LOW POWER FM

How Low Power FM radio can be used by Labor to Get Its Message Out.
Erv Knorzer

Low-Power FM (LPFM) radio has been on-the-air for two and a half years now. A predicted 10,000 applications by the Federal Communication (FCC) fell far short with only 3329 original requests being made. Actions taken by the National Association of Broadcasters, the Public Broadcasting System and National Public Radio, through Congress, to retain unrealistic channel separation caused those potential licenses to be eliminated because of their locations in cities and large suburban areas.

At this time, there are 228 LPFM’s on the air and 131 more with construction permits for a total of 359 stations, or a meager 10% of the original applications. The reason for the delay has primarily been FCC operations and mutually exclusivity (more than one application for the same channel) which extends the deadline for acceptance. Of those 359 stations, 55% are affiliated with religious groups. The remainder 182 stations are a mixed bag of secular community stations with varied agendas such as: lake preservation, folk music, ILWU Harry Bridges History, cultural language retention, downtown preservation, etc. The only similarity between all of them is that they are required to retain a local flavor. It is this local flavor and the requirement to broadcast in the “public interest, necessity, and convenience” that LPFM could be used to Labor’s advantage.

In the 30's, 40's, and 50's it was common to open up the local newspaper to the Labor Section. News on the radio allowed for a segment on the local, regional, state, and national Labor news. With the attack on Labor in the late 40's and early 50's, the Labor Section was absorbed by the Business Section and eventually eliminated altogether. Today, an article on the doings of Labor is usually countered with the possibility of the business closing its doors or moving south of the Border or overseas. Labor has lost its identity and presence in the life of those who are addicted to mainstream media. So, how can a small number of low power (100 watts) radio stations, with a range of between 10 and 15 miles help Labor get its message out?

The following ten thoughts should contribute to a starting point for success:

First; LPFM is just burgeoning and will increase in numbers (see last two paragraphs of article) in the near future. Local communities will be getting their information on LPFM from the horse’s mouth, not watered down or entirely omitted. On-the-scene, or in-the-studio interviews of local Union Officers or Members, as done at KRBS-lp on “The Labor Show” will give Labor a voice and the recognition of being part of the community, rather than on the outside. You are talking to your neighbors.

Second; you will also be able to provide information to your own Union Members and other Unions. On "The Labor Show", we speak to the "Workers" on a general basis because we know there are many who would join a Union if given the chance.

Third; Untold labor history can be provided which will supplement the meager Labor Studies taught in our schools.

Fourth; the music, culture, and stories of Labor can be presented in Folk Music programming, book reading (e.g. Grapes of Wrath) and special programs on Labor personalities.

Fifth; Broadcasting in languages not heard on commercial media. Commercial media cannot afford to chance the loss of listeners if programming is not in English. Programming in Hmong, Vietnamese, Sihk, Spanish, Chinese, etc., establishes goodwill within their communities and is a good proselytizer tool for future members.

Sixth; Training labor members in the use of broadcasting techniques and how to make the best use of technical equipment to produce a program with the least amount of editing and within a time scale.

Seventh; Using LPFM to let the community know about actions of Union members in offering their services on their days off in support of the community; e.g., tile work on the High School Gym bathrooms, landscaping along the City’s riverfront, or clearing pathways. This may be the difference between getting binding arbitration or local support during a strike.

Eighth; Political talk using unconventional formats, such as interviewing from the workplace or in the field with the purpose of establishing a dialogue on workplace issues. E.g., refusal of one party to answer questions verifies your attempt to be fair and equal.

Ninth; Provide an interview a month with a different Union which would expose the community to the large number of workers and neighbors within their midst. In my community of Oroville, population 12,000, and 32,000 in the greater area, there are 15 separate Union organizations that I know of, and probably more if you include over-lapping jurisdictions. Oroville is considered a pro-Union community and our station, KRBS-lp receives substantial support in underwriting from those Unions.

Tenth; LPFM, as well as other media outlets, can spread the word concerning Union gains, losses, obstacles, needs, and possible support in just a click of the mouse and the movement of a fader switch. Word can be sent and received all over the world to networks, groups, blogs, websites, and email addresses. Attacks on Labor can be checked or impaired in minutes. Support can be obtained in mushroom fashion, and the result, a new Labor Movement. LPFM is just another tool Labor can’t ignore.

And now, we would like to ask you to help us to help you. You can bring LPFM to your cities where they are in short supply. Senator John McCain will be introducing a bill which will give community radio a new round of licenses due to a report (MITRE) debunking the need for three channel separation between FM channels. This will open up the cities to LPFM after having been shut out due to the saturation of stations within city coverage. But the word has got to reach the Congress; they are the only ones standing in the way of expansion.

We need you to ask your legislators for more LPFM. The tools you need can be reached at www.prometheusradio.org/freeairwaves.shtml. Stand up for community radio and a Labor’s chance to be heard again!

In Solidarity,

Erv Knorzer

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