By Patric Hedlund

“Coming to you from the Center of the World!” may soon be the catch phrase of radio announcers originating from right here in the Mountain Communities, broadcasting throughout the mountain region. An array of three low-power FM licenses has been secured (with a fourth one expected soon) by a coalition of mountain nonprofit organizations. The Federal Communications Commission released the first results of the applications last week.

“We have three stations approved, waiting on the fourth.  Then we will be creating a mountain-wide network,” said Shelia Clark, co-founder of the Center of the World Festival.

“The stations approved are Center of the World Festival for Pine Mountain; TriCounty Watchdogs for Lake of the Woods; and the Ridge Route Communities Museum & Historical Society for Frazier Park. The other station will handle the Lebec area. That is still waiting for its approval,” Clark added Friday, Feb. 7.

A public meeting is scheduled for Sunday, March 2, “to give us some more time to get that final approval,” Clark  explained.

Mar Preston  of Pine Mountain said that it will take about two years before broadcasting can begin

“It’s at least two years before I can hand you the mic. Fundraising, community support, and technology first,” Preston posted on a website. She said that a $100,000 grant is being developed with Clark.

The “Get the Details” meeting, March 2 at 5 p.m., is in Pine Mountain Village at the Workshop Loft, 16331 Askin Drive:

“If you are not a voting member, now is the time to join and help. All details will be given at the meeting,” Clark said. 

This is part of the February 14, 2014 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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