From TOWPATH MEDIA
Northwest Ohio could have a new radio station, and it will be centered in Grand Rapids.
Recently, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) opened a window for non-profits to apply for low power FM signals. NWO Community Media, which operates Towpath Radio out of Grand Rapids, applied for a signal in December of 2023 and received notice they were approved on February 2.
“This is an incredible opportunity,” said Josh David, President of NWO Community Media. “The FCC does this once every ten years and I can’t believe we got in.”
David says the next step is to get the equipment purchased and the hardware installed.
“The first big challenge is behind us, now we have to start raising funds to purchase the equipment,” said David. “We need to raise right around $10,000 to purchase the transmitter, other hardware, and hire someone to climb about 100 feet to install it.”
Once installed, David says the signal will cover most small towns in western Wood County, eastern Henry County, and southern Lucas County.
“This is Low Power FM,” said David. “The signal is going to be limited but the webcast will continue through the Towpath Radio app, Alexa, and TowpathRadio.com for those living out of the service area.”
According to David, the purpose of the signal will be to help serve the rural communities in Wood, Lucas, and Henry Counties with hyper local news, emergency alerts, and entertainment with Towpath Radio’s true oldies format.
The FCC gives organizations three years to begin their broadcast on the approved frequency. Organizations can turn in their license at no cost if they are unable to operate.
“We hope we can raise enough funds to get this going,” said David. “Thankfully our many business partners help pay the day-to-day, the big challenge is the large chunk of change to get it built.”
David says individuals wishing to assist with funding the equipment purchase donate via TowpathRadio.com/Donate, businesses are invited to assist as underwriting sponsors and can reach out to josh@nwocommunitymedia.org for more information. NWO Community Media is a 501(c)3 non-profit and all donations are tax deductible.
“Normally, this type of thing is kept quiet,” said David. “But this is too exciting to keep to myself. I have no doubt that if the community is as delighted as I am, we can get it done.”
