LPFM

By Cindy and Duke Schempp-Gomez

On March 9th, a group of curious community members got together for the first meeting sponsored by The People’s Press Project, and our partners at the Media Action Grassroots Network (MAG-Net). People from all walks of life and background were represented in the room and their diversity was also reflected in their different interests in Low Power FM (LPFM) radio.

In February of this year I moved half way across the country from the Minne-Apple (Minneapolis) to the Big Apple (New York City).  The move brought with it my current job, National Organizer with the Center for Media Justice, and 24/7 access to all the arts, music and culture my heart desired.  For music, all roads lead to New York and in my short time here I’ve managed to see live performances by some of my musical favs including Calle 13, Los Master Plus, the Foreign Exchange Collective, Mala Rodriguez and even Sick Jacken. I caught the Black and White Picasso exhibit at the Guggenheim and the Diego Rivera exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art.  I’ve tasted some of the best Peruvian, Dominican, Chinese and Contemporary American cuisine (though my search for the best chicken wings and tacos in New York City continues).  Suffice it to say New York is not lacking in the creative inspiration department.  

Prometheus Radio Project is heading South on the Reclaim the Airwaves Tour to expand community radio. We'll be connecting with MAG-Net members, civil rights groups, immigrant justice groups, labor organizations, and progressive nonprofits to build media infrastructure for our movements. Thanks to the 2011 passage of the Local Community Radio Act – the culmination of a ten-year organizing and advocacy struggle - the F.C.C. is mandated to soon issue thousands of brand new noncommercial FM radio licenses to nonprofits nationwide. These new community radio stations can be powerful tools to empower communities and balance the scales of democracy. Get in touch with us if you want to help support groups in the South to get on the air.

The Media Action Grassroots Network is a proud co-sponsor of the 2012 Grassroots Radio Conference! 

By Betty Yu, Center for Media Justice / Reposted from NAMAC.org

As I wind down my adventures at the South By Southwest’s (SXSW) Interactive Festival in Austin, Texas this week, I reflect on the fact that the most powerful and poignant moments  didn’t actually take place in halls of the Convention Center.  The Media Action Grassroots Network (MAG-Net), Brown Paper Tickets, and Prometheus Radio Project co-hosted a Sunday brunch with a half a dozen local groups located in and around Austin who were interested in taking advantage of a once in the lifetime opportunity to start a Lower Power radio station thanks to the Local Community Radio Act that was passed back in December 2010.  Prometheus Radio Project led a 10-year grassroots fight to win the Local Community Radio Act. The new law mandates the government to expand the Low Power FM (LPFM) service, creating the potential for thousands of new community based organizations to start radio station across the country, including availability for the first time in big cities!

By Steven Renderos, Center for Media Justice

We now have the opportunity of a lifetime to empower our communities through radio. The Federal Communications Commission has just voted to clear the airwaves and expand community radio across the U.S.! This is our chance to own media that reflects our voices, culture, and stories.

The time is now to take back our the airwaves, SIGN UP NOW to start your own radio station!