Reclaiming the Airwaves and Corporate FM Documentary

New America Foundation
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

As the result of a decade-long struggle with both commercial and public radio, Congress and the FCC have finally cleared the way for a major expansion of Low-Power FM. In October 2013 community groups in cities and towns across the country will have the rare opportunity to apply for a low power FM radio station license. A wide-range of organizations (including right-wing forces that already dominate the nation's airwaves) are in the midst of massive outreach campaigns to encourage the public to apply for these stations.

Why is LPFM important in providing an alternative to mainstream media? Why did it take so long for the federal government to approve this non-commercial local radio service? What is the FCC doing to ensure that licensees will truly act in the best interest of the local communities? How can you get your radio station? What are the challenges ahead?

Featured Speakers
Katherine Grincewich
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

Julia Wierski
Prometheus Radio Project

Liz Humes
Founder and President Emeritus of WRIR-LP
Host and Producer, Wordy Birds

Moderator
Mark Lloyd
Director, Media Policy Initiative, New America Foundation

5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Documentary: Corporate FM and Indy Filmmaker Kevin McKinney

In 1996, commercial radio underwent a quiet revolution. Local station owners everywhere sold their stations as fast as they could to conglomerate groups. Massive consolidation was occurring in the wake of the "Telecom Act." In the process corporate owners gutted their staffs. The best DJs have always had a way of connecting to their communities, of listening and then reflecting back community concerns. When local voices are replaced with prerecorded and satellite programs, one of the important ties that bind a community is cut.

Independent filmmakers Kevin McKinney and Jill McKeever, offer a documentary - Corporate FM - about what happens when a city loses a communal microphone. By investigating how a combination of deregulation and a rush to profit gutted commercial radio, they also point to new ways to revitalize radio and rejuvenate the local communities radio stations are licensed to serve.

This event is the third in the Beyond Mainstream Media event series. Visit the series webpage for more information.

To RSVP for the event:
http://newamerica.net/events/2013/reclaiming_airwaves_community_radio

For questions, contact Stephanie Gunter at New America at (202) 596-3367 or gunter@newamerica.net