On August 23, High Desert Community Radio will officially launch its full-power broadcast on 88.9 FM and 106.7 FM will go silent.
It is a hallmark occasion for KPOV, which has been working toward becoming a full-power station since 2007 in order to widen its reach and engage more listeners. A low-power FM station, KPOV has broadcast at 2 watts from a tower atop Awbrey Butte since first going on the air in 2005, limiting listenership primarily to Bend.
Thanks to the help of a cadre of volunteers and the generosity of the Central Oregon community, KPOV will be able to broadcast at 800 watts, reaching Bend, Redmond, Sisters and beyond. Over the last three years, the station has raised more than $92,000 in donations, grants, event ticket sales, and loans to pay for equipment and other full-power related costs.
“This feat was made possible by volunteers who spent countless hours raising money and dealing with the often complicated technical details of putting together a full-power broadcast,” said Rick Miller, president of the KPOV Board of Directors. “It’s a true testament to what a community can do when it pulls together its talent and resources to accomplish a goal.”
The seed for full power was planted in 2007 when the Federal Communications Commission announced it was going to make available a nonprofit signal. KPOV then hired an engineer and lawyer to help prepare the station’s construction permit application.
In June the following year, KPOV was awarded the construction permit, marking the beginning of the station’s fundraising efforts, including grant writing and early outreach to donors.
“A regional, noncommercial radio station can help build regional identity and community by connecting citizens through a low-cost, accessible technology,” Miller said. “Now that KPOV is full power, we can reach many more Central Oregonians and provide them with the in-depth coverage they deserve.”
About KPOV High Desert Community Radio
KPOV is a listener-supported, volunteer-powered community radio station broadcasting at 88.9 FM and streaming live at www.kpov.org. The station is radio by the people and for the people of Central Oregon. KPOV strengthens community and democracy through grassroots participation in independent, non-commercial radio. The station educates, entertains and involves the community by giving voice to diverse cultures and viewpoints.
KPOV broadcasts more than 40 locally-produced programs of music and talk that are not heard on commercial or public radio stations in our area. Programming includes local news and commentary, extensive coverage of local and statewide elections, and the most diverse musical programming in Central Oregon. For a program schedule, underwriting information, to donate or to volunteer, call 541-322-0863, visit www.kpov.org, or visit the studio at 501 NW Bond Street, Bend, OR 97701.
