Public wins in court over low-power FM

From Matthew Lasar in Ars Technica:

Supporters of low-power FM (LPFM) radio won a victory on Friday when a federal appeals court rejected a lawsuit to stop the Federal Communications Commissions from protecting LPFM stations from full power station signal interference.

"This is terrific news for the low power radio community," declared Sakura Saunders of the Prometheus Radio Project, which helps LPFMs. "Now, these stations can focus on serving their local communities, rather than live in fear of displacement due to the whims of their full-powered neighbors."

On the other hand, the advocacy group that defended the LPFM service was circumspect about the win. "The decision in the courts merely protects the status quo," noted the Media Access Project in a statement sent to Ars. "Congress still must pass legislation to allow more low-power FM stations to operate nationwide."

There's also the question of how to ensure the funding these stations need to more effectively serve their signal areas. More about that later, though. First let's look at the nuts and bolts of this case.....

All this is music to the ears of Congressmember Mike Doyle (D-PA), who, along with Lee Terry (R-NE), has a bill pending that would dump that third-adjacent rule once and for all. There's a parallel proposal in the Senate backed by Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and John McCain (R-AZ). No big surprise what Doyle thinks should happen now: "Congress should enact the Doyle-Terry-McCain-Cantwell legislation," he told Ars, "to dramatically expand the number of low-power FM stations the FCC is allowed to license."

McCain now against rural broadband access

Sen. John McCain (R- AZ) campaigned for president last fall, in part, on a platform of more rural broadband access. In 2005, he co-sponsored legislation "to bring broadband into rural areas." Now that President Obama wants to fund more rural broadband access in the stimulus bill, McCain is now against it.

The presidential candidates on FCC-related issues

Lasar's Letter on the FCC is constantly updating this page charting all the presidential candidates stands on various media issues. Interesting notes:

*The Democrats all support net neutrality; Ron Paul is against it; others have no opinion.

*John "Edwards says he will lift restrictions on Low Power FM radio, making it easier for applicants to get licenses."

*"Paul is strongly critical of the provisions of the Patriot Act that have been used to justify surveillance of the e-mail and phone calls of Americans, and has attempted to overturn the law."

Curiously not mentioned is Senator John McCain's co-sponsorship of LPFM bills. But this is the best site online we've seen comparing the various candidates positions on a variety of media issues that may inform your decision. Common Sense also has a comparison chart here, and Broadcasting & Cable have a Q&A here.