World News
Bipartisan support key to proposed expansion of low-power radio
Published:
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- A bill that would reauthorize the Federal Communications Commission to grant licenses to low-power FM radio stations and implement recommendations from an FCC report on low-power FM service has gained bipartisan support in both houses of Congress. The Local Community Radio Act cleared the House Energy and Commerce Committee Oct. 15 and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation debated the bill Nov. 19, accepted three amendments to the legislation and passed it on a voice vote. The U.S. Catholic bishops have long supported low-power radio. Many Catholic organizations, from dioceses to parish-based groups, have applied for low-power licenses. Low-power radio's growth has been stymied for much of the decade because of broadcaster concerns that the signals of low-power stations would interfere with their own signals. But a $2.2 million study mandated by Congress showed that interference would be negligible. Some members of Congress who had sided with the broadcasters nine years ago in calling for the study now are Local Community Radio Act co-sponsors. Religious broadcasters could use low-power FM to air the material they choose. Civic and community groups could broadcast public-service programming.
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