Sandpoint Community Radio

Summary of Request:       

Sandpoint Community Radio, in partnership the Academy of Northwest Writers and Publishers (aka., The Lost Horse Press), is seeking pledges of support from within our community.  These pledges (not cash donations at this time) are required by the FCC for our application, which we have been working on since December of 2006.  

Per FCC rules, we must have pledges of support that meet or exceed our budget for building the station (i.e., purchasing studio equipment, etc.), and operating that station for a period of three months.  The budget is roughly $55,000.  

In addition, all pledges must be dated prior to, or on the date that we submit the application, which will be before October 19, 2007.  

Pledged funds will be called upon only if the FCC approves our application to start a full power, noncommercial community radio station here in Sandpoint.  Our attorney and engineer feel that the soonest we would need the pledged funding would be some time in 2009.

And all cash contributions made are tax deductible because we are operating under the umbrella of a 501(c)(3) organization.  

Sandpoint Community Radio

Background, Goals and Mission

The FCC is intending to open the first ever “application window” for full-power non-commercial educational (NCE) radio stations.  Since 2000, there has been a freeze on new applications due to disputes over changes in methods used in regards to the processing of new station applications.  Prior to 2000, comparative hearings in court were used until the complex disputes rendered the system futile, at which time many community-based station applications were backlogged for years (even decades).  And then, in 2000 all pending licenses and new applications were indefinitely frozen while the FCC set forth to develop new application criteria for full-power NCE radio stations.  This made it impossible for community groups in small towns such as Sandpoint to acquire a full power non-commercial license and broadcast.  

It has taken many years for the FCC to finalize their new set of criteria—now referred to as “the point system”—which is a set of criteria based upon engineering, the applicant organization’s locality, and media ownership.  The “application window” refers to approximately only eight days in October of this year, at which time a qualifying organization can apply for an open frequency.  

According to Common Frequency Radio Project (http://www.commonfrequency.org), “The national religious broadcasters are expected to apply for virtually every frequency that is left on the educational band during this window; only channels in rural Montana will be left afterwards.  In other words, if you ever want a community radio station, the time is now.”

It is unlikely that this opportunity will ever be made available again by the FCC.  

Understanding this, in December of 2006 a small group of committed Sandpoint residents gathered to discuss this opportunity as it could apply to, and benefit the Sandpoint community.  With common interests in community service, independent media and journalism, local art, literature and music, as well as a strong desire in each individual to contribute something lasting to the very community that nurtures us, we voted unanimously to move forward toward the creation of Sandpoint Community Radio!

Our mission statement (still in draft form) currently reads as follows:  

Sandpoint Community Radio! is an independent, community-supported information resource for the greater Sandpoint area.   SCR! promotes community participation, collaboration, vitality and sustainability, while delivering alternative news, views, and educational programming that help cultivate an informed local citizenry.  SCR! is committed to being the hub of Sandpoint’s arts and information network.  

Purpose, Need, and Timeline

As demonstrated in the “Background of Key Individuals” section of this proposal, our core group has sufficient talents and experience that can successfully start up and then manage the day-to-day operations of a community-supported radio station.  With professional assistance from our communications attorney and broadcast engineer, all legal and technical aspects of filing the application and building/operating the station are covered.  

The following is an overview of the process (and updates on each step) upon which we have focused since December of 2006: 

Step 1: Determine whether there are available frequencies in Sandpoint and raise $5000 cash to retain an engineer and attorney.  

We have completed this step, and have determined that there are open frequencies available.  We have raised nearly all of the funding to pay the engineer and attorney.

Step 2: Locate a possible tower site.

Our engineers, Mike Brown (see his bio in the following section) and Mike Johnson, has run signal tests from the KIBX (NPR) tower located in Bonners Ferry, ID and has determined that at 750 watts our station’s broadcast signal will travel beyond Sandpoint (into parts of western Montana, north to Creston, British Columbia, etc.) with coverage in Sandpoint and points south and west being exceptional.  In September we secured a Letter of Reasonable Assurance from the owners of the transmitter tower in Bonners Ferry which reserves a spot on the tower for an 18’ Sandpoint Community Radio antenna.  Additional information on the range and frequency will be available in the near future.  

Step 3: Have our engineer perform a channel study and complete an engineering report that will be submitted with our application.  

Our engineer has completed our frequency search using the most up-to-date database from the FCC and has determined that a frequency, or channel, is available (similar to step 1, but more precise).  We must have a frequency that does not conflict with any existing stations in our geographic region in order to apply, and then determine which frequencies will give us the best chance at approval.  

The frequency search, channel study, and engineering report are completed.  The engineer is now leading us on all aspects of the technical portion of the application, which is approximately one-third of the full application.

Step 4: Hire an attorney who practices communication law.  

Attorney Michael Couzens, from Oakland, CA (see his bio in the following section) will fill out the legal portions of the application, and then review the full application for accuracy.  

Step 5: Raise $50,000+ in pledges from within the community and through private grants.

We are currently working on this step, which is discussed in the summary on page one of this document.  We cannot file our application until we meet or exceed our budget.  If our stated pledges do not meet or exceed our budget at the time of application, our application is automatically declined.  As of October 12 we have secured approximately $35,000 in pledges and are awaiting decision on two grant requests and numerous pledge requests from area businesses.  Our pledge forms are available at numerous locations around Sandpoint.  Pledges to date range from $25 to $10,000.  

Step 6: Submit our application.

The application is filed electronically on line during the eight-day application window of October 12-19.  As discussed earlier in this proposal, at the time application we will also have to demonstrate that we will have access to funds to construct and operate a station without income for the first three  to six months.  We do not have to have this general operating funding in hand, but rather only show a realistic plan that will demonstrate that the resources will be available.

Step 7: Wait for a response from the FCC.

The FCC will post an announcement of filings within a few days of the window closing.  Applications for uncontested frequencies will be granted so long as there are no major flaws in the application.  If there are competing applications for the frequency we list, then our application will be open for amendments, re-evaluation, etc.  It is during this step that conflicts must be resolved if there are multiple applications for our frequency, and there are a number of ways that conflicts can be resolved that will allow for the approval of a license.  Once we have approval, we begin to…

Step 8: Build the Sandpoint Community Radio Station.

Once approved, we can begin building the station. We anticipate that the earliest date that we would have an approval from the FCC would be sometime in the middle portion of 2009, though the process could take over a year and a half; however, once the license is approved, the FCC gives new stations three years to get their stations into the broadcast phase.  Though our transmitter tower will be located in Bonners Ferry, the actual station will be operating in Sandpoint.

Background of Key Individuals

Christine Holbert is the founder and publisher of Lost Horse Press, which is based in Sandpoint, Idaho. Lost Horse Press’ parent organization, The Academy of Northwest Writers and Publishers (ANWP), is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, independent press that publishes poetry titles of high literary merit, and makes available all genres of fine contemporary literature through cultural, educational and publishing programs and activities. Christine earned her publishing degree from Eastern Washington University in 1998.  In June 1998, she established Lost Horse Press in her home south of Spokane, Washington. Ms. Holbert and the Press moved to Sandpoint, to a log cabin in Sunnyside, in 2000. From this location Christine reviews and edits manuscripts, designs covers and text, typesets books, designs catalogs, promotes Lost Horse books, manages marketing, oversees interns and volunteers, and negotiates with distributors, bookstores, printers, authors, and other publishers.  It is through ANWP that we are filing the Sandpoint Community Radio! application, as well as accepting financial contributions.  In addition, Christine will lead the production of printed outreach materials and will assist with the development of locally produced programming with a literary focus.

Jeff Poole is a native of Clarkston, Washington. Jeff is a graduate of The Grove School of Music in Los Angeles. Upon completing his degree in Music Composition, Jeff worked in the commercial film industry for several years in various capacities ranging from camera, lighting and grip work to set construction and properties. During his tenure in the film business, Jeff moonlighted as resident composer and sound designer for the Waterfront Stage in Santa Monica, California. The theatre company was known for mounting contemporary and challenging productions, allowing Jeff’s creative abilities to grow beyond his own expectations. Jeff’s work earned him several favorable reviews and a nomination for best sound design from the LA Weekly Reader. Jeff yearned for a less hectic environment to work in and returned to the Northwest in 1992. While working as a sound engineer for recording and live sound, Jeff and his wife, Shauna, opened Lyman Gallery-Sandpoint in their new home of Sandpoint, Idaho. Jeff is currently continuing his sound and production management business, Zentropa Studios, and works as a consultant for the Apple Macintosh community in North Idaho. 

Kelly McTavish has been a Sandpoint resident since 1999 and currently works as a GIS mapping technician and computer drafter. Kelly has more than twenty years of experience with sound re-enforcement and studio recording, as well as over ten years experience with digital audio recording and editing.  He is a technical jack-of-all-trades and possesses a strong working knowledge of electronics, audio equipment, as well as computer systems.  Kelly has worked for over five years with various sound- and lighting-related events at the Panida Theater, handling many aspects of technical support for a variety of theater productions.  In addition, Kelly has worked for two years on the production crew for the Festival at Sandpoint and other nonprofit events with Zentropa Studio, as well as independently for nonprofits that include the Sandpoint Waldorf School, the Arts Alliance, and the Panhandle Animal Shelter.  

Ryan Gies is a computer programmer and website designer who owns and operates Livesite Networks, LLC based in downtown Sandpoint.  Ryan has traveled extensively throughout North and Central America, though during the past five years Sandpoint has been his home base.  He brings project management experience ranging from secure network programming in E-Learning software to high level enterprise systems.  Ryan has volunteered his web design and hosting services to a variety of causes, such as the Pro Lago Atitlan conservation project in Guatemala, and contributes to the open source community that provides free software to the world. His interests lie in both the technical challenges of creating a “top-notch” community-driven radio station and in contributing to the process and procedures which create a fun and fair broadcasting environment for the diverse community of Sandpoint.

Amanda Rukavina has been a Sandpoint resident since 2000.  She has worked at the Panida Theater as a volunteer with Dave Nygren on several occasions and has volunteered her time to Arts Alliance and Sandpoint Waldorf School events.  Amanda has over six years of administration experience in various business settings with responsibilities that range from managing a small staff to managing purchasing accounts.  She started her own local business in 2005.  

Scott Daily moved to northwest Montana’s, Yaak Valley, in 1997.  He and his wife, Sherrie, lived on and off in Sandpoint during the winters, house sitting as Sherrie worked in town as a massage therapist.  Scott and his family moved to the Sandpoint area permanently in 2004 to become a part of what they saw as a vibrant community, and now live in Sagle.  Scott is a founding member of Yaak Valley Forest Council (YVFC) and Sustainable Community Systems (SCS), both of which are nonprofit organizations with a focus on sustainable community development and natural resource conservation.  For the former he served as a board member and executive director, and is now program development coordinator and the organization’s grant writer.  He is responsible for organizing all aspects of the first annual Yaak Wilderness Festival in 2004 as well as myriad other events and collaborative projects for YVFC.  Through SCS he is working on program development and grant writing for the Sandpoint Waldorf School where his eldest daughter is a student, as well as several other projects based between Sandpoint and the Yaak Valley, including the Sandpoint Community Radio project.  In 2006 Scott started Full Circle Design, LLC., which is a permaculture design and implementation company and plant nursery.  He brings nearly ten years of project development, nonprofit management, community organizing, networking and grant writing/fundraising experience to Sandpoint Community Radio.  

Michael Couzens is a communications lawyer based in Oakland, California.   A common thread of his career is the promotion of new and different voices in the media, beginning with independent video production during the ‘seventies.  As an FCC staffer in 1978-81 he headed the task force that created Low Power Television.  Twenty years later, he wrote NFCB’s rule making comments, endorsing the creation of what became Low Power FM.   Michael has taught courses in communications policy at UC Berkeley and at San Francisco State, and was an organizer for Seminar West of the Federal Communications Bar Association.  Due to his extensive experience in broadcast law, Michael will serve as Sandpoint Community Radio’s primary attorney through the application process.  

Michael Brown has more than 32 years professional experience in Radio Broadcast Engineering and is President and Owner of Brown Broadcast Services of Portland, Oregon.  Michael specializes in broadcast studies, signal propagation, interference analysis and enhancement, FCC applications, studio and transmitter construction and modification projects, project management, and broadcast site management.  His particular specialty is utilizing computerized predictive methods and advanced field measurement techniques to maximize radio station coverage.  In recent years Michael has been a key technical resource for several Community Radio organizations.  His work has directly or indirectly provided the seed for literally hundreds of new noncommercial radio applications and stations throughout the U.S.  Michael has also been an advocate for and has provided technical support to the Low Power FM movement, while serving on the LPFM advisory board of the National Federation of Community Broadcasters.  

Community Support & Locally-Produced Programming

The concept of a community radio station based in Sandpoint has caused a lot of excitement.  Sandpoint has a multitude of nonprofit groups that recognize the great potential that access to the airwaves could have on our community and their organizations.  The goal is to eventually have a large portion of our programming produced locally, much in collaboration with nonprofits located in Sandpoint, such as the Pend O’reille Arts Council, the Panida Theater, the Arts Alliance, Sustainable Community Systems, the Sandpoint Waldorf School, the Festival at Sandpoint, Rock Creek Alliance, the coming University of Idaho campus, as well as in conjunction with local and state agencies and representatives.  

Examples of local programming ideas range from interviews of local artists with exhibits showing around Sandpoint to readings with local authors in conjunction with the Lost Horse Press.  To reach as diverse a listener base as possible we have discussed Sunday programming that could be produced in conjunction with the Gardinia Center, for example, and even some of the private schools in the community, such as the Sandpoint Waldorf School.  Local programming is possible due to the sound equipment and experience that two of our key organizers use in their businesses (Jeff Poole and Kelly McTavish).  We plan to put the cart before the horse a bit and begin building an archive of local music played at Sandpoint establishments, such as Eichardts (Blues Night on Mondays with Truck Mills is a good example), as well as Sandy Compton’s, Story Telling Company productions.  

Syndicated Programming

Our cornerstone programming includes nationally syndicated productions that could include, but may not be limited to the following: 

• Democracy Now! (http://www.democracynow.org) –A daily, one-hour, independent news program. 

• Bioneers: Revolution From the Heart of Nature (http://www.bioneers.org)  

• Alternative Radio broadcasts (http://www.alternativeradio.org)  

• WFMT Radio Network programs such as Midnight Special (folk music), A World of Possibilities (global issues), and The Song Is You with Bonnie Grice (music and commentary), among others (http://www.wfmt.com); 

• And many more quality programming possibilities (we will consider requests and also make a list of potential programs available to our supporters to help us decide upon which ones to air to our community). 

The Request:

We need your tax deductible pledge as discussed above.  Please use the pledge forms below and send them to the address on page one.

And we need your ideas!  

Our website is http://www.sandpointcommunityradio.com. 

And thank you for supporting Sandpoint Community Radio!