Senator John McCain

Senator Maria Cantwell

Representative Mike Doyle

Representative Lee Terry

Four Congressional leaders fought for nearly a decade to eliminate government restrictions limiting the availability of true community radio in towns and cities across the country. Through their tireless commitment to a diversity of expression on the American airwaves, these legislative champions pushed for and helped pass the Local Community Radio Act of 2010, which empowers the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to issue thousands of new licenses to low power FM radio broadcasters in markets where quality local radio has long been absent. This Fall, the FCC makes this once-in-a-generation opportunity a reality for community groups to apply for licenses and bring “live and local” back to the dial. Future of Music Honors celebrates these Congressional heroes for providing an exemplary instance of nonpartisan, fact-based policymaking that will positively impact local cultural communities. Their willingness to consider the perspectives of musicians and other local radio supporters and enthusiasts proves that real change can happen when cultural ambassadors have a seat at the table.