Ralph Nadar Supports
Low-power FM

Following is a column by Ralph Nader urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to authorize the operation of non-commercial low-power FM radio stations.

July 9, 1999

By Ralph Nader

Ever wonder why radio generally has become so canned, flat and insipid, bereft of local news, stuffed with commercials, mercantile values and the same old, tired junk, not to mention the downright offensiveness of Howard Stern and the other shock jocks?

May 2000

On January 26th 2000, the Federal Communications Commission voted to create a new low power FM service. The new rules allow small non-profit groups, libraries, churches and community organizations to apply for licenses to operate simple, inexpensive local radio stations.

Grassroots Radio Stations and Media Deregulation:

Why It Matters, and What We Have to Do to Stop It

(published by the Prometheus Radio Project and the FCC Workshop at the Grassroots Radio Convention, June 15, 2003)

 -- What is deregulation?  Deregulation happens when a federal regulatory commission, like the Federal Communications Commission, decides to throw out or revise the rules, which limit how many properties a company can own in a particular field.  The phone companies, energy companies in many states, water companies, and now, media companies have all benefited from deregulation.

Low power radio stations may not have Clear Channels candlepower, but what they lack in wattage they make up in commitment.

By Alyson Zureick
Web Exclusive: 08.17.05

Link to the American Prospect

Its an unusually hot August afternoon in small-town Florence, Massachusetts, and a ragtag group has gathered under a tent behind the Florence Community Center. Theyre participants in the 10th annual Grassroots Radio Conference, and theyve come from all over the country to build a new low-power community radio station for the area.