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Low Power Radio Service
Rep. Mike Oxley (R-OH) introduced H.R. 3439, the Radio Broadcasting Preservation Act, on November 17, 1999. This legislation, as introduced, would have permanently repealed the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) order authorizing low power FM service. The bill was referred to the House Commerce Committee for consideration, where it received strong support from Republican Members.
As Ranking Democrat on the Committee, I offered an amendment with Rep. Heather Wilson (R-NM) that would permit the FCC to authorize many new LPFM stations immediately, provided they comply with existing interference standards. It would order the FCC to conduct a real world test to determine whether relaxing interference standards in the future would cause harmful interference to existing stations and listeners. The Committee accepted my amendment, which I believe was key to saving LPFM from being permanently banned. As you may know, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the bill on April 13, 2000 by a vote of 274 to 110. The legislation will be forwarded to the Senate for further consideration.
I support LPFM and in my view, LPFM can provide a valuable service. It can open new opportunities for community-oriented broadcasting, enhance diversity of voices, and increase educational programming services. While the proposal is worthy, questions regarding potential interference problems to existing stations and listeners should be addressed. My hope is that these issues can be dealt with quickly so that the service can go forward without additional controversy.