With the possibility of a local low power FM (LPFM) station license application opportunity coming up later this year, I have decided that this is an opportunity that Delta Star Radio should take advantage of.

LPFM stations are non-commercial in nature and were created with the intent of having stations that served their respective communities. Sadly, even a lot of LPFM's are not much more than satellite-fed repeaters or syndicated programming - the very elements that it was supposed to provide the listening public a respite from.

If you've been a listener to Big D Country for any length of time, you'll discover that I really enjoy country music - including some forgotten oldies that you just don't hear much anymore. That will not change if/when we are able to get an FM station - in fact, I totally do not plan to have a passive radio station! I will continue to host daily live programming as long as I am able! I love doing it.

The primary programming addition would be some more local community news, weather, road closures and the like, especially targeted to the eastern area of Tallahassee, Leon County, and the small communities of Lafayette and Chaires.

Of couse, anytime people offer me music, I'm like a kid at Christmastime. The thing is, my goal is to get the music on the air and share it, not just store it away forever. I believe our classic country offering will be expanded under LPFM.

 I also would like to add some southern gospel back into our Sunday programming. I'm not sure at what point this will happen (even us radio geeks need a LITTLE rest!) but I'd certainly like to move in that direction. And the classic Christian MUSIC OF NEW LIFE, which begins its seventh year as a weekly online ministry this month, airs now at 7:30 a.m. EST on Sundays and would be a part of the LPFM.

With the exception of local remotes and special events, we will steer away from talk programs. There's enough of them. Think of the station as an oasis in a crazy world, if you will.

I believe with the studio/office trailer we already have, the studio equipment we own, and such, that the LPFM could be built for less than $10,000. That would cover the engineering costs, the LPFM transmitter and antenna, the tower, and the EAS unit that is an FCC requirement.

This weekend, I have set up a little fundraising campaign on Fundly.com

Please check out our fundraising page, and if you feel compelled to do so, please consider helping us financially if you are able. If you own a business, we will offer underwriting spots to you for the full value of your contribution.

The programming that is currently on Big D Country's stream will continue, regardless of what is going on with the LPFM. There are a lot of local folks who are older and do not have computers. Being visually impaired myself, I know it would certainly brighten folks' day to hear a station that's a bit different. 

 I know that stretching for a 100 watt FM station will be difficult. I received less than $9000 total for 2011. So we are already pinched about as tight as is possible.

 And so, I've had a hard time deciding whether ir not I should pursue this at all. Finally I am feeling that the Good Lord is giving me the nod "yes."

Thanks for considering making a contribution to Delta Star Radio. If you don't want to use the Fundly platform, you may also send contributions directly to Delta Star Radio at the address at the bottom of the page. The radio station has its own account and I do not take any pay from it.