ROBERT P. CASEY, JR. PENNSYLVANIA COMMITTEES: AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND FORESTRY FINANCE HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, AND PENSIONS SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON AG ING JOINT ECONOMIC Mr. Tom Wheeler Chairman tlnitcd ~tetcs ~cnetc WASHINGTON, DC 20510 December 6, 2013 Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street, SW Washington, District of Columbia 20554 Dear Mr. Wheeler: It is my understanding that Esperanza, based in Philadelphia, has submitted an application to the Federal Communications Commission to operate a Low-Power FM Radio Station (LPFM). The purpose of this letter is to express my support for this proposal and urge you to give it full and fair consideration. Esperanza, founded in 1988, is an organization that has worked tirelessly to comprehensively strengthen Hispanic communities in Philadelphia and around the country. I am informed that Esperanza will use the low-power FM station to fulfill two goals: training community youth in radio production and broadcasting, as well as providi~g 'educational radio programming. I understand that the youth radio production' ~nd broadcast training will provide a supplemental education to those students studying broadcasting and provide a learning opportunity for youth interested in audio recording and engin~ering. _In addition it appears as though the educational radio broadcasts will provide information essential to the community, touching on pertinent issues such as housing, immigration and workforce development, among other topics. Furthermore, it has been expressed to me that the programming will be implemented in both English and Spanish, providing comprehensive access for commun~ty members. Thank you in advance for the consideration of my views. Please include this letter in the official record of the application. Consistent with ali applicable laws, rules and regulations, I also respectfully request that you keep me informed of the status of this grant application. Finally, if you have any questions, comments or concern~, please feel free to contact me or my staff at (610) 782-9470. ' ' • • i • ' , •• ' J ,l ·, ' 'f J, C; ' ' . . . . . . . . ' " PAINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER 1262