Support Low-Power FM
John McCain is sponsoring an amendment to a huge telecom bill that would make it easier for community groups to start low-power FM radio stations. Big broadcasters (including, sad to say, NPR) have been fighting this tooth and nail, since so much of their money comes from their ownership (or exclusive license) of space on the dial. They don't want competition, basically.
If it weren't for podcasting, consider whether you'd be able to listen to The Sound of Young America, for example. Then consider all the Americans who don't have access to podcasts, whether it's because they don't have the equipment or don't have the technical skill. Everyone knows how to use a radio, and nearly everyone has one, so it's an amazing tool to reach small communities, especially in urban areas, who are otherwise underserved by the media. That could mean people in Daly City, California who speak Tagalog, or punk rockers in New York.
Prometheus Radio is a leading voice on this issue, and they've put together a great action page. You can find info on how to talk to your representatives about this issue.
Like this post? Click here to subscribe to the blog.
If it weren't for podcasting, consider whether you'd be able to listen to The Sound of Young America, for example. Then consider all the Americans who don't have access to podcasts, whether it's because they don't have the equipment or don't have the technical skill. Everyone knows how to use a radio, and nearly everyone has one, so it's an amazing tool to reach small communities, especially in urban areas, who are otherwise underserved by the media. That could mean people in Daly City, California who speak Tagalog, or punk rockers in New York.
Prometheus Radio is a leading voice on this issue, and they've put together a great action page. You can find info on how to talk to your representatives about this issue.
Like this post? Click here to subscribe to the blog.
posted by Jesse Thorn at Wednesday, June 21, 2006
5 Comments:
Haven't people been trying to push low power FM legislation for years? It's the eternal carrot dangling before everyone's eyes. Big radio will never let it happen, unfortunately.
I think they will. Partly because they're realizing that this on-air real estate is losing it's value fast. Partly because McCain is going to run for president and he wants to be a maverick. Same reason he's been pushing a la carte cable.
Mr. Thorn
Low power fm is important. Net neutrality is just as important. I am curious what you think about this issue.
IMHO, net neutrality AND low power FM are threatened, leaving the common person without a voice and turning the faded remnants of a democracy into yet another facet of the oligarchy.
Then again, I also like Danger Mouse.
I agree with you on Net Neutrality. Actually, I'm thinking that maybe this month's long-overdue TSOYA update may be on these two issues.
Thank you. I hope you will discuss how this will turn the alt comedy community into a suburban strip mall of club comedy sponsored by AT&T
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