-Caveat Lector- Low power "free radio" receives unparalleled citizen support according to FCC- Free radio is now under attack by a congress-slime... write you congresscritter and demand that s/he OPPOSE: Ohio Congressman Mike Oxley-The Radio Broadcasting [MONOPOLY] Preservation Act of 1999 Congressional email contact info: http://www.evoco.net/politics/congress.htm Dave Hartley http://www.Asheville-Computer.com/dave -----Original Message----- From: Robert Vogel [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Saturday, December 25, 1999 2:06 PM Subject: Community Broadcasting This message is an update on the status of the FCC's Low Power FM proposal, as well as a call to action: The FCC is in its phase of final deliberation. All the public comments are in-more than have been submitted for any proposal every made by the FCC. Contradictory studies have been submitted to show that relaxing interference criteria is either doable or the road to chaos. I personally believe the FCC will issue some kind of LPFM proposal in the spring, albeit one that will result in very little impact in urban areas. ON THE OTHER HAND, a bill has been filed by Ohio Congressman Mike Oxley-The Radio Broadcasting Preservation Act of 1999-that would specifically PROHIBIT the implementation of the LPFM proposal. The NAB has jumped on this as an opportunity to railroad the proposal out of existence and is putting out an intense lobbying effort to get as many signatories to the bill as possible. Oxley's news release is full of inaccuracies and false arguments and presents a good opportunity for us to rebut his position. In order to counter the well-funded lobbying efforts of NAB, I urge you to take pen to paper, send e-mails, make phone calls and otherwise get the word out to your Congresspeople. You can use this rebuttal sheet to inform your messages: Oxley says: Existing broadcasters are unanimous in their opposition to the proposal, with good reason. Reality: The Federation of Community Broadcasters and dozens of college broadcasters support Low Power Radio, particularly the 140 college and university stations that cannot broadcast over the air because of FCC regulations. Oxley says: 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. Reality: In rural areas, LPFM can be implemented with no change to existing interference standards. In urban areas, studies show that 10 and 100 watt LPFM stations will create few interference problems, even with modernized interference standards. Also, the actual coverage areas of existing stations often extends well beyond their mandated coverage areas. They want to protect this illegal extension. Oxley says: 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. Reality: First, low power radio will serve the poor and elderly who are not well served by commercial radio today. Second, listeners can easily adjust their antennas or relocate small less expensive radios to receive the stations they want to hear. Also, studies submitted to the FCC have shown that the relaxation of interference criteria CAN be handled by older equipment, which is often BETTER in picking out stations than newer receivers. Oxley says: 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. Reality: Laughable. Most Americans do not have the funds to purchase broadcast time on television or publish their own newspapers. Fewer and fewer alternative voices are showing up on TV; the last FM station sold in the Boston market went for $60 MILLION. The Internet does not reach most of America, and is particularly out of reach to lower income people and many people of color. Oxley says: The proposed low power service is ill-advised and unnecessary. Reality: Low Power FM is supported by local governments, educational institutions, labor unions, religious organizations, community groups, civil rights activists, consumer advocates and music fans. The technology will work and the stations will create many, many benefits for communities, for democracy and for free speech. -------------------------- I urge those of you who haven't yet joined CMC to send in your $10.00 dues today. Help us fight the good fight. Happy Holidays to you all. Steve Provizer Citizens' Media Corps 107 Brighton Ave. Radio Free Allston Allston, MA 02134 ***Voices for Community*** 617-232-3174 <http://www.citizensmedia.org.> <http://www.radfrall.org/> DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance�not soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. 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