Ann Arbor Group Granted Historic Access to the Airwaves
Online, February 6, 2014 (Newswire.com) - In Fall 2013 the Federal Communications Commission accepted applications for Low Power FM (LPFM) radio stations for the first time in more than a decade. Ann Arbor Community Radio was the only Washtenaw county applicant to file a submission. In January, the FCC granted a construction permit on their behalf to build a new non-commercial radio station. This also marks a milestone achievement for the largely volunteer led effort as they're now poised to introduce a new era in community media. The group must next secure permanent locations for it's studio and transmitter in order to begin broadcasting before a summer 2015 deadline.
The future station has two original radio shows in development and plans to feature a mix of independent music, local news and cultural arts programming throughout it's schedule. Founder David Pittman is a veteran multimedia producer and voice talent with previous career assignments at WJR, WUOM, WGPR radio and TV-Tokyo in New York City. He says, "We hope to create a station that's really part of the community with vibrant programming that offers something for the whole family." Ann Arbor Community Radio currently streams audio through it's website and on mobile devices, but expects to be on-air by the end of the year.
About Low Power Radio
Low power FM (LPFM) stations are non-commercial, run by non-profit organizations, schools, community groups, local governments and churches. They are not available to individuals or for commercial operations. LPFMs operate at 100 watts or less and may reach a broadcast radius of approximately 3-10 miles. The Local Community Radio Act of 2010 would ensure historic access to the airways for hundreds of new LPFM stations across the United States.
About Ann Arbor Community Radio
Ann Arbor Community Radio is a project of the Make This World Foundation, a Michigan based Not for Profit Corporation formed in 2009. The foundation is organized to provide multimedia distribution services for cause related media campaigns. We are particularly focused on promoting greater diversity on the airwaves by providing access to audiences traditionally under-represented in media including multicultural families, women and seniors.