Community Radio act passes Congress

A landmark communications bill has passed through the Senate, just as the legislative branch prepares for their holiday break. According to a Huffington Post editorial, the bill is significant because it empowers communities to open up the radio spectrum to thousands of new "low power" local radio stations. The bill moved through both houses in less than 24 hours and will ideally provide outlets for local and more diverse voices on the radio. The bill states:

These stations are currently on the air and are run by local government agencies, groups promoting arts and education to immigrant and indigenous peoples, artists, schools, religious organizations, environmental groups, organizations promoting literacy, and many other civically oriented organizations.

The FCC will grant licenses to groups "based on the needs of the local community."