Many churches are forming new radio ministries through the growth of new low power FM stations.
Charisma News Service (Dec. 28) reports that about half of the first 255 new low-power FM (LPFM) licenses offered by the U.S. government’s broadcast licensing body have gone to churches and ministries. Operating at between 50 and 100 watts, the new stations will have a broadcast radius of just a few miles, operating on a shoestring budget and relying on volunteers.
The new licenses are being issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as part of an effort to enrich local communities with diverse programming. The 255 applicants eligible for licenses were chosen from 1,200 candidates, who also included educational and community groups.
The initiative was strongly opposed by commercial broadcasters, who say the small stations can interfere with their frequencies.
