Low Power FM (LPFM)

Nicole Atkins on the Hill (More and better pics on the way!)
This just in: Washington DC has been been invaded. . . by Low Power FM supporters! We had you there for a second, right? OK, probably not.

As we previously mentioned, advocates from around the country have come to the Federal City to talk to their representatives about the importance of community radio (specifically LPFM) to their towns and cities. In addition to visits to Congressional offices, supporters went to the FCC and even the White House to tell their stories. read more

Low Power FM Briefing on Capitol Hill Brought Diverse Voices Together in Support of Community Radio

April 23, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C.â€“ On Thursday, April 23, advocates for Low Power FM (LPFM) — including Columbia Records artist Nicole Atkins — gathered at our nation’s capital to promote the importance of local community radio in more American towns and cities.

Nicole Atkins and LPFM supporters on the Hill

Congressional recess is over (or district work period, as the grown-ups call it) and our representatives are back on the Hill, doing those legislative things they do. So it's as good a time as any for a community radio pop-in.

On Thursday, April 23, Low Power FM supporters from around the country will visit the offices of their various representatives to talk about how LPFM benefits local communities. FMC is bringing kickass New Jersey singer-songwriter Nicole Atkins along for the ride, which includes a Policy Briefing on LPFM in room 5456 of the Rayburn House Office building. read more

Clear Channel Gets Local. Sort Of. Maybe. Not Really.

Yesterday, Clear Channel sent out two press releases that seemed to contradict each other on some pretty fundamental levels. The first described a "commitment" to a "higher minimum level of service" in the communities in which its stations operate." read more

Capitol Hill LPFM Briefing To Stress Importance Of Community Radio

Radio Ink

April 16, 2009

Community radio advocates will travel to the nation’s capital on Thursday, April 23, for a day of information on and support of the expansion of low-power FM to more American towns and cities. The policy briefing will take place in room 5456 of the Rayburn House Office building at noon and will be sponsored by organizations including Prometheus Radio Project, the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, Future of Music Coalition, Media Access Project, United Church of Christ, and Free Press.

LPFM Push Still Going Strong!

We told you a few weeks ago that the Local Community Radio Act of 2009 -- which would allow more Low Power FM stations in towns, cities and suburbs across the United States -- is currently making the rounds in Congress. In the meantime, we wanted to keep you up-to-date on the growing support for LPFM. read more

More low power FM may soon come to a community near you

By Ann Caldwell

Free Speech Radio News

March 12, 2009

Two Senators are introducing a bill today that would greatly expand access to the radio airwaves. It would allow the creation of hundreds of low power FM stations on the radio dial. Supporters say this year, the appetite is right for passage. FSRN?s Leigh Ann Caldwell reports.

A Comeback for Low Power Radio?

By Matthew Lasar

Ars Technica

March 3, 2009

“When we get this bill passed this year it will be possible for three thousand new community radio stations to appear in cities and towns and suburbs and rural areas all across the country,” Doyle told reporters. The bill has 22 co-sponsors in the House, most notably Lee Terry (R-NE) and Ron Paul (R-TX). It also has the backing of groups like the Future of Music Coalition, whose Board President Michael Bracy expressed impatience with the time it has taken to get this legislation off the ground.

New LPFM Legislation to be Introduced

It was only a matter of time before the new Congress saw the reintroduction of a pro-Low Power FM bill. If passed, this legislation would create opportunities for hundreds more community radio stations in cities, towns and suburbs across the United States. The House of Representative’s new Local Community Radio Act represents a strong step forward towards this goal. read more

Full Power Series #4: Progressive Perogatives

This post by FMC contributor Mike Janssen is the latest in a series profiling groups that applied for noncommercial FM radio licenses last fall. Thousands of nonprofit organizations around the country are waiting for the Federal Communications Commission to determine whether it will grant their applications. The FCC will award licenses over the next few years, potentially bringing fresh and unheard voices to the airwaves.

The next radio station to sign on in Norman, Oklahoma, might be operated by a religious group, much like the majority of the stations already serving the market. But this one would sound like few other religious stations. In fact, it would be devotedly secular — which is exactly the point. read more

LPFM On the Hill Recap