WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle today introduced a bill that could enable hundreds of new low-powered FM radio stations to operate around the country, including in the Pittsburgh region.

The bill would relax a restriction that all new stations occupy spots at least four intervals away from existing full-power stations on the radio dial. Mr. Doyle cites a 2003 study that says a three-interval limitation is sufficient to avoid signal interference.

Broadening access has the potential to "revolutionize what Americans hear on their radios," said Mr. Doyle, D-Forest Hills. "There's not enough space in the Pittsburgh radio market."

New stations likely would only have ranges of several miles, but supporters say the stations would invite a range of groups to launch radio programs, from college organizations to churches to local artists.

Mr. Doyle is co-sponsoring the bill with Rep. Lee Terry, R-Neb. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., introduced a similar bill in the Senate today.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

First Published: June 21, 2007, 3:45 p.m.