You know how you hate hearing the same 20 songs on the radio or how you can get the kind of local news/talk/info on the radio that you want? Well, besides college radio stations like WRVU 91.1 FM and WFSK 88.1, Low Power FM’s like Nashville’s own Radio Free Nashville do an amazing job of not only providing diverse programming, they also give we, the people, access to the airwaves that we own. LPFM’s make it possible to hear all different musical, genres, diverse opinions, and save lives.

In some communities, an LPFM is all the people are going to get. We’re lucky to have our own, but many communities don’t yet because in the year 2000 Congress limited low power FM radio license availability at the behest of the powerful broadcasting lobby who made them believe that these 100-watt radio stations, licensed to nonprofit groups, would interfere with their signals. Turns out, not so much. Congress ordered the FCC to do a comprehensive engineering study [pdf] and the results are in - there’s plenty of room for LPFM stations.

And now, says Prometheus Radio (the group behind the fight to free media from corporate control and LPFMs), is the time to act to expand LPFM:

Great news — after a comprehensive hearing on the future of the radio industry, with much discussion on low power FM radio, the Senate Commerce Committee is ready to vote on whether or not to expand low power FM radio back to your community. Call or write your Senators today to tell them bring community radio back to America’s cities and towns, by supporting Senate Bill 1675, the Local Community Radio Act of 2007!

Here’s the info you need if you’re in Tennessee:
Senator Lamar Alexander
Ph: (202) 224-4944
Fax: (202) 228-3398

Senator Bob Corker
Ph: (202) 224-3344
Fax: (202) 228-0566

If you live in another state or need a sample script for your call, go the FreePress.net website for more info.

Also, Congressman Mike Doyle and Congressman Lee Terry introduced House Bill 2802 (also called the Local Community Radio Act of 2007), a companion to the Senate legislation. If passed, the bill would tell Congress to recognize that there is no possible interference from low power FM radio stations in America’s big cities and to allow the FCC to grant station licenses. In other words, it will expand access to community radio all across the country. To write a letter to your congressperson use this handy dandy online tool and don’t forget to add your zip code to the subject line of your email (very important, we hear). You can also search for your congressperson’s info here and send them your own email.

For more info on LPFM’s and how they benefit community, watch Prometheus’s Hannah Jane Sassaman on Bill Moyers Journal.

UPDATE: Speaking of Radio Free Nashville, on Saturday, Nov 3, the station will hold a benefit at 7:30 pm at Douglas Corner Cafe. The benefit will include a silent auction as well as live music from Richard Smith, Julie Adams, Randy Kohrs, Aaron Till, Zane Williams, Charlie Chadwick (resident bass player), Pat Bergeson, Mike Muldoon, Dave Cathro, and Deborah Wilbrink. Cost is $10.00 at the door. All donations to Radio Free Nashville are fully tax deductible.

This post was written by Mary Mancini