Small Voices vs. Big Dollars

Federal Communications Commission Chairman William Kennard’s plan to issue hundreds of licenses for new low-wattage FM radio stations was sound and sensible and likely to extend the benefits of diversity in America, but it has hit a hard wall and needs help.

Introduced last year to “create a whole new class of voices who can use the airwaves for their communities,” from ethnic churches in our cities to Native Americans on reservations, Kennard’s so-called “microradio” plan could encourage authentic alternatives to the rigid commercial formats that dominate radio today. On Thursday, however, the House telecommunications subcommittee plans to consider a bill by Rep. Michael G. Oxley (R-Ohio) that would prohibit the FCC from handing out microradio licenses.

Of all people, Oxley should understand that big government has no business restricting free expression. Last year he led a successful effort to defeat FCC guidelines that would have limited the number of hours of devotional programming that religious broadcasters with educational licenses could air. Back then, Oxley rightly argued that the guidelines would put government in the absurd position of telling religious leaders what was “instructional” and what was “devotional.” Now, however, by trying to prevent churches and other community groups from starting low-power stations, Oxley is engaging in the sort of misguided, big-government content control that he formerly resisted.

Oxley’s bill is loudly supported by large broadcasters, who fear that the microradio stations could somehow threaten their advertising revenues. The bill has garnered 81 co-sponsors, including California Reps. Jerry Lewis (R-Redlands) and David Dreier (R-San Dimas). Many of them seem eager to impress broadcasting executives who might soon be making coverage decisions that could influence election campaigns.

In opposing Kennard’s plan, these lawmakers fail to respect the small voices in America that deserve the forum that microradio stations would provide.

To Take Action: Rep. David Dreier, (202) 225-2305; Rep. Jerry Lewis, (202) 225-5861. Or www.house.gov/ followed by dreier or jerrylewis.