Equal
Time
Support builds for porposal to allow low power community
radio stations
By K Michelle Moran
Arts & Entertainment Editor
If an unlikely coalition of religious and community leaders, entertainers
and micro-broadcasters have their way, the radio airwaves could soon have
many more offerings. The Federal Communications Commission is considering
a proposal to re-legalize low power community radio stations, which were
effectively taken off the air in 1978 when the agency stopped granting
Class D broadcasting licenses to the stations. Until April 12, the FCC
is asking for public comment on the plan, which is reportedly opposed by
the National Association of Broadcasters but has considerable grassroots
support in the Detroit area. The NAB could not be reached for comment before
press time. The plan would allow for two tiers of Low Power FM
service that could create as many as 4,000 new stations. One tier would
have a maximum of 1,000 watts of Effective Radiated Power and a range of
roughly eight miles and another would allow for a maximum of 100 watts
ERP and a range of nearly four miles. A 10-watt service is also under consideration.
Proponents, including Tom Ness of Ferndale, say the proposal would permit
broader political debate and improve cultural diversity on the airwaves.
Ness is the publsher of the music-and-issue
newspaper Jam Rag and founder of the Michigan Music is World Class
Campaign. And in communities like Detroit, where local bands consistently
note the lack of radio airtime devoted to their music, Ness and others
say the proposal would likely mean increased airplay for area acts. "I
think its good for the local music community, good for the local economy,
good
for democracy and good for culture in general," Ness said. "We fully
back it," said Detroiter Sue Summers, a vice-president of the Detroit Music
Alliance. "A lot of times, (major stations) are restricted as far as what
they can play...I think it would be great to get community stations back."
The proposal has gotten support from a number of area officials as well.
U.S. Rep. David Bonior, D-Mt Clemens, was an early proponent. In a letter
last July to FCC Chair William Kennard, Bonior wrote that he supported
the small community stations because he felt that they would improve airwave
access without harming existing broadcasts. "I am deeply concerned about
the growing concentration of the media in this country and believe that
as
we see tremendous consolidation within the industry, many voices and
viewpoints are being priced out of the market," Bonior wrote. In recent
weeks, Ness said officials in Detroit and Ferndale have approved resolutions
in support of the plan. Earlier this month, Hazel Park Mayor Ben Colley
submitted a letter expressing support for community radio on behalf of
his community and council. At press time, Ness said more than two dozen
other area communities were considering resolutions in support
of the proposal as well. Citizens interested in submitting their views
on this proposal to the FCC can do so until April 12. For more information,
log onto www.fcc.gov/mmb/prd/lpfm/ or contact the Michigan Music is World
Class Campaign at 248-542-8090 or jamrag@usnmail.com