Cheryl Leanza, policy director of the UCC's Office of Communication, Inc., testified today before the House Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet to support a bill to expand low-power radio.

On behalf of the UCC's media-justice arm, the Prometheus Radio Project and the National Federation of Community Broadcasters, Leanza spoke in support of the Local Community Radio Act of 2009, which will enable the FCC to fully implement low-power radio service.

The UCC has been a staunch advocate of low-power radio since the proposal was put forward nearly a decade ago by the Federal Communications Commission. In May, nine faith leaders representing a diverse range of religious traditions signed a letter in support H.R. 1147 and S. 592, the bipartisan Local Community Radio Act of 2009. Sponsored by Reps. Mike Doyle and Lee Terry and introduced by Sens. Maria Cantwell and John McCain, the bill is focused on increasing the number of low-power FM radio stations in the United States.

"We feel it is crucial at this time to lift up those who need our help in securing easy access to FM radio," says the Rev. J. Bennett Guess, executive director of OC, Inc.

LPFM stations provide essential emergency services. Since their inception in 2000, approximately 800 LPFM stations have been authorized nationwide. The FCC, however, requires Congressional action to fully implement the program.