KGOU raising funds for public radio station

Imagine being able to hear jazz, news, talk, and other public radio programs in Woodward.

That could happen if KGOU, a public radio station licensed to the University of Oklahoma, raises enough dollars to expand to the Woodward area.

On Monday, KGOU General Manager Karen Holp, gave a presentation to about 10 interested business men and women at the High Plains Technology Center about the area that would be covered if public radio were in Woodward and how it could be implemented.

The listening area that would benefit from KGOU’s expansion to Woodward would include Arnett, Buffalo, Seiling, Shattuck and Waynoka.

Much of public radio depends on donations from the private sector, and to expand to the Woodward, KGOU would need to raise $60,000 in contributions.

The total project would cost $204,354 of which a federal grant would provide $153,266.

About $51, 089 would need to be raised to match the grant, plus about $9,000 for additional costs of construction, bringing the total to $60,000.

The grant period would extend from Nov. 25, 2008, to April 30, 2010.

Listeners would be able to tune into 88.1 FM, which would be powered by 23.4 KW with a non-directional antenna.

Programs would be heard by at least 33,456 people, Holp said.

In addition to expanding to Woodward, Holp said KGOU would like to extend coverage to Ada and Chickasha.

“One of public radio’s missions is to broadcast all across the United States,” Holp said. “Woodward doesn’t have that service.”

If KGOU was ready to implement coverage in Woodward now, “We could have everything in place and be ready to go in September.”

KGOU has been looking for a way to come to Woodward since 2000.

“It took a while because of various issues with the FCC,” she said. “Everyone and their brother wanted this frequency and the FCC has been very slow to respond.”

Holp pointed out that about 50 percent of public radio is funded by donations that come from listeners.

Of the programming, she said, “It’s cultural enhancement and public affairs.”

KGOU airs programs from several public radio networks: National Public Radio, Public Radio International, American Public Media, Native Voice One, the BBC and others.

The station also produces original programming: Oklahoma Voices, Indian Times, The Weekend Blues, Global Jazz Wire, along with state and local news features and news, weather and traffic updates.

Public radio is different from its commercial counterpart, Holp said, noting, “It’s primary mission is to create a more informed public by producing programming that adheres to the highest standard of journalism, and to serve segments of the population that have traditionally been underserved.”

KGOU receives funds from several public sources: the University of Oklahoma and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which is funded by the federal government. But its largest source of funding comes from voluntary donations from individuals, businesses and private foundations.

Holp asked that people donate funding to make it possible to bring programming to Woodward and the surrounding area.

For more information, Holp can be e-mailed at manager@kgou.org.