Senate Committee to Consider Loosening of LPFM

RADIO ONLINE | , , | :am CT

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation will vote Thursday (11-19) on the Local Community Radio Act of 2009, a bill that would allow for the expansion of Low Power FM stations. The legislation has already made it through two key House committees and looks to pass out of the full House.

The Act was introduced by Congressional members Mike Doyle and Lee Terry, which would alter a law passed in 2000 limiting Low Power FM to rural parts of the country. These stations are non-commercial 100-watt radio service that reaches a radius of 5 to 7 miles.

The National Federation of Community Broadcasters (NFCB) has been an ongoing supporter of and advocate for LPFM. Approximately 25% of NFCB's 250 members are LPFM stations. NFCB believes there is a need for more communities to have their own LPFM. NFCB President/CEO Carol Pierson describes NFCB's involvement in LPFM as "consistent with our values of localism, diversity, and public service."