Six Groups Want Local FM Licenses
By Rebecca Vandermeulen, Reading Eagle, Pa.
Nov. 22–Radio listeners in Berks County could soon have a few more options to choose on the FM radio band.
Six groups have applied to the Federal Communications Commission for licenses to broadcast FM signals in Berks.
For 11 days in October, the FCC took applications nationwide from nonprofit educational groups seeking broadcast signals. The FCC would not discuss specific applications or how long it would take to decide who gets licenses.
"It’ll be interesting to see how quickly the FCC sifts through all this," said Dennise M. Kowalczyk, executive director of WDIY, a Bethlehem public radio station that applied for a license in Kutztown.
The FCC looks at various criteria, such as the diversity a station would add to local radio airwaves and how many people would be able to pick up the signal.
WDIY, which also broadcasts from the Easton and Fogelsville areas, would like to expand its audience to Kutztown.
The station features National Public Radio shows, local talk and music, Kowalczyk said.
The following also have applied for licenses in Berks:
Berks Community Television — BCTV hopes to expand to radio with a broadcast signal from Centerport.
Executive Director Ann Sheehan said a radio station could reach people who don’t get BCTV on cable. Those with satellite TV, for example, can’t watch the channel at home.
BCTV President Mike Zielinski said local radio is important even though people have so many places to get information.
"In an era of global communication, local programming is even more important to communities," he said.
Kutztown University Radio — The station’s limited signal means that it’s available only around the KU campus, online and simulcast on local TV.
The station has applied to expand its signal into Kutztown and Hamburg.
The station offers studentrun programs, news and traffic reports, older music and easylistening songs during standard business hours.
WVIA — This public radio and TV station, based in Pittston, Luzerne County, has applied for a signal in Laureldale, which would allow people near Reading to hear the station, said Chris Norton, WVIA vice president for radio.
The station has broadcast signals in several parts of Pennsylvania, including Allentown. Programming includes National Public Radio programs and jazz and classical music.
Four Rivers Community Broadcasting — This company operates The WordFM, a Christian radio station based in Sellersville, Bucks County. It has applied for licenses in Mohrsville and Bechtelsville.
BridgeBuilders International Leadership Network — This a Christian group, based in Phoenix, Ariz., has applied for a license in Robesonia.
Contact reporter Rebecca Vander-Meulen at 610-371-5015 or rvandermeulen@readingeagle.com.
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