Community Radio to NAB: Stop Clowning Around!

Proponents of low-power, non-commercial FM radio stations have a circus-themed message for the National Association of Broadcasters: stop clowning around with our future!

Community radio activists accuse the powerful lobbying group of quietly pressuring senators to block legislation that has passed the House and is pending before the Senate Commerce Committee that would pave the way for thousands of new low-wattage stations across the country. In an effort to shame the association, LPFM activists converged on its headquarters at noon today with hula hoops and juggling pins (shaped like radios) to signal they are tired of jumping through hoops and being tossed around by the influential NAB, which is run by former Senate Commerce member Gordon Smith. NAB spokesman Dennis Wharton said the group's main beef with the legislation is that it doesn't do enough to prevent interference with full-power stations.