Action Alert: Tell the FCC to save frequencies for community radio in your area!

Will groups in urban areas have a chance to apply for new community radio stations? In part the answer depends on the outcome of an FCC rulemaking released this week. The FCC is asking for comment on a proposal to ensure that some frequencies are available for low power radio in every market.

The issue is complicated, and it's been around for years. Before we can know where stations will be available, the FCC must first address a backlog of thousands of pending applications for FM translators-- radio transmitters which rebroadcast content from other stations. These pending applications date back to 2003, when over thirteen thousand translator applications were filed in a single auction, threatening to flood out opportunities for low power radio nationwide.

Thanks to a public outcry and a petition filed by Prometheus, the FCC eventually froze the auction to save channels for low power radio. This freeze continues today, with over six thousand translator applications still pending.

Flash forward to this week. On July 12, the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to resolve these outstanding translator applications in a way that ensures channels for low power radio, as required by the Local Community Radio Act.

The proposed rules use detailed market analysis to determine whether translator applications leave sufficient room for low power radio in each market. The FCC plans to dismiss translator applications in those markets where too few channels are available for community radio. Most cities impacted by the rules are larger markets, where there are few open frequencies remaining. Learn more about the details of the FCC proposal and the issues involved.

Together, we fought for ten years to pass the Local Community Radio Act because we wanted to see vibrant local community media in all our cities and towns. Show the FCC that this is still our priority, and join us in calling on the FCC to create rules that give community groups in urban areas a chance at the airwaves.

Let policymakers know that your city needs community radio by signing a petition or writing your own letter!