Urban Unrest

21 June 2007 | Business | Ernesto Aguilar

Religious organizations, public interest advocates and community radio station owners will hold a national conference call to discuss new bipartisan legislation that would create hundreds of low-power, community radio stations in cities, towns and suburbs across the United States.

Low Power FM (LPFM) stations are community-based, noncommercial radio stations that broadcast to neighborhoods and small towns. LPFM licenses make owning a radio station possible for churches, schools, labor unions and other community groups that best understand the needs of their local communities.

In 2000, Congress authorized the Federal Communications Commission to issue LPFM licenses. But legislators attached an unnecessary rule that limited LPFM stations to rural areas. Since then, thousands who have submitted applications with the FCC with the hopes of operating their own station have been blocked.

“Since 2000, we’ve been building radio stations that strengthen local music and culture, give families access to their local governments, help diverse communities get on the air, and save lives — in rural communities,” said Hannah Sassaman, organizer with Prometheus Radio Project, a group that helps set up community radio stations. “We applaud Congressman Doyle and Congressman Terry for their great vision in bringing this vital service to America’s cities. We look forward to working to expand Low Power FM radio to the many communities that need access to their own media.”

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