Joining the chorus of organizations and individuals calling on the FCC to delay its scheduled Nov. 4 vote to allow unlicensed wireless devices in the TV broadcast band are the the Radio-Television News Directors Association and Country Music and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Dolly Parton.

RTNDA today petitioned the FCC to postpone plans to open the broadcast spectrum to unlicensed wireless devices and to conduct comprehensive tests on interference with licensed wireless microphones used for newsgathering.

"The most stringent testing standards must be placed on these unlicensed devices before adopting rules permitting their use," wrote RTNDA President Barbara Cochran. "Anything less will not safeguard licensed uses of this spectrum to serve the public interest."

Electronic journalists use licensed wireless microphones to cover breaking news events, RTNDA said, including situations that affect the health and safety of their communities. The proposed plan addresses wireless microphone usage in fixed locations, but does not protect street reporters who are covering live, newsworthy events.

"As ‘first informers' in public emergencies, RTNDA's members play a critical role in disseminating important information," Cochran wrote. "Accurate and timely reporting saves lives. The commission should not compromise electronic journalists' ability to inform the public by subjecting licensed equipment to interference from unlicensed devices."

To read the complete letter, click here.

In a separate letter, Parton mentioned her support for an emergency request filed by NAB, MSTV and television networks, writing: "The FCC should defer its Nov. 4 vote, publish the proposed rules and allow a comment period.

"[T]he public might assume the commission recognizes the significant controversy its vote will generate and is therefore making all efforts to divert media attention away from its decision," Parton asserted, noting the vote was scheduled on election day. "Assuming the commission believes its plan is truly fair and adequately accomodates the needs of all wireless users, interested parties have the right to absolute government transparency."

Parton's full letter can be read here.