A few posts ago, we talked about what we’d like to see in a new National Endowment for the Arts Chair. Well, that’s not the only top vacancy at a federal agency that impacts the music community. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is about to say farewell to its current Chair, Julius Genachowski (see our statement here). Since the announcement of Genachowski’s departure, there’s been a lot of chatter regarding his replacement. read more

This is historic.

Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to approve rules that will allow the unprecedented expansion of true local radio across the country. Beginning in October 2013, community groups will be able to apply for licenses to operate Low Power FM radio stations, bringing local voices to the airwaves in towns and cities across America.

FCC commissioners approved the rules in a unanimous, bipartisan vote. Their actions today represent a significant step towards achieving greater diversity on the public airwaves, and more opportunities for local musicians (which we obviously dig). read more

[This post was authored by FMC Communications Intern Caroline Fox]

On Monday, May 7, President Obama appointed two new Commissioners to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC is an independent agency of the U.S. government which oversees telecommunications, media (including broadcast radio) and other important sectors. In recent years, the Commission has sought to keep up with changing technology with regard to its regulatory policies (and not without controversy). read more