Community radio station goes to full-power signal
The KYRS Thin Air Community Radio station expects to go live with its new full power signal on 88.1 FM for its fall on-air fund drive from Oct. 6 to 12. The nonprofit, non-commercial, listener-supported radio station started in 2003, will go from being a low-power station at 100 watts to a 6,800-watt signal from a new tower on a mountain 40 miles south of Spokane. It move from 89.9 FM to 88.1 FM
With donated labor, KYRS excavated and erected a 70-foot tower in late August, set up a transmitter in September and put in an electricity line, said Lupito Flores, KYRS station manager. By Oct. 6, he expects to make final connections.
“It has been a long, difficult, but rewarding journey,” he said. “We have overcome restrictions on Low Power FM, encroachment of a full power commercial station and competition to gain full power status.”
With the new frequency, 230,000 people will receive a strong signal, and 24,000 will receive non-commercial radio for the first time northwest of Spokane—from Nespelem to Newport to Kettle Falls. People can still tune in 92.3 FM. With both frequencies, more than 300,000 people should be able to hear KYRS,” Lupito said.
On Saturday, Nov. 5, the anniversary and launch party will be held at the Masonic Center, 1108 W. Riverside.
Lupito said KYRS “fills needs other media do not, programming to diverse, unserved or underserved groups. We provide a forum for neglected perspectives on local, national and global issues, reflecting values of peace, social, economic and environmental justice, human rights, democracy, multiculturalism, freedom of expression and social change.”
For information, call 747-3012 or visit kyrs.org.
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