WASHINGTON -- On Friday, the Federal Communications Commission voted to clear space for hundreds of new community radio stations around the country and set the process to begin taking new applications for Low Power FM licenses in 2013.

These radio stations give community voices a place on the radio dial. They give underserved populations, non-English speakers, local artists, grassroots advocates and religious organizations a chance to make their messages heard and find space in radio markets typically saturated by media conglomerates.

Free Press President and CEO Craig Aaron made the following statement:

“This is another huge victory and step forward for the people who fought for over a decade to bring low power radio to the country. It’s the culmination of tireless work and an unwavering commitment to seeing this through. We applaud our friends at the Prometheus Radio Project for leading the way, and champions like Representatives Mike Doyle and Lee Terry and Senators Maria Cantwell and John McCain who backed the Local Community Radio Act. We look forward to continuing to work with them to spread the word about the opportunities for new voices to get on the air.”