New US law could foster community radio boom

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A tiny nonprofit organization operating a 12-year national campaign from a basement to get more noncommercial radio stations approved, may soon see its dream come true.

On Jan. 4, the nonprofit Prometheus and other groups seeking to diversify media ownership, scored a victory when President Barack Obama signed into law the Local Community Radio Act. It directs the Federal Communications Commission, which regulates the national airwaves, to allow more low-power stations access to the FM radio dial. Once implemented, the law is expected to result in as many 2,000 new stations, beginning in about 2013. That would more than double the approximately 800 low-power stations currently in operation, compared with around 13,000 commercial stations nationwide. About a third of commercial stations are owned by half a dozen corporations, led by Clear Channel Communications, Inc, with almost 900. An increase in the number of community stations could mean more coverage of local issues such as school board meetings, high school football games, health, education, local music and literacy campaigns. It also might allow more in-depth discussions rather than the sound bites on most commercial radio, said Brandy Doyle, policy director for Prometheus.


New US law could foster community radio boom