Radio meeting Sept 4 at 6:00pm at the San Benito County Free Library.

This meeting is for those who are interested in working to make a radio station for Hollister, San Juan, and beyond a reality. Time is  short but it can be done with the right support. Needed are individuals who have the expertise to assist in preparing the engineering portion of the FCC application.

One of the needs identified in Vision San Benito's Vision Summit was the need for access to local news and information. The creation of BenitoLink has been one response. Having a local radio station with local programming would also be a way to provide access. More people have radios than computers. Radio is available to you in your car and at home. The programming would be up to the team who organizes the station. This will probably be an all volunteer effort.

There is a need for people who are willing to assist with the application process, raise awareness, and raise funds.

Community Media Access Partnership may commit to being the nonprofit organization in the application.

There is an engineering section of the application which will require specifying the frequency which will be broadcast, the height of the antennae, power of the signal. This will cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. We have had advice from Don Mussell, who helped to create several stations in our area, KUSP, KZSC, KAZU and KKUP and many more across the country. He has told us that it is possible for us to submit a successful application, there is a frequency available and, if we locate the transmitter appropriately, we can cover Hollister and San Juan Bautista and beyond. In addition we could put programming on the internet.

CMAP may be in a position to assist by providing funds to build the station, though they may need to be reimbursed for all or part of their funding.

If you have any interest in starting a radio station, please come to the San Benito Free Library at 6:00 on Sept 4.

Let's make it happen!