Reps looking to revive LPFM

Mike Doyle (D-PA) and Lee Terry (R-NE) are planning to introduce a bill to add "hundreds of low-power, community radio stations in cities, towns and suburbs across the United States." Details are expected to be announced today at a press conference which will include LPFM proponent Hannah Sassaman of Prometheus Radio Project, LPFM operators Mike Shea (WRYR-LP) and John Freeman (KOCZ-LP), and watchdogs Michael Bracy from the Future of Music Coalition and Cheryl Leanza form the United Church of Christ.

The target operators for the low-powered stations are "churches, schools, labor unions and other community groups that best understand the needs of their local communities." Sassaman commented, "Since 2000, we've been building radio stations that strengthen local music and culture, give families access to their local governments, help diverse communities get on the air, and save lives - in rural communities. We applaud Congressman Doyle and Congressman Terry for their great vision in bringing this vital service to America's cities. We look forward to working to expand Low Power FM radio to the many communities that need access to their own media."

SmartMedia observation: LPFM has had a few high-powered proponents, perhaps the most notable and vocal of which was John McCain (R-AZ) back when he was chairing the Senate Commerce Committee. However, the technical aspects of the service, and its potential to cause harmful interference, in particular in an HD environment, are still in dispute. We haven't heard much on this topic lately, and it remains to be seen if Doyle and Lee will be able to generate much of a drumbeat during the summer Capitol Hill doldrums.

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