[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 151 (Wednesday, October 21, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S12846]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             COMMUNITY BROADCASTERS PROTECTION ACT OF 1998

  Mr. FORD. Mr. President, the 105th Congress is likely to adjourn 
without enacting S. 1427, the Community Broadcasters Protection Act of 
1998. Even so, I want to provide my colleagues a status report on the 
bill and advise them of the prospects for passage next year.
  The principal purpose of S. 1427 is to provide permanent ``Class A 
licenses'' for low-power broadcasters. Currently these broadcasters 
have secondary status, which means that they can be bumped from their 
place on the spectrum by a full-power station. Without permanent 
status, these broadcasters have a hard time obtaining long-term 
capital.
  After introducing this legislation last year, I worked with the staff 
of the Federal Communications Committee to refine the bill. In pursuing 
this matter, I have sought to provide a degree of certainty for low 
power broadcasters without creating any unintended consequences for 
other users of the spectrum. The result, which was reported from the 
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on October 1, 
has achieved that goal.
  The core mission of low power broadcasters is to provide programming 
for local communities that are not served by full power stations. These 
under-served communities may be in rural areas or in large metropolitan 
areas. In my state, we have a low-power station that provides 
programming that is geared to the interests of rural Kentuckians. 
However, in Washington, D.C., low power broadcasters provide Spanish 
language programming to meet the needs of the Hispanic population in 
this area.
  The FCC has recognized the unique role that community broadcasters 
play in providing programming to under-served audiences. Earlier this 
year, when I asked Chairman Kennard for his comments on the 
legislation, he responded favorably. Chairman Kennard said, ``Having 
reviewed the legislation, I have no major concerns with the bill.''
  Mr. President, I would like to thank Senator McCain, the chairman of 
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Senator 
Hollings, the ranking Democrat on the committee, and my other 
colleagues on the committee for their support of this legislation. As 
of today, 13 members of the Commerce Committee have joined as 
cosponsors. Also I want to express my appreciation to Senator Burns, 
the chairman of the Communications Subcommittee. Senator Burns has 
cosponsored S. 1427, and he has advised that he will introduce this 
legislation when the 106th Congress convenes next year. I thank my 
colleague for his continued interest in and support for community 
broadcasters. I am very pleased to leave this legislation in the 
capable hands of the Senator from Montana.
  Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I thank the Senator from Kentucky for his 
remarks and want to confirm that I plan to introduce this legislation 
next year. Also, I want to congratulate Senator Ford on his efforts on 
this legislation. Due to his persistence, much of the preliminary work 
on this bill has been done. While we will miss his presence on the 
Commerce Committee next year, we will continue to benefit from his work 
as a member of this body.
  Mr. FORD. Again, I thank the Senator from Montana and wish him luck 
in this effort next year. The community broadcasters of the nation have 
earned a permanent place on the broadcast spectrum.

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