WASHINGTON -- After nearly a decade, Congress passed the Local Community Radio Act Saturday. The bill now awaits President Obama’s signature.



The bill’s passage would not have been possible without the work of tens of thousands of activists and supporters who contacted Congress over the years in support of community radio and the countless organizations who have devoted themselves to the fight for local radio, including the Prometheus Radio Project, Future of Music Coalition, Media and Democracy Coalition, Media Access Project, National Hispanic Media Coalition, United Church of Christ Office of Communication, Inc., U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Christian Coalition, Catholic Radio Association, MoveOn.org, ColorOfChange.org, New America Foundation, Media and Democracy Coalition and countless others.



Candace Clement, outreach manager for the Free Press Action Fund, made the following statement:



“We are thrilled that Congress has finally passed legislation that will put the airwaves back in the hands of our communities. The Local Community Radio Act will make it possible for hundreds, if not thousands, of new local radio stations to go on the air.



"This is a huge victory in the fight for better media. The bill could not have passed without the tireless work of the Prometheus Radio Project and a broad coalition of organizations. We also thank the co-sponsors, Rep. Mike Doyle (D-Penn.) and Rep. Lee Terry (R-Neb.), as well as Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) for their bipartisan leadership.



“The Local Community Radio Act removes restrictions on the licensing of low power FM radio stations, and opens up the public airwaves for the 160 million people who have been excluded from the benefits of community radio. These noncommercial stations will help to diversify the airwaves, support local music and culture, and assist communities during emergencies. This is an amazing and exciting victory for the many organizations across the country who have been waiting for an opportunity to get on the air.



“Woo hoo!”