President Clinton on Tuesday fueled the anger of low-power
radio broadcasters when he announced his intentions to sign into law a bill that restricts the number of FM radio licenses awarded by the Federal Communications Commission.

The provision -- a rider sponsored by Sen. Rod Grams (R-Minnesota) -- is part of an omnibus budget bill.

Micro-radio broadcasters, or operators of stations under 100 watts, vowed not "to give up" their long-fought battle to operate such stations legally. They said the expected reduction in the number of low-power FM radio licenses would only encourage low-power radio pirates and lawsuits.

"I think a lot of people are going to take a hardline attitude," said Alan Freed, a Minneapolis-based low-power radio advocate. "I think we can expect to see court challenges."