to listeners.

XM says NAB is trying to limit XM’s first amendment rights.

Until June 4, 2004, the FCC is soliciting public comments regarding the NAB petition that seeks to stop XM from providing XM Instant Traffic & Weather. XM is asking subscribers to contact the FCC and members of Congress in support of satellite radio. Visit http://grassroots.xmradio.com to learn more. This site also features an easy e-mail form that can be used to voice your opinion to the FCC.

In addition to the NAB lobby, U.S. Representatives Chip Pickering (R-MS) and Gene Green (D-TX) have introduced a bill in the House of Representatives, HR 4026, which represents another attempt by NAB to restrict satellite radio from offering traffic and weather and other services to its listeners. The legislation is called the Local Emergency Radio Service Preservation Act of 2004.