Low Power FM (LPFM)

Congress Passes Landmark Community Radio Act

By Amy Phillips

Pitchfork

December 20, 2010

Yesterday, on the same day that Don’t Ask Don’t Tell was repealed, another significant bill was passed by both the House and Senate: the Local Community Radio Act. As the Huffington Post reports, this legislation allows for the creation of new non-commercial stations on American airwaves— a number that could reach to the hundreds or even thousands.

Future of Music Coalition Statement on Congressional Passage of Local Community Radio Act

December 18, 2010

WASHINGTON, DC—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. read more

Low Power FM Bill Passes in Congress!

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. read more

Radio, Radio: FMC and the 2010 Media Ownership Review

On Monday, July 12, Future of Music Coalition submitted comments to the Federal Communications Commission in its media ownership rules review. Although this proceeding takes into account the whole range of American media — newspapers, television, etc. — we focused on station ownership consolidation in the broadcast radio market, because that’s what impacts musicians and fans. read more

FMC on Digital Issues and Musicians

Here’s something pretty cool for your Friday: FMC Communication Director Casey Rae-Hunter recently spoke to 5Q’sOnTech.com — a video interview site that covers technology issues — about artists, the open internet and the state of the music biz. read more

Talkin' Music Policy with FMC

It was a great weekend for listening to FMC folks talk about our favorite subject: the intersection of music and policy.

On Saturday, FMC Policy Director Michael Bracy chatted with Windy City music scribes Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis on "Sound Opinions" — a weekly talk show from Chicago Public Radio and American Public Media. read more

Are We Living in "Groundhog Day?"

For those of you who watched the Grammy Awards on Sunday night (and apparently there were more of you this year than any year since 2004), you may have had a feeling of déjà vu when you saw virtually the same group of stars that clustered together in 2009, 2008, etc. Does this perhaps remind you — at least a little — of the 1993 film Groundhog Day? You know, like Bill Murray’s character hearing “I Got You Babe” every morning?

Now, if you happen to want to hear the same song at the same time every day, that’s fine with us. But sometimes it’s fun to let the needle find a new groove. read more

FMC at APAP 2010

Future of Music Coalition is once again curating a number of conversations at the annual Association of Performing Arts Presenters conference in New York City, January 8-12, 2010. Join us for sessions on the issues at the intersection of arts, technology and law; media, copyright and technology; and health insurance for creators.

To attend these sessions you need to be registered for the Arts Presenters conference. Click here for registration details. If you are an artist and would like to attend these sessions only and will not go to the APAP conference, email us at nicole[at]futureofmusic[dot]org read more

LPFM Clears the House of Representatives!

Well, we thought we’d have news about the Local Community Radio Act vote in the full House on Tuesday, but they didn’t get to it until yesterday (Wednesday). We don’t want to keep the suspense going any longer than necessary, so let’s cut to the chase…

It passed! read more

Low Power FM Set For Final House Vote

Tomorrow (Tuesday, Dec. 15) is another significant day for Low Power FM. We're happy to report that the Local Community Radio Act of 2009 is slated for a floor vote in the House of Representatives — the furthest any pro-LPFM legislation has gotten in years. The fact that we're now on the eve of a vote that would bring true local radio to more American towns and cities is a testament to the tireless support of community radio advocates across the country. We're especially proud of the efforts of musicians — established and developing artists alike — who have talked publicly and passionately about the importance of quality local radio to musicians and fans. read more