Congressman Michael G. Oxley Fourth Ohio District Oxley Introduces the Radio Broadcasting Preservation Act of 1999   November 17, 1999 
On January 28, 1999, the Federal Communications Commission proposed the creation of a new low power FM radio service.  The reply comment period on the proceeding closed November 15.
 
Existing broadcasters are unanimous in their opposition to the proposal, with good reason.  Establishing a low power radio service would require the Commission to dramatically weaken current interference standards, resulting in increased interference with existing radio services and devaluing the investment of current license holders.
 
Eliminating adjacent channel safeguards to make room for low power stations would lead to increased interference, much like what exists on today's AM band.
 
Inexpensive and older radio receivers are particularly vulnerable to increased reception problems, meaning the proposal could have the adverse effect of denying low income and elderly listeners clear reception of their favorite stations.
 
Broadcasters are also concerned that the proposal jeopardizes the conversion to digital radio.  At a minimum, adding a large number of low power stations to the already congested FM radio band would make the transition to digital broadcasting much more problematic.
 
In addition, the FCC lacks the resources necessary to properly regulate these new broadcasters and manage the inevitable conflicts that will arise between services.
 
As the low power radio proposal is inconsistent with sound spectrum management, the Radio Broadcasting Preservation Act of 1999 is being introduced to prevent the FCC from creating the proposed low power radio service.
 
The legislation prohibits the FCC from establishing rules to authorize new low power FM radio stations.  It repeals any prescribed low power FM rules and revokes any low power FM licenses that might be issued by the time of enactment of the measure.
 
Introduced by Rep. Michael G. Oxley (R-OH), Vice Chairman of the House Telecommunications Subcommittee, the bill's cosponsors are Reps. Cliff Stearns (R-FL), Barbara Cubin (R-WY), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Bob Ehrlich (R-MD), Vito Fossella (R-NY), and Hal Rogers (R-KY).
 
While the desire to provide a public forum for community groups is laudable, a multitude of alternatives already exists.  Groups may obtain existing commercial or noncommercial licenses, use public access cable, purchase broadcast or cable air time, publish periodicals, and utilize Internet websites and e-mail, among many other options.
 
The proposed low power service is ill-advised and unnecessary.   Oxley Questions FCC Chairman Kennard on Low Power "Micro Radio" Proposal   more Speeches, Statements, and Letters - home