Press Release
Free Press Applauds FCC for Opening Up Airwaves for Low Power Radio
Contact: Timothy Karr, 201-533-8838
WASHINGTON – On Monday evening, the Federal Communications Commission released two decisions to implement the Local Community Radio Act passed by Congress in December 2010. These orders clear space for Low Power FM stations to provide opportunities for community radio in every market, and they propose rules for beginning to license such LPFM stations.
Free Press Policy Director Matt Wood made the following statement:
"Real people deserve space on the public airwaves that are often dominated by corporate media. Free Press is thrilled that the FCC has taken this next step toward making community radio a reality across the nation — in small towns and in big cities, too — including densely populated urban areas where community voices have been kept off the dial for too long. These noncommercial stations will help diversify the airwaves, support local music and culture and assist communities during emergencies.”
“At first glance, it appears the FCC used the time since the law's passage to craft careful and diligent solutions for the implementation challenges the Commission faced. We look forward to working with Prometheus Radio Project and other community radio champions to push this proceeding forward and spread the news about the upcoming opportunities."
Free Press Policy Director Matt Wood made the following statement:
"Real people deserve space on the public airwaves that are often dominated by corporate media. Free Press is thrilled that the FCC has taken this next step toward making community radio a reality across the nation — in small towns and in big cities, too — including densely populated urban areas where community voices have been kept off the dial for too long. These noncommercial stations will help diversify the airwaves, support local music and culture and assist communities during emergencies.”
“At first glance, it appears the FCC used the time since the law's passage to craft careful and diligent solutions for the implementation challenges the Commission faced. We look forward to working with Prometheus Radio Project and other community radio champions to push this proceeding forward and spread the news about the upcoming opportunities."
