Congressman Lee Terry

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Lee Terry (NE-2) today had the privilege of speaking at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) open commission meeting in support of the Local Community Radio Act (PL No. 111-371), which was authored by Congressman Terry and Congressman Michael Doyle, and signed into law on January 4, 2011.

“Our local radio voice just got a little louder today as the FCC finalized the rules for my Local Community Radio Act.  Non-profit groups throughout the country will now have the opportunity to obtain low-power FM licenses,” stated Terry. “Places like North Omaha and, in particular, people like local radio personality William King and Tim Clark, with Love’s Jazz and Art Center, will now have the opportunity to reach more people in our community.  Many of these stations provide educational programming, public awareness or simply a stage for local performers to be heard.  I am proud of this new law and look forward to listening to the new programs.”

At the open commission meeting, the FCC Commissioners completed the implementation of the Terry/Doyle Local Community Radio Act by finalizing the procedures to complete the processing of pending FM translator applications.  Prior to this law, the FCC only had the authority to grant low-power FM licenses to non-profit groups in rural areas.  The Terry-Doyle law now authorizes the FCC to grant these licenses in high density, urban areas.  The law allows non-profit groups the ability to share the airwaves with the larger radio broadcasters.

"My people are destroyed by the lack of knowledge! Our community radio station broadcasts the "Voice of the Voiceless" who’s programmers have created radio shows to spread local music, knowledge & opportunities.  I know and believe this will be the greatest legislation ever written because it's the common denominator of raising poor communities up in America," said William King, founder/owner of Omaha's 1690am The ONE.

 Tim Clark, Executive Director of Love’s Jazz and Art Center added, “Low-power FM stations are an effective vehicle for communication within a community.  They are necessary if we are going to be able to communicate with all people.  It levels the playing field and allows the pulse of the community to be heard by everyone.”

-Congressman Terry Speaking at the FCC.