04397
September 8, 2004

TV special chronicles growth of low-power radio

‘LPFM: The People’s Choice’ airs Sept. 26 on NBC

by Jerry L. Van Marter

LOUISVILLE — The growth of low-power FM (LPFM) radio as a communications tool for a variety of communities and groups is the subject of a television documentary set to air beginning Sept. 26 on the NBC network.

      LPFM was first promoted by former Federal Communications Commission Chairman William F. Kennard in January 2000. Despite heated opposition from entrenched media powers such as the National Association of Broadcasters, LPFM has succeeded in localizing and diversifying the radio waves and giving poor communities and marginalized groups a stronger voice in their communities.

      An independent study ordered by Congress has debunked claims by the NAB and others that LPFM signals (which typically have a range of less than 10 miles) interfere with larger commercial radio signals.

      “LPFM: The People’s Choice” will introduce some of the people who helped overcome federal regulatory hurdles and special interest lobbying to get LPFM on the air and will visit LPFM stations in action from coast to coast.

      The special was produced by the United Church of Christ Office of Communication and presented by the National Council of Churches. It’s part of the 2004 “Horizons of the Spirit” series of the Interfaith Broadcasting Commission — a partnership of the Jewish Theological Seminary, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the NCC, and the Southern Baptist Broadcast Communications Group.

      Check your local NBC listings for telecast date and time in your area.