Final answer:
The major threat to conventional broadcast radio is the emergence of satellite radio, which offers a wide range of programming options for a subscription fee, reaching a global audience.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major threat to conventional broadcast radio is the emergence of satellite radio. Satellite radio uses technology to broadcast a clear signal from space to receivers anywhere in the world, offering uninterrupted programming for a subscription fee. Providers like XM and Sirius offer hundreds of program options, reaching a global audience with shared cultural, social, and political interests.
By offering a wide range of programming options, satellite radio has gained popularity among listeners who are willing to pay for a commercial-free experience. This poses a threat to conventional broadcast radio stations that rely on advertising revenue to generate income. Satellite radio also has the advantage of not being limited by the range of a signal across terrain, as it can reach listeners through the internet.