Remarks of Michelle Bradley to Commissioner Gomez

Prepared remarks of Michelle Bradley, CBT introducing REC Networks to Commissioner Anna Gomez.

These remarks were made by REC Networks founder, Michelle (Michi) Bradley, CBT, on the Radio 4 People community radio stakeholder meeting, which was attended by FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez. Personal (bonnet off) remarks redacted.

Commissioner Gomez, good morning from Riverton, Maryland.

I am Michelle Bradley, also known professionally as Michi Bradley. I am the founder of REC Networks. In addition to providing FCC filing services for FM broadcast stations of all sizes, I am one of the leading regulatory advocates before the FCC. Something I have been doing for nearly 30 years.

REC is best known for our advocacy as it relates to the Low Power FM radio service. I have been involved in LPFM since before the original proposed rulemakings. Currently, there are over 2,000 authorized LPFM facilities, which are operated by community groups, those with a dream of bringing back local radio to their community, public and private educational institutions, local governments and faith-based organizations. At REC, free speech and equal opportunities are more important than partisan politics.

Over the years, REC has been instrumental in guiding regulatory change, especially for LPFM, including REC proposed changes adopted by prior Commissions in various dockets . These changes, which were not very controversial happened amid opposition from the National Association of Broadcasters, which used its bipartisan influence to hobble community radio stations even rising to the point of deceiving Congress in 2000 through a recording of so-called interference in order to get anti-LPFM legislation passed. 10 years later, the NAB’s fears were debunked, resulting in bipartisan legislation. The Local Community Radio Act of 2010.

Our current signature effort is the ability for LPFM stations, especially those in rural areas, that meet certain technical qualifications to be able to increase their power to 250 watts.

So far, REC has made three attempts to get this needed change, but every time, influence from the NAB to both sides of the aisle has prevented it, claiming interference. REC has repeatedly demonstrated that the claims of interference are not true. For the past 5 years, REC’s current Petition for Rulemaking RM-11909 is still pending consideration.

We need a Commission that acknowledges that the NAB does not represent all radio and their past deception must be taken into account when considering proposed rulemaking. We also need a Commission that will properly interpret the Local Community Radio Act, as written.

REC also has efforts to modernize the rules for FM translator stations. Also, to add some needed technical flexibility to LPFM stations, despite past Commission attitude that LPFM must remain “simple”.

I would be honored to work with you and your staff on improving not just LPFM, but all small stations, secular and faith-based. Let’s keep in touch, for the best interest of our local communities and for free speech.

Thank you for joining us today.