Washington, D.C.— On Thursday, October 15, the House Energy and Commerce Committee voted to pass the Local Community Radio Act of 2009, clearing the way for more local radio programming in towns and cities across the country. By allowing for the creation of hundreds of Low Power FM (LPFM) stations, the Act can help reverse the lamentable loss of localism due in part to consolidation in the commercial radio marketplace.
“Future of Music Coalition and has been working to expand and protect community radio since day one,” said Michael Bracy, Policy Director for Future of Music Coalition. “In an era of cookie-cutter playlists and next to no localism in radio, the overwhelming passage of Low-Power FM legislation in committee is incredibly significant. Musicians in particular can benefit from more LPFM stations in their communities, because it’s a great way for them to reach audiences and inspire other artists.”
LPFM stations are community-based, non-commercial radio broadcasters that operate at 100 watts or less and reach a radius of three to seven miles. LPFM provides a platform for underserved musical genres, minority, religious and linguistic groups and offers a forum for debate about important local issues. By lifting the unnecessary restrictions on LPFM stations in larger towns and cities, more Americans will benefit from truly locally oriented broadcasting in his opening remarks.
“As a longtime advocate of expanding low power FM radio services and the dynamic contribution they make to localism, a bedrock of our communications laws, I am pleased that the Committee is acting on this important bipartisan measure. Low power FM stations provide diverse, locally-originated programming that serves the needs of the community,” said Chairman Henry Waxman.
Today’s Energy and Commerce vote represents a major victory for community radio advocates including Future of Music Coalition, Prometheus Radio Project, United Church of Christ and more.
On Tuesday, October 5, lead co-sponsor Congressman Doyle appeared alongside New Jersey songwriter/musician Nicole Atkins in a special conversation at the 2009 Future of Music Policy Summit at Georgetown University in Washington DC. The two discussed, among other policy matters, the importance of Low Power FM to arts and cultural communities.
In June, FMC launched the I Support Community Radio campaign, which features established and emerging musicians talking about how local radio has positively impacted their lives, both as artists and listeners.
Future of Music Coalition is a national non-profit education, research and advocacy organization that seeks a bright future for creators and listeners. FMC works towards this goal through continuous interaction with its primary constituency — musicians — and in collaboration with other creator/public interest groups. More