Bradley Sperling: Local Radio Thrives, Even in Digital Era

PHILADELPHIA, PA, October 22, 2012

Despite the advantages mobile technology and the Internet have brought to cultures around the globe, few platforms have been able to embrace local culture and appeal to community listeners. Although vastly aged when compared to mainstream media of today, radio may hold the answer for communities who want to provide local programming to area residents. A recent article from The Atlantic Cities highlights a new announcement from the FCC, noting that local radio programmers may soon be able to gain access to low-powered FM (LPFM) stations for community broadcast. Bradley Sperling, owner of Radio Show Pro, explains that this movement may prove a solid investment in protecting the future of radio.

According to the article, LPFM stations will offer a legal alternative to those have embraced pirate radio in previous years. Although many have wished to air their own noncommercial broadcasts, FCC regulations have presented these individuals from interfering with centralized radio. The article explains further, "In 2000, the FCC began offering LPFM licenses as an alternative specifically to noncommercial organizations. But under pressure from commercial radio, federal regulations limited where these stations could take root."

Bradley Sperling recognizes that the FCC has created a lot of obstacles for those interested in bringing out the local power of radio, but is proud of the organization for making an effort to correct previous decisions. However, he notes that some may be surprised to learn that local radio even carries significant weight. In the article, Shawn Campbell, general manager of the Chicago Independent Radio Project, observes, "These community stations counter all of those negative effects that occurred with the centralization of radio program. It will get people talking about local issues, local music and not just the mainstream. What it really does is restore radio's strengths."

Although the article suggests that the LPFM decision may be "the end times of new FM stations," Bradley Sperling believes this practice is one that will stay prevalent in communities. Bradley Sperling concludes, "Having spent my entire adult life in radio broadcasting, I have seen many trends come and go. The one constant factor has always been a loyal connection to local radio. All the technology in the world cannot take the place of a friendly voice who not only talks and sounds like you, but actually correctly pronounces the names of area towns and businesses."

ABOUT:

Bradley Sperling is the founder, owner and CEO of Radio Show Pro, a company that strives to put the power of radio in the hands of professionals across many different industries. Since 2000, Radio Show Pro has provided equipment, editing and distributing services to individuals who wish to have their own content broadcast on select radio stations, including clients who wish to air promotional material. Bradley Sperling offers an extensive background in the broadcast radio industry, as he has worked in the field for nearly thirty years. Having witnessed the changes in radio trends during his career as an announcer and program director, Bradley Sperling remains enthusiastic about the future of radio broadcasting.

Website: http://bradleysperling.org