Bill Moyers' Journal: low power FM radio, and how NPR/NAB are stopping it.

[Gabi Hayes]

Just saw Robert McChesney (Rich Media, Poor Democracy..."Media Matters" radio show of his on on WILL--U of Illinois radio) discussing it, then showing Bryce Phillips, who have a 2000 watt station, WQRZ, in Hancock county (dunno what state...must be Mississippi or Lousiana, following Katrina)

fascinating show, well worth watching. he ran the station out of his house, which was destroyed by the hurrican. he lives off a $500/month disability, and is still broadcasting, despite his house being irreparably damaged.

800 low power stations now. Moyers discussing new legislation coming up, after mentioning how NAB (lobbying arm of big broadcasting) attempting to allow more low power FM stations

Moyers to guests: what's at stake?

Guest: there are very few local news broadcasts anymore (because of companies like Clear Channel which owns over TWELVE HUNDRED stations), and it's imperative that low power stations be around, if for no other reason than having an outlet for disaster news, as it's disappearing at the local level

one of the things discussed in the taped part was that FEMA handed out radios along with ice and a very few other things right after Katrina, and TOLD people to listen to WQRZ, cause it was the ONLY station broadcasting local news in the Gulfport area.

this is reminscent of the struggle to keep the internets available

great show, as always

this is on now in Chicago, but check your local listings

[GR]

1. Good Program As Usual

It's an important one...

[IndyOp]

2. K&R for the voice of the people! Moyers and low-power radio. (n/t)

[Gabi Hayes]

3. yep...they're talking about how NPR was instrumental in stopping a low power FM

station in DC.

guest discussing that prick Kevin Klose (sp?) head of NPR at the time (also CIA stooge) claimed that, despite scientific study, that there'd be signal interference by the low power station

total BS, and the only thing upon which NAB/NPR have to hang their hats on

ironically, John McCain, apparently, is one of the hill champions of legislation in favor of low power FM

there are bills in house AND senate regarding this, which is the first time this has happened. also, over 40 legislators are sponsoring it

Micheal Powell (!!!), to his credit, had the FCC sponsor a low power radio day. also, all five FCC members favor the expansion of low power FM

wonder why???? could be that religious broadcasters will be the main participants? I remember reading threads on that here at DU. they've got the $$$$$ to jump right in, so it only makes sense, right?

[Gabi Hayes]

4. FCC commissioner Michael Cox is a guest right now, discussing the issue, including

the 60 day comment period, apparently involving some new rule that will take effect, but I don't know if it's pro or against low power FM

he's definitely in favor of low power radio, so listen in/watch when you get a chance

[slipslidingaway]

5. K&R n/t

[rwheeler31]

6. Just saw it in KC.

Can we break up this monopoly?

[Gloria]

7. Yes, this is really a "power to the people" issue...back to locals

who really get the public in contact with what's going on in their area.

New proposal in Congress, seems to have bipartisan support...but the bills haven't moved in the past...seems to be some hope that it will eventually pass...and Bush loves religious crap unfettered.....so it might come to pass

[TacticalPeek]

8. K & R

:kick:

[Gabi Hayes]

9. for those who haven't seen the show, or for whom it might still be coming up.

PBS shows this at different times during the weekend, depending on where you live.

check your schedules

[KharmaTrain]

10. Also On Comcast's On Demand

That's how I watch it these days...and a program well worth watching.

Yes...there are many similarities between low power and internet...areas I've had a bit of experience in. Many low power signals have been hijacked by well-funded religious organizations that have the lawyers and money to keep local operators from opening up stations. There's also the large corpoerations that fear competition from little 100 watt signals and the "cheapening" of their big money license values (a reason they're restricting digital and internet as well) despite their own self-destructive management and programming decisions.

I haven't seen the entire program, yet...but hope to catch it later today. I also heard and shook Commissioner Kennard's hand at YKOS...talking a couple precious moments to discuss revising Telcom '96...something he's been in favor of.

If you support the diversity of voices, programming and information, definitely watch this program.

[rndmprsn]

11. does anybody re-call the name and station of that guy in Miss?

his first name was bryce and he is on social security disability and gets only $500 a month, but still wants to keep his low-powered FM community station up and running. i want to paypal him a small donation so he can keep his station running...

his was one of only four stations that survived katrina and he stayed on the air 24/7 serving his community...he got rewarded by FEMA by denying him requested funds to stay on the air.

[KharmaTrain]

12. Brice Phillips

The Bill Moyers program features his station...one of the handful that survived the storm. This says he earns $500 a month on disability and has built himself quite an impressive operation. I'm looking around to see if there's a place to drop him a few bucks and/or words of help/encouragement.

[rndmprsn]

13. thanks for that...

i was also touched by his proud compassion in the midst of his own poverty, i hope other DU'er would send him a few bucks as well...

http://www.wqrz.org/mambo/

info above