Panhandle Community Radio is a full-power, FM radio station that brings commercial-free radio to north Idaho. Commercial-free is important not just because the broadcasts will be without pesky advertising breaks, but also because listeners will have access to news, music, and other programming that is not dominated by the corporations that increasingly influence the news and information we receive through mainstream media sources.
Panhandle Community Radio is committed to bringing high quality, national news and information programming such as Democracy Now! to our local airwaves, as well as cutting-edge general interest, perspective, indy and multi-cultural music shows. Add in the grassroots package of programming produced right here in north Idaho, and Panhandle Community Radio will be a breath of fresh air on our local airwaves.
Sloppy puns aside, our programming lineup is quality, and it is independent. And it needs your support to be aired. Since there are no commercials, the station will be supported by local sponsors and you, our listeners.
Background/History
Panhandle Community Radio was a non profit partnership with the Academy of Northwest Writers and Publishers, established to provide the north Idaho community with non-commercial, educational radio that will inform, inspire, and deepen listeners’ understanding of their community and the world.In December 2006 a small group of individuals made a commitment to provide Bonner County with a community radio station. The station they envisioned would be maintained by a small, dedicated, volunteer staff. It would be operated by a cadre of community-minded volunteers. It would occupy a compact physical footprint but reach far and wide to those who feel under-served by today's current media frenzy. It would be supported by individuals, businesses and organizations that favor local, independent, alternative music, public affairs, arts & culture and more.
This group coordinated with broadcast engineers, legal experts, federal, state and local officials to realize that vision. In 2009 Sandpoint Community Radio was granted a Construction Permit for a Non-Commercial/Educational (NCE) FM Stereo Broadcast Facility by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Several fundraising efforts garnered financial support that allowed the devoted group to create the organizational and technical infrastructure necessary to operate and maintain an NCE FM public radio station.
In October 2010, 88.5 KRFY briefly tested its ability to broadcast with great success. Our broadcast was heard from Clark Fork to Garwood and Laclede. Paperwork is being filed currently that will allow Panhandle Community Radio to commence regularly scheduled programming that will inform, entertain and hopefully incite the community to action on it's most urgent concerns.
However, Panhandle Community Radio is at a critical stage. We've reached this point with just a quarter of the funds normally required to install and operate a full power radio station. We are using recycled and gently used gear. The work of many is being done by just a few. We urgently need the financial support of local individuals, businesses and organizations who understand the value that community radio brings to its listeners.
Program underwriting is a powerful tool for businesses and organizations to reach listeners. Listeners are more likely to support businesses that underwrite the programming that matters to them. Underwriting guidelines are available at our website, krfy.org, or by calling our business line, 265-2992.
Community Radio For You. That is what 88.5 KRFY is all about. Call 265-2992 or go to krfy.org to become a member of 88.5 KRFY, Panhandle Community Radio.
