Music royalty talks consider cell phone mandate

(AP) -- A proposed settlement to a long-running dispute over music royalties could include a federal mandate that all new cell phones and other wireless devices contain an FM radio tuner.

The proposal is now under discussion by radio broadcasters, recording labels and recording artists. Although it is far from final - and would still need Congressional approval - the prospect that the government could dictate a key design decision for such a ubiquitous consumer device has alarmed electronics manufacturers and wireless providers.

Gary Shapiro, head of the Consumers Electronics Association, says Congress should reject "a back-room deal on how an iPhone should be designed. We think consumers should choose and companies should choose - not the Congress."

©2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.