C!rongrrss of tIrrlltnitr~statrs IDns!,iughlll. DC!! 20515 September 7, 20 II Chairman Julius Genachowski Federal Communications Commission 445 112 1h Street, SW Washington, DC 20554 RE: Crealion 0/A Low Power Radio Service (MM Dockel No. 99-25) and Amendmenl a/Service and Eligibilily rules/or FM Broadcasl Translalor Stations (MB Dockel No. 07-/72) Dear Chairman Genachowski: As supporters ofcommunity radio, we applaud the Federal Communications Commission for taking action to implement the Local Community Radio Act, enacted earlier this year. We are eager to see thousands of new low power FM (LPFM) radio stations serving cities nationwide, including those representing the largest radio markets. The Local Community Radio Act requires the Commission to make licensing decisions "based on the needs of the local community." Implementation must ensure that sufticient channels are available in the most densely populated communities, those which have lacked access to new noncommercial radio for decades, as well as suburban and rural areas. We acknowledge the Commission's hard work in designing an approach to ensure space on the dial for new low power FM (LPFM) radio stations in urban areas while still processing applications for FM translators where possible. To make the best use of the limited FM spectrum remaining in these more populolls communities, we also urge the Commission to ensure that licenses are awarded to truly local churches, non-profit organizations, local governments, and schools. These groups are ready to use local programming to serve the public, connect their communities, and enrich cultural life. In communities where they already operate, low power FM radio stations have often served enormously important roles to educate the public about news and public affairs, to provide rapid, local response during emergencies, and to serve and enhance cultural, ethnic, and artistic diversity. We cast our vote in support ofthe Local Community Radio Act because we believe that many more cities and towns should have the opportunity to receive these critical benefits through their own LPFM radio stations. PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER 1249 We hope and trust that the Commission will move forward to serve its public interest mandate by supporting community-based LPFM radio. Sincerely 2 ''11. ~7