Congressman Michael G. Oxley Fourth Ohio District FULL COMMERCE COMMITTEE APPROVES OXLEY BILL ON LOW-POWER FM  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 29, 2000
 
WASHINGTON -- With a voice vote this afternoon, the full House Commerce Committee approved U.S. Rep. Michael G. Oxley's (R-Findlay) bill to protect existing radio signals from interference.  The bill also would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to more efficiently manage a new program to create low-power radio stations.  The legislation is now ready for House floor consideration.
 
"The bill will protect radio listeners and radio broadcasters from signal interference from these new stations, and that is the most important thing," Oxley said.  "Additionally, it allows the FCC to proceed with the low-power FM program in a more responsible way."
 
The bill approved today reinstates channel protections that ensure clear reception of existing radio stations, which previously were threatened by the new FCC program.  Also, it requires the FCC to conduct a pilot study in order to assess the impact of the program on radio broadcasters and radio listeners.  The FCC can begin to implement low-power radio in areas where the third-channel protections can remain in place.  However, the FCC will not be permitted to weaken interference safeguards now or in the future.
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