The board of directors of Waupaca Area Public Radio (WAPR) met Tuesday, Jan. 18, to discuss their next steps in constructing a community radio station in Waupaca.
Board President Mark Gerlach updated them on the recent authorization from the Federal Communications Commission to bio;d the station, which will broadcast at a power of just under 4,000 watts on the assigned frequency of 91.5 FM.
The station has until Nov. 23, 2013, to complete construction and begin operation.
The board agreed to move forward on a plan to apply with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for funding from the Public Telecommunications Facilities Program.
The application will be filed with the assistance of Joe Gaunt, of Green Bay. Gaunt said the group may stand to benefit from this year’s funding as NTIA will award a 75 percent federal share, requiring a 25 percent local applicant match. This means that for every dollar raised locally, NTIA will match with $3 of federal money to new stations.
Board members are now assembling materials for the application including letters of support from community groups and the city of Waupaca.
Gerlach will speak to the Waupaca Common Council on Feb. 16.
For more information about WAPR, call 715-252-5619 or e-mail [email protected].