[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 169 (Saturday, December 18, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S10696]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   LOCAL COMMUNITY RADIO ACT OF 2010

  Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H.R. 6533, which was 
received from the House.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title.
  The bill clerk read as follows:

       A bill (H.R. 6533) to implement the recommendations of the 
     Federal Communications Commission report to the Congress 
     regarding low-power FM service, and for other purposes.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill.
  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I have long argued in favor of greater 
diversity and localism in broadcasting. Today, Congress takes a 
positive step by making available more radio broadcast outlets for 
local content.
  I am pleased that Congress has finally passed and sent to the 
President the Local Community Radio Act, which will increase the number 
of frequencies available for low power FM, LPFM, radio stations. I am a 
cosponsor of the Senate version of this legislation, and have been an 
original cosponsor of similar legislation in each of the previous two 
Congresses. I commend Senator Cantwell for her hard work in reaching an 
agreement with full power broadcasters that will ensure they are 
protected.
  The rash of nationwide consolidation we have witnessed in the 
broadcast industry over the last decade has been alarming, if 
predictable. Low power FM stations offer a valuable counterweight to 
this trend. By using low power stations, community groups can access 
underutilized spectrum and provide content tailored to smaller 
communities. The Local Community Radio Act rolls back unnecessary 
restrictions that have limited the number of frequencies on which LPFM 
stations can operate.
  This legislation is important because LPFM stations provide 
opportunities for local organizations to serve local communities. 
Vermont has 11 LPFM stations serving local communities in Vermont from 
Hyde Park to Brattleboro to Warren. There is room for more in Vermont 
and across the country.
  Low Power FM provides the opportunity for truly local content to 
flourish, and today's legislation will make more such stations 
available.
  Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
bill be read a third time and passed, the motion to reconsider be laid 
upon the table, and any statements related to the bill be printed in 
the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The bill (H.R. 6533) was ordered to a third reading, was read the 
third time, and passed.

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