Four years ago, when the National Association of Broadcasters and National Public Radio successfully convinced Congress to significantly scale back the FCC’s new LPFM service, grassroots media activists weren’t packing much heat on the Hill.
It’s been a productive four years: 400+ LPFM stations are now on the air with more in the pipeline and dedicated lobbyists in Washington willing to push for an LPFM revival.
The NAB recognizes the landscape has changed and has its own congresscritters on a short leash already over this issue. This time around the end-run may involve an attempt to divert LPFM into a blind alley at the General Accounting Office. Let the fireworks begin!