Wow. The good news keeps on coming!

We're thrilled to report that the Local Community Radio Act passed out of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce in a unanimous vote on Thursday, Oct. 15. This means the bill will now move to the full House.

Having worked on this issue for nearly a decade, we couldn't be more excited.

The Local Community Radio Act would allow for the creation of hundreds of new Low Power FM (LPFM) radio stations in communities across the country. But what is Low Power FM, anyway?

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.

LPFM stations are also great for local, niche and indie artists who have little shot of getting on the commercial airwaves due to the rampant consolidation of station ownership. But don't take our word for it -- check out these video testimonials by artists in our "I Support Community Radio" campaign. (Interested in being a part of this project? Send an e-mail to caseyATfutureofmusic.org for details on how to submit your own video testimonial.)

Just last week, LPFM champion Congressman Mike Doyle (D-PA) appeared alongside New Jersey songwriter/musician Nicole Atkins in a special conversation at the Future of Music Policy Summit at Georgetown University in Washington DC. The two talked about how LPFM can strengthen arts and cultural communities. We'll have video of that chat up soon!

Thanks to all of our friends at Prometheus Radio Project, the United Church of Christ and Free Press (to name a few) for all of their great work in raising awareness about the importance of good local radio.