September __, 2000

[Your Senator]
[Address]
Washington, DC [zip code]
Re: S. 3020

Dear Senator ___________:

I am [state your name and personal interest in the issue OR your name and title in the organization you are representing]. I/we have recently become aware of S. 3020, titled the "Radio Broadcasting Preservation Act of 2000," introduced on September 7, 2000 by Senator Rod Grams. I/we strongly urge you to oppose these bill actively, or any amended version of it. This bill is beign presented as a compromise, but it is not. It is identical to the legislation passed in the House, which was opposed by all low power radio supporters.

Senator Grams's bill is a serious betrayal of the public trust. For over a year, the Federal Communications Commission conducted a proceeding regarding the establishment of these new stations. An unprecedented number of people filed comments and reply comments in this proceeding. These comments ranged from citizens who wanted low power radio stations, to civil rights organizations who supported the stations, to broadcasters large and small who opposed the establishment of this service.

After a wide-ranging technical and policy debate, the FCC revised the rule it initially proposed. It adopted a conservative order, authorizing a limited number of stations. There is little, if any, evidence to support the assertion that the tiny stations authorized by the FCC will create any noticeable interference to existing stations. The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and other opponents of low power radio are attempting to cloak their fear of legitimate competition by making complex, misleading technical arguments. These arguments did not succeed at the FCC, where the Commission's engineers, who hold considerable expertise in these areas, considered the range of technical studies that were filed on all sides. I/we sincerely hope that you will not let the NAB's arguments succeed in Congress.

There are many ways that low power radio will benefit our district. [INSERT WHAT YOU WOULD DO WITH A LOW POWER STATION, OR WHAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO HEAR ON A LOW POWER STATION].

I/we would therefore greatly appreciate it if you would actively oppose this legislation. Please request that Senator Grams withdraw this ill-advised legislation. If it is not withdrawn, I/we sincerely request that you urge other members of Congress to oppose this legislation on the grounds that it seeks to circumvent that statutory rule-making authority of the Federal Communications Commission.

Thank you for your consideration, and I/we look forward to your support on this matter.

Sincerely,
Your signature,

Name, organization, address and phone number

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