Artists Speak Out For Low Power Fm

A number of artists and industry officials are calling for the Federal Communications Commission to "show leadership" by establishing a new class of low-power FM radio stations across the U.S. The stations would be primarily non-commercial, and because of their less powerful frequencies, would be able to operate at much lower costs than traditional stations.

In a letter to FCC commissioners, artists including Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, Ellis Marsalis and Fugazi's Ian MacKaye criticize the corporation-dominated radio environment, saying, "The music that is played on the air comes not from love or respect for the art, but rather from a market analysis of how to squeeze more profits from a natural resource." In addition, the newly founded Low Power FM Coalition has announced a national concert series, "Left Off The Dial: 10 Days For Low Power FM," to run Oct. 14-24. Performers will be named Oct. 1; coalition director Michael Bracy says they will be artists "reflective of those having difficulty getting radio airplay."
<P align=right><i>- Chuck Taylor, N.Y.