Statement of REC Networks
Statement of REC Networks
Outcome of the 2024 federal elections.
As we dawn on a new day, we are now realizing the course of our nation for the next four years. Some are pleased with the results while others are uncertain, worried or downright scared. Some may be concerned about the future of community radio, local radio and free speech in general. We hear everyone.
With each new administration, we see a new FCC with different Commissioners that may have a different perspective on communications policy. We will also see a new Congress with similar differing perspectives. You may agree or disagree with what may lie ahead for our stations and the communications industry in general.
For the past 24+ years, REC Networks has been working on supporting and advocating for small stations and free speech in general. REC will address each issue that may come up from a regulatory advocacy perspective, provide the proper education on these issues from a nonpartisan perspective and will continue to provide services to small stations, regardless of so-called “leanings”.
On the community radio side of the house, there is a lot of uncertainty ranging from concerns about policy changes to the general safety and security of broadcast facilities. No matter what, community radio needs to do everything in their power to continue to use their facilities to offer a range of opinions and community service, no matter what, if any, future adversities that may be faced. These next four years will be a new challenge for community radio, but I am confident that community radio will prevail. Freedom of speech, the press and religion (regardless of faith or the right not to practice religion) will also prevail.
Regardless of which party is in control, regulatory changes do happen. We have seen our share of them for the past 24+ years by both parties. It is important for all small stations, especially LPFM, regardless of whether your organization is faith focused or secular, to maintain their visibility and remain connected with the LPFM/small station community to assure that they are informed of any regulatory shifts and other news from the FCC that can have a direct impact on your licensed station. There is nearly a 50/50 split of faith-based and secular LPFM licensees. Our strength comes in numbers and we will be stronger as long as we all work together on keeping this medium alive, even if we disagree ideologically.
No matter what, we need to continue to make great radio and keep the medium of radio relevant in the face of “non-radio” competition. REC will be here when you need us.
For now, let’s all be good to each other.
Michelle Bradley, CBT
Founder
REC Networks
Well said, Michi. Granted time will tell what we will see out of DC. I believe in a free media and the right to allow the media to do its job, though I do believe in some respects some of media is losing its way. Just look at how many people were duped by the national media (especially the daytime talk shows, late night shows and comedy shows) into believing there would be a different outcome, when the polls were clearly overall showing the possibility of a change election. (SNL the weekend before the election, anyone? A national network willing to violate Equal Time laws?) I did not expect the wave that happened, though. I suspect LPFM will be just fine. Or as a reporter friend of mine said upon his induction to the local broadcasters Hall of Fame years back, "Just do your jobs and everything will be fine". Peace to you and everyone involved in LPFM. We'll be alright in the end.