The radio revolution sounded like it would be a blast. Real power-to-the-people stuff. Thousands rushed to apply for licenses to run tiny, 100-watt community radio stations two years ago during a moment of federal government largess. Everyone from religious fundamentalists to nature lovers to Cajun accordion aficionados hoped to take back pieces of the airwaves from corporate giants. They dreamed of preaching the Gospel or railing against pollution or spreading the magic of zydeco rhythms. But something happened on the way to community-radio nirvana. Something like reality. ... Of the 3,400 amateurs nationwide who have applied for low-power FM licenses in the last two years, only five are on the air. ... Essentially, the new rules banned low-power stations in urban areas, where the radio dial is crowded, and pushed the applicants into rural regions. ... "I'm really not that capable of a person, but I did get a license," he said. "That says something." ... From the front page of the 19 Feb 2002 edition of The Washington Post. |