STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER MICHAEL J. COPPS Re: Policies to Promote Rural Radio Services and to Streamline Allotment and Assignment Procedures (MB Docket No. 09-52) I am happy to support this item today in the continued effort to bring new voices and media outlets to Tribal Lands. The Tribal Qualification we adopt in this Report and Order will, I believe, lead to licensing significantly more Tribal entities to serve Native American Tribes and Alaska Native Villages. This is a down-payment on the FCC’s commitment to enhance the ownership of Tribal entities by establishing certain criteria which will prioritize ownership for qualified Tribes or Tribal entities. I commend the Chairman for moving quickly on this item. It is my hope and expectation that the Commission will continue this important work in the months and years ahead. During my time at the Commission I have endeavored to make bringing modern telecommunications to Indian Country a priority. Today’s action is a wonderful step in that direction.