1-29-99
City
of Detroit
A Resolution to Urge the Federal Communications
Commission (F.C.C.) to Restore Approval for Low Power FM Radio Broadcasting
By Council Member Mahaffey
WHEREAS, in 1978, the Federal Communications Commission (F.C.C.) ended its licensing of low power radio stations (Class D broadcasting licenses to stations of less than 100 watts) reducing overall the number of locally-based radio stations in service to local communities. Since that rule change, other factors such as increased consolidation within the radio broadcast market has contributed to a significant reduction in the number of community responsive radio services;
and WHEREAS, Nationally, a grassroots movement has emerged for the purpose of advocating F.C.C. reinstatement of licensing of low power radio stations. Their efforts have resulted in a formal rule-making petition before the F.C.C., RM-9242, that would create opportunities for the return of locally owned and responsive FM radio stations for communities;
and WHEREAS, Re-legalization of low power radio stations would serve to increase local media presence and ownership, promote small business development and broadcast entrepreneurship, increase community choice and allow for communication services that are responsive to the needs of local communities;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, The Detroit City Council urges the Federal Communications Commission to restore approval for low power FM radio broadcasting. The Detroit City Council joins the Michigan Senate (SR234), the Michigan House of Representatives (HR379) and the many grassroots organizations in seeking F.C.C. adoption of petition FM-9242 to restore low power FM radio broadcasting;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of
this resolution be sent to the Federal Communications Commission, the entire
Michigan Congressional Delegation and the City's lobbyist, Nancy
Barbour.
Adopted as follows:
Yeas Council Members Cleveland, K. Cockrel Jr., S. Cockrel,
Everett, Hood, Mahaffey, Scott, Tinsley-Williams, and President Hill
Nays None.
1-25-99
City
of Ferndale
Resolution
Moved by Councilman Porter, seconded by Councilwoman Kulick, to adopt the following resolution:
For many years, low power radio stations filled a unique niche in the communications needs of local communities. These operations, which used less than 100 watts of power, were licensed as Class D FM stations; and In 1978, the Federal Communications Commission made a policy decision to stop licensing low power radio stations. This decision was based on concerns that low power radio stations were a hindrance to the orderly development of FM radio and a potential impediment to the efficient operation of facilities serving greater numbers of people; and In recent years, the rate of consolidation in the radio broadcast market has increased. As a result, far fewer locally based radio stations have programming that serves their communities. These concerns have prompted many people to promote a change in FCC policies. A petition of rule-making, which proposes the reestablishment of low power FM broadcast services, is currently under consideration; and Allowing low power FM radio to return to the airwaves will achieve several worthwhile goals in communications options open to people in our country. These community radio services will increase the local presence in the media, increase diversity of ownership, provide more choices to the public, offer new opportunities in business, and promote communications that better reflect the character and needs of our communities.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we, Ferndale's elected officials, encourage the Federal Communications Commission to restore approval for low power FM radio broadcasting.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Federal Communications Commission.
AYES: Council Members Porter, Paczkowski,
Warshay, Kulick; Mayor Goedert.
NAYS: None.
Motion carried. I, Lee Ann O'Connor, Clerk
of the City of Ferndale, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true
and compared copy of a Resolution duly made and passed by the Ferndale
City Council at a meeting
held January 25, 1999. Lee Ann O'Connor,
City Clerk
2-4-99
City
of Hazel Park
Michigan Music is World Class Campaign
On behalf of our Hazel Park Citizens, the
Mayor and Council of the City of Hazel Park are in favor of the F.C.C.
to re-legalize community radio and we support the adoption of RM-9242.
We believe it can improve access to
our airwaves for all local residents without
interfering with existing service. Radio is the most suitable of any media
outlet to provide community access. It is relatively inexpensive to produce
and is well-suited to cover community issues and local music. We support
this petition and believe we owe the public some access to the airwaves
they own. We hope the F.C.C. will consider RM-9242 favorable.
Yours truly,
Ben Colley,
Mayor Hazel Park