‘Free Speech Stations’ Proposed

The Minority Media and Telecommunications Council has called on the FCC to create a new class of radio stations to be designated as “Free Speech Stations”. MMTC’s proposal was made in the FCC’s rulemaking proceeding on local radio ownership.
Free Speech Stations would be devoted primarily to nonentertainment programming, including news, public affairs, religious programming and public service. They would broadcast at full power, commercially or noncommercially, for at least 20 non-nighttime hours per week. Free Speech Stations would be independently owned by small disadvantaged businesses, including particularly minority owned companies.