Low Power Radio Setback by Congress

akb writes "Congress hobbled the FCC's innovative proposal to license thousands of low power radio stations via a rider on the session ending omnibus appropiations bill. Instead of having thousands of licenses available nation-wide 200 will be available in 9 states (for info on how to sign up go to the FCC's LPFM page). Its unusual for Congress to second guess the FCC, there was intense lobbying by the National Association of Broadcasters to keep the airwaves out of the hands of community groups. For news on the legislation see the story on Indymedia, for background on Low Power Radio see the Media Access Project's LPFM info."

Comments

Re:Trade Groups (no, not trade groups -- NPR!!!)

[xyzzy]

The exceptionally disgusting fact about the whole LPFM debacle is not the presence of industry trade-groups -- you could have expected that.

It's the presence of NPR. Yes, National Public Radio -- public broadcasting. In an effort to justify their existence and keep a stranglehold on what they consider "community" broadcasting, they have done a deal with the devil and allied themselves with the major radio station congolmerates which have sprung up over the past few years.

Remember that next time you consider pledging. Some of your dollars are being used to lobby congress to keep you out of the game!

Re:Stoping (sic) Peoples Free Speech

[C.Thomas]

In a technological society, the distribution of speech becomes synonomous with free speech. To be refused the opportunity to use modern communications technology is no different than being denied free speech. Or is modern communications technology only supposed to be for the rich and powerful?

No more funding!!!

[Golias]

Since NPR was part of the effort to block this, I suggest we stick it to them.

This time of year, Public television stations and public radio stations run a lot of "pledge drives", where they try to guilt-trip their listeners into giving them money. Why not give their waiting volunteers a friendly call, and politely explain that because NPR has chosen to prevent free and fair use of the airwaves, you would like to pledge a donation of ZERO DOLLARS to public broadcasting this year. Then follow that up with a postcard, letter, or e-mail that says the same.

NPR already enjoys the benefit of tax subsidies so they can broadcast Boston Pops concerts in Minot and "Mr. Rogers" in every remote corner of the country. If they want any further support from us, (or even if they want their current support to continue), they ought to behave in a manner that encourages more good will among us.

Contact your Congressmen

[LordNimon]

The Low Power Radio Coalition has made it easy for you to send letters to your Congressmen. Just click on http://congress.nw.dc.us/lpr/, fill in your zip code, and then click on a few buttons. Text for letters will be generated for you. I recommend that you cut/paste the text into a real word processor and print from there, since it will look more professional. It'll only cost you $1 in stamps to mail the letters, or you can have them emailed.
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