Free Press Hails Victory for Diverse Voices

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: December 17, 2009
Contact: Liz Rose, 202-265-1490 x 32

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. House of Representatives voted on Wednesday to open the airwaves to hundreds of new Low Power FM radio stations across America. The Local Community Radio Act (HR 1147), introduced by Reps. Mike Doyle (D-Penn.) and Lee Terry (R-Neb.) and supported by more than 80 co-sponsors in the House, now awaits a vote by the full Senate.

Candace Clement, program coordinator at Free Press, made the following statement:

"Today’s House victory is an important step in the decade-long fight to build and diversify local radio. This legislation is about amplifying local voices and expanding a bottom-up, people-powered medium to counteract rampant media consolidation. Low Power FM stations provide new opportunities for independent and diverse voices on the airwaves and outlets for truly local information and perspectives.

"We commend Representatives Doyle and Terry for their hard work and leadership on this issue, as well as the Prometheus Radio Project and LPFM advocates across the country who have built a movement to bring better local radio to the American people. We look forward to Senate passage of this important legislation and to President Obama signing this bill into law."

Free Press is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. Free Press does not support or oppose any candidate for public office. Through education, organizing and advocacy, we promote diverse and independent media ownership, strong public media and universal access to communications.