The passage of the Local Community Radio Act in 2010 helped ease restrictions on the Low Power FM spectrum put in place by Congress in 2000 after pressure from commercial broadcasters. Signed into law in January 2011, the bill opened the airwaves to hundreds of low power radio stations allowing community radio in medium to large metropolitan areas. The FCC opened a window to allow non-profit organizations or public agencies to apply for a LPFM channel to produce “hyper” local programming.

KBOO FM

KBOO FM

LPFM radio stations may not operate above 100 watts limiting the range to about a ten mile radius depending upon tower placement. Should the application be successful, the Coquille School District and Winter Lakes High School expect to use the station to advance existing educational programs.

– Public affairs programming dealing with art, environment, current affairs, science, and media education.
– A diversity of musical programming to encourage musicology.
– Debates, independent news, and issues of concern to the community.
– Student authored talk radio on various issues.

Expected student outcomes include: Identifying skills, tasks, and tools used to perform job functions and improved workforce skills needed in all careers including:
• communication
• leadership
• teamwork
• decision making
• problem solving
• goal setting
• time management

There are other area applicants. A non-profit organization formed in Bandon specifically to apply for a similar LPFM and Coos Bay may also have a last minute applicant as well as two applicants I am aware of in Curry County. These community radio stations are free to share locally produced programming which helps meet minimum broadcast requirements and can also air syndicated programming like Democracy Now! as an example. The deadline to file for an LPFM radio station is November 14, 6PM EST.