Who Benefits from Low Power FM Radio?
Women and People of Color: LPFM stations provide opportunities for women and people of color to work in radio programming, run local stations, and address issues that are often neglected by commercial radio stations.
- Women make up 51 percent of the U.S. population, but own just 6 percent of all local AM and FM stations.
- Racial and ethnic minorities make up 33 percent of the population, but own just 7.7 percent of all radio stations.
- Currently, people of color make up only 6 percent of the nation's radio newsroom work force.
Musicians: LPFM stations provide valuable airplay to local and independent musicians who have been denied access to the commercial dial.
Religious Groups: LPFM stations help religious groups reach new audiences by broadcasting their church services.
Farmers: As farm radio declines, LPFM stations provide farmers and rural communities with the up-to-date agricultural information they need.
Radio Listeners: LPFM stations bring diverse viewpoints and local news and information to the airwaves. They provide a sorely needed alternative to the canned news and standardized playlists on commercial radio.
