From NWO COMMUNITY MEDIA
NWO Community Media, which operates Towpath Radio and River Rat Country out of Grand Rapids, Ohio has filed for a spot on the FM dial.
Though it will take some time to get approval from the Federal Communications Commission, the organization has high hopes of reaching new listeners.
“We’ve been operating 100% as internet radio for the last four years,” said Josh David, President of NWO Community Media. “Internet radio is almost limitless, but in car listening has been a bit of a challenge for listeners with older model cars. This will put our stations right up there with the traditional FMs in Northwest Ohio.”
According to the Radio Advertising Bureau 65% to 79% of adults listen to the radio in the car. “The challenge has always been in car listening,” said David. “Technology like Alexa, smart TVs, apps, and such have somewhat replaced the traditional FM radio in the office, at home, and portable listening.”
In an effort to make in car listening easier for listeners, NWO Community Media recently launched the Stream 419 app which includes a collection of independent internet radio stations.
“The Stream 419 app was designed to work in the car with Android Auto and Apple Car Play,” said David. “It features a collection of stations including the three we operate out of Grand Rapids and a handful of other local stations owned independently. Classic country, oldies, ‘90s pop, alternative, soft rock, and classic rock formats are covered with very little commercial interruption.”
David says NWO Community Media was able to apply for a frequency during the F.C.C.’s Low Power FM filing window that was held between Dec. 6 and Dec. 15.
“I never thought we’d have this opportunity,” said David. “The last window was more than a decade ago and this may have been the final window as the FM dial is very crowded.”
The F.C.C. allows non-profit groups, such as NWO Community Media, to apply for low power frequencies as means of furthering their mission.
“Towpath Radio and River Rat Country started out with service to the rural community in mind,” said David. “After year three we renewed our commitment to the rural areas that are under served by other news and entertainment outlets by forming a non-profit. This really is radio how you remember it, news, information, fun DJs, and great music.”
Though the group’s goal is to better serve the area on FM, David said there will be limits. “This won’t be a 50,000 watt station covering the entire area, we’re talking 100 watts on a tower between McClure and Grand Rapids,” said David. “Listeners traveling between Napoleon and Bowling Green will get us just fine, as will those in areas near Grand Rapids, Weston, McClure, Whitehouse, and Liberty Center. We will still be relying heavily on our internet broadcast.”
As for the format, David said that’s still a decision he and the organization’s directors have to make. “It’s either going to be oldies from Towpath Radio or classic country from River Rat Country,” said David. “There’s still quite a bit of research we need to do but the first item is to make sure the F.C.C. approves the application.”
Currently, both Towpath Radio and River Rat Country operate out of Grand Rapids and can be heard at TowpathRadio.com, RiverRatCountry.com, Alexa, or the Stream 419 app.
“No matter what format we go with we promise to stick to our mission of providing news, education, and entertainment to those living in the rural areas of Northwest Ohio,” said David.
The group will begin a funding drive to help purchase and install the transmitter once the applications are approved.
