Will Radio Really Hit Waves?

Neighborly News
The quest to provide low power radio to Garden Valley has been in motion for years, driven by the dream of one man, Rex LeFevre. Co-hort Rich Smith provides some hard-core notes to contemtemplate and the possibilities Radio will bring to the valley.


By Rich Smith
Garden Valley Communications Inc.

KXGV is a low power (30-100 watt) LPFM radio station serving the Garden Valley area.

Purpose: To provide Garden Valley residents access to their own locally owned and operated public FM radio station.

Details:
* (Will be) Licensed under the FCC LPFM (low power FM) operating rules recently approved by Congress (Local Radio Act of 2010).
* Non-commercial; totally funded and supported by grants and contributions, and operated by local volunteers.
* 30-100 watt transmitter and antenna located on Garden Mtn. and hosted by the Garden Valley TV Translator District.
* On the air for 20-30 hours/week, presenting local and transcribed general programming.
* A member of the EBS (Emergency Broadcasting System), ready to support the valley with emergency information and local instructions in the event of an emergency.
* Local programming, including Garden Valley news, call in programs, music, current events, discussion programs, student generated programs, and special events such as GV High School football and basketball sports broadcasting.
* Sunday broadcasting of pre-recorded programming, sponsored by local churches.
* Although commercial advertising cannot be solicited or sold, sponsorship by local businesses is encouraged, and business sponsorship will be credited on the air.
* Because licensing is not expected until late 2011, begin limited operations with an internet radio service.

Needs:
* Home for a small office and studio (less than 500sq. ft.) visible from road. Must be able to install a small microwave dish with a line of sight to Garden Mountain.
* Access to power, bathroom, telephone and broadband internet service.
* Furniture. Desk, table, chairs, etc.
* Purchase studio equipment including a master control board, microphones, head phones, computer and software, auto answer two-line telephone, transcription and editing equipment (computer controlled tape recorder and player, record player, CD player), battery backup system, tables, movable partitions, desk, blackboard and chairs.
* Open a web site and develop a web page.
* Select and purchase a 100 watt FM transmitter and antenna ($5,000), and microwave transmit/receive equipment ($2,000).
* Install microwave antenna, receiver, FM transmitter and antenna on Garden Mountain and perform limited testing until the FCC issues our permanent LPFM operating license.
* Purchase and install solar powered battery backup system
*Add three more persons to the Garden Valley Communications Inc. board.
*Solicit sufficient local volunteers to participation in and operate the station on air and off air. At least 5 additional volunteers will be needed on a part time basis to operate 20 hours/week. Student Members of the Radio Club will have after school access to the station.
* Form a Radio Club for GVHS students to participate and learn about radio and internet
* Solicit donations and grants to help purchase a transmitter, microwave equipment, and construct and equip a temporary broadcast studio.
* Startup costs estimated to be less than $10,000 and monthly operating budget is limited to $500, including rent, power, telephone, broadband internet, insurance, and maintenance.