FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                    News Media Contact:
December 21, 2000                                                                       David Fiske (202) 418-0513
                                
                                                               

Statement of FCC Chairman William E. Kennard Regarding Low Power FM Radio


The licensing of these first low power radio stations will benefit our communities and
enhance the diversity of our society.  

I predict that as these first stations go on the air, we will see more and more applications
from schools, churches and community-based organizations.  And these new LPFM stations will
not create any harmful interference problem for existing radio service. 

It has been a privilege to be part of this effort to bring new voices to the airwaves, and
new public services to local communities all around the nation.

                            - FCC -