It took ten years, but we did it.

Today, Congressional champions joined with grassroots advocates and public interest groups — ranging from civil rights, environmental, arts, and religious organizations — to secure a pivotal victory in the effort to expand the diversity of views and voices on American radio.

The Local Community Radio Act passed the House of Representatives and Senate, thanks to the bipartisan leadership of Representatives Mike Doyle (D-PA) and Lee Terry (R-NE) and Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and John McCain (R-AZ). The bill now awaits the President’s signature.

The addition of more Low Power FM (LPFM) stations will increase local civic engagement, diversify the airwaves, support local music and culture, assist during emergencies, expand religious expression and provide a platform for the voices of underrepresented communities to be heard.

Here’s what FMC’s Policy Director and longtime LPFM champion Michael Bracy, has to say:

“The need to expand and protect non-commercial radio was a key driver in the creation of the Future of Music Coalition over ten years ago. We could not be more appreciative of the years and years of hard work by Senator Maria Cantwell, Senator John McCain, Representative Mike Doyle and Representative Lee Terry and their staffs to get to this point. Today’s passage is a historic milestone in the effort to provide local communities with greater opportunities for local, independent and niche music on the FM airwaves.

“Our sincere gratitude goes to these Congressional champions, as well as the musicians and media reform activists who have made this victory possible.”

Yeah. What he said!