The Local Community Radio Act

It’s time to stand up for Low Power FM (LPFM) Radio! Tell Congress to pass the Local Community Radio Act (HR 1147/ S. 592). This important bill, which is sponsored by representatives Mike Doyle and Lee Terry and Senators. Maria Cantwell and John McCain, would expand noncommercial, LPFM radio to towns and cities across the country. It would also open our airwaves to more Low Power FM radio stations across the country, and bring a diversity of news, views and music to your radio dial.

If you need a quick refresher on what LPFM is and why it’s important, check out this resource guide from Free Press. You can also check out some great success stories about LPFM Radio Stations here.

Expanding LPFM radio is an issue that has received widespread support from Republicans and Democrats alike (just check out the profiles of the sponsors above if you have any doubt about that). Support for the act will help restore much-needed diversity to our airwaves, bringing forth new voices and viewpoints that are often overlooked by large commercial broadcasters.

Please click here to sign the petition to support the Act. After you’ve signed it, don’t forget to take a second or two to spread the word to your friends and colleagues.

And if you’re interested in this issue, also make sure you read Kirk Johnson’s great article “From a Porch in Montana, Low-Power Radio’s Voice Rises” from this weekend New York Times. It details Scott Johnston or northwest Montana who broadcasts KXZI radio from his 90-year-old farmhouse. If the above act is passed it could double the number of such low-power stations to about 1,600 from 800.