Finally - some good communications legislation is pending in Congress.

PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Michael Bracy, Future of Music Coalition, (202) 331-2958
Hannah Sassaman, Prometheus Radio Project, (267) 970-4007
Jen Howard, Free Press, (202) 265-1490, x22

***TODAY: National Conference Call -- 10:30 ET***

Bipartisan Bill Would Bring Hundreds of Local Radio Stations to Cities, Suburbs

Members of Congress, Indigo Girls Call for More Low Power Radio at Thursday Press Conference

WASHINGTON -- Religious organizations, public interest advocates and community radio station owners will hold a national conference call tomorrow to discuss new bipartisan legislation that would create hundreds of low-power, community radio stations in cities, towns and suburbs across the United States. The sponsors of this legislation, Reps. Mike Doyle (D-Penn.) and Lee Terry (R-Neb.), will join the call to explain the details of their bill.

WHAT: National Conference Call on Community Radio Legislation
WHEN: Thursday, June 21, 10:30 a.m. ET
WHO:
Congressman Mike Doyle (D-Penn.)
Congressman Lee Terry (R-Neb.)
Emily Saliers, Indigo Girls
Amy Ray, Indigo Girls
Michael Bracy, Future of Music Coalition
Hannah Sassaman, Prometheus Radio Project
Wes Hall, Suntaman Communications
Mike Shea, WRYR-LP
John Freeman, KOCZ-LP
Cheryl Leanza, United Church of Christ

Low Power FM (LPFM) stations are community-based, noncommercial radio stations that broadcast to neighborhoods and small towns. LPFM licenses make owning a radio station possible for churches, schools, labor unions and other community groups that best understand the needs of their local communities.

In 2000, Congress authorized the Federal Communications Commission to issue LPFM licenses. But legislators attached an unnecessary rule that limited LPFM stations to rural areas. Since then, thousands who have submitted applications with the FCC with the hopes of operating their own station have been blocked.

"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," said Hannah Sassaman, organizer with Prometheus Radio Project, a group that helps set up community radio stations. "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."