Measure Would Restrict Small Radio Stations

A measure that would restrict the addition of 1,000 low-powered FM radio stations was included in a federal spending bill for the District of Columbia. The bill, aimed at curbing a wave of small nonprofit and grass-roots radio stations that might compete against commercial outlets, would require the Federal Communications Commission to impose stricter protections for commercial stations against any electronic interference created by the low-powered stations. Some Capitol Hill lawmakers are seeking to roll back the restrictions in the measure, however, which they view as draconian. Meanwhile, President Clinton has threatened to veto the measure.