On Saturday, December 18th, the Local Community Radio Act which opens up frequencies for 10-100 watt radio stations all over the country, passed the Senate and now awaits only the President's signature to become the law of the land. 

It's been a ten year battle, waged by the Prometheus Radio Project with media activist allies all around the country, to open up urban and suburban frequencies to low-power broadcasting, after the National Association of Broadcasters and National Public Radio teamed up to defeat the bill back in 2000.

While some rural areas were able to go ahead with acquiring frequencies and starting up stations, the vast majority of the country was shut out from legalized low-power broadcasting.

The action in the Senate was sudden, breaking a months-long hold on S.592 from a changing parade of Republican senators at the behest of the Broadcasters Association. A last minute deal, punctuated by the rapid amendment and return to the House for whirlwind passage and return to the Senate, where the broadcasters dropped their opposition and the bill passed quickly via voice vote.

President Obama has indicated he would sign the bill if it ever emerged from the Senate.

Viva community radio. May a million new stations bloom!