In my look at the launch of XRAY.FM this week, I mentioned that the FCC was also making it possible for a number of small community stations to emerge on Portland airwaves (LPFMs), and look, here they come: The Q-Center-headquartered Wild Planet Radio, “Portland’s LGBTQ Station,” is currently streaming online and planning to launch terrestrial broadcast in June in conjunction with Portland’s Pride Fest. But first they have to contend with some familiar-sounding challenges:
With an FM license in hand, our dedicated volunteers are spending countless hours preparing for an FM launch. At this point our need for financial assistance is dire. In order to be in compliance with the FCC (and actually get “on-the-air”) we must purchase a transmitter, antenna and other various pieces of equipment. The estimated cost for the equipment and hiring licensed engineers to install everything is $19,000. Please donate what you can at our IndieGoGo Page. Time is running out. Help us make history in the LGBTQ Community! Thank You.
They’ve also got a big upcoming fundraiser party on the books: March 25 at Trio Club (!), with a spring-break theme, including: “LIVE music from Mattachine Social, Jeni Wren, Jeremiah Clark, The Want Ads & Activity Universal. Queer Cabaret from the dazzling Caravan of GLAM. Comedy with the riotous Belinda Carroll. Tasty tapas bites from Trio Club chefs. Delectable adult libations from Wild Roots Vodka, Dogwood Distilling & Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Classy, creative & sophisticated raffle prizes. Belly dancers. YOU dancing on one of Trio Club’s THREE stellar dance floors.”
Take it away, funding vid:
I’ll have to look this up – can I really start my own radio station for about $19,000? I wonder how much range that would give me?
KPDX?
Nope, $78,000 for a transmission setup and control room, according to the FCC. And they show no available bandwidth anywhere near Portland.
And that’s for a station with a range of just 3.5 miles. That sure doesn’t pencil out, for me.
Yeah, I’m still not going to go to Trio.
My friend made this fundraising video and my wonderful friend will have a show on here. He has great taste. So, I guess I shall contribute.
I do the hate the “we’re just like you” comment. My dears, make LGBT radio for our community and its allies not for hypothetical homophobes who will never listen. I’d rather give them heart attacks than win their hearts.