Key House Committee Advances Local Community Radio Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: October 8, 2009
Contact: Moira Vahey, Free Press, (202) 265-1490 x31

WASHINGTON -- Today, the House Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet voted to pass The Local Community Radio Act (HR 1147). The legislation, introduced by Reps. Mike Doyle (D-Penn.) and Lee Terry (R-Neb.), would allow for hundreds of new Low Power FM (LPFM) radio stations in communities across the country. The bill has strong bipartisan support and over 80 co-sponsors in the House.

Candace Clement, program coordinator at Free Press, made the following statement:

"The momentum in Congress for increasing local voices on the radio dial is very encouraging. Low Power FM stations are fantastic resources for local music, independent voices and education in our communities. After decades of media consolidation, these local stations will make a huge difference in towns and cities across America. Low power radio stations have a broadcast reach of just a few miles -- but their impact on local communities is tremendous. The full Congress must move quickly now to pass this bill and put hundreds of new community stations on the air."