The Boise Community Radio Project has submitted its FCC application as previously noted, to broadcast on 89.9 FM. The city of license for the Boise project would be… Caldwell. Ahh the FCC.
BCRP was the only NCE application made in the Boise valley - though scores of applications were filed statewide (more on that later).
The 89.9 location would be very close to KTSY (89.5 FM) and KBSU (90.3 FM).
BCRP’s supporting documents (view here - PDF) say that current radio programming “fails to reflect the educational needs of our community,” and says there isn’t a whole lot on the air that can “assist citizens in discussing the implications of demographic transition.” Also, BCRP feels Boise’s radio programming “generally fails to examine issues affecting souther Idahoans.”
Currently, the Boise area offers a whopping 150.5 hours of locally produced public affairs, talk or music programming - that is an average of 21.5 hours per day. (See chart below).
Currently, BCRP’s online stream features 6.93 hours of local talk (of which more than half is repeats, boiling down to less than three hours of content), and about 61 hours of locally produced music shows (including about 50% repeated content, most shows do not feature local artists). This averages out to about nine hours per day. The amount of original content is about 30 hours - or 4 hours per day. It stands to reason that if BCRP were granted a license it would increase local content - if the group can find funding.
BCRP takes a stance that BSU Radio provides very little local content:
Community radio is not the same as National Public Radio (NPR). As an NPR affiliate, Boise State University offers syndicated national news, talk and classical music programs. Less than 5% of their [sic] schedule is locally programmed.
BSU Radio produces 47.5 hours of local programming per week (NOT including news), or 6.7 hours per day across its three Boise stations. Almost none of this is repeated. This totals 9.5% of total programming.
Edit: The list below shows the total number of hours per week that a local station airs (not including news updates, remotes or normal music-driven shifts).
KIDO: 33 (mornings, Monday sports show, weekend shows)
KFXD: 20 (mornings)
KBOI: 27 (mornings, Saturday morning shows)
KBSX: 2.5 (City Club, Dialogue, New Horizons [X2])
KBSU-FM: 15 (Laz Spectrum, Private Idaho, Jazz Straight Ahead, Arthur Balinger programming)
KBSU-AM: 30 (Saturday Spanish-language programs, Sunday University Pulse)
KRVB-FM: 1 (The Other Studio)
KQXR-FM: 1 (Xclusive)
KTMB-FM: 5 (Dzuback sports show)
KTIK: 15 (Caves & Prater)
KAYN: 1 (Divas for a Difference)
on Nov 19th, 2007 at 1:42 pm
Is it just me or is news incredibly important? Especially for a local news station, why are we not counting news as local programming?
And you didn’t explain what that list is.
on Nov 19th, 2007 at 4:33 pm
Is the term “local programming” so ambiguous that news, TVCC, College of Idaho, NNU, and BSU sports is not included in any sort of definition of “local programming”? The local stations do more local programming than is defined by the FCC. However, I believe more could be done. I would love to hear women’s basketball and more baseball.
Is there any chance the community radio station will be hiring for entry level positions?
on Nov 19th, 2007 at 4:46 pm
Jac’s right - I didn’t really ID the chart. I’ve fixed that.
Of all people, I definetely value news - but figuring that into a total would be a tough task for BSU Radio - since I don’t have a good working understanding of their clock. I did include full-length scheduled newscasts featured on the commercial FM stations. I would guess that the total amount of news offered on BSUR exceeds five hours per week - but that’s just an estimate.
on Nov 19th, 2007 at 8:23 pm
I guess KBSU (AM) isn’t doing the women’s basketball games anymore. KBOI has done a few of them.
on Nov 19th, 2007 at 10:07 pm
Well, if all the scheduling on a station is done locally, isn’t that 100% local programming vs a syndicated show or satellite feed? What about things like PSA’s, live promos, live remotes, etc. that promote local community events? I agree with Jac, shouldn’t local news count? How did you come up with the total hours and hours per station? What about on-air staff that donate their time to MC community events? Yes, lots of questions, that’s what I do.
on Nov 20th, 2007 at 12:58 pm
It’s true 89.9 is second adjacent to 89.5 KTSY, but as I posted in a previous thread, that may not be BCRP’s biggest problem. There is a 100kW station on 89.9 in the Twin Falls area that will need to be protected if BCRP acquires a Deer Point transmitter site. I would think this would mean that BCRP’s signal would either have to be directional, very low powered, or both.
on Nov 20th, 2007 at 3:27 pm
I have been down this non-com application route for a frequency in this spectrum. After all our hard work, money spent on enginerig and the news we got with it, all I can say to anyone trying to gain a foothold in the market is a big GOOD LUCK.
on Nov 20th, 2007 at 10:21 pm
BCRP will never get a Deer Point location for 89.9
since they would have prohibited overlap in signal contours. See http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getattachment_exh.cgi?exhibit_id=582033
This is why it’s licensed to Caldwell and the transmitter’s way over in Oregon.
on Nov 21st, 2007 at 10:26 am
Thanks for the local content analysis. The more substantive discussion of this issue we have the better local radio will be. As mentioned, Boise Community Radio’s mission is indeed to focus on content that is locally generated. Building a media organization from scratch has required attention on several major fronts - not just the realm of content generation. Clearly it will take time, particularly on the issues side of the ledger, to “build-out” a robust programming slate. The BSU Radio assessment (of <5%) was determined before their schedule changes over the summer, so it is of no surprise to me that they are now around 10%. This trend is encouraging and is strong validation of the goals of BCR with respect to the importance of localism in broadcasting. GM John Hess’ tenure at Boise State Radio has been quite refreshing. He has been nothing but supportive of the goals of Boise Community Radio and the mission of community-based programming in general. We view our programming emphasis as something that will be complimentary to BSU’s priorities, rounding out a full-spectrum offering for supporters of non-commercial radio in the Valley. We look forward to continuing the effort to serve our area’s population without ties to agendas of the consolidated media establishment. Thanks again for the discussion.
Jeff Abrams
Executive Director
Boise Community Radio
on Nov 21st, 2007 at 7:35 pm
I’m curious. What are the agendas of the consolidated media establishment? I’ve listened to most of the local programming around here, and the hosts don’t seem to have any kind of agenda. Paul and Jon seem to like to talk about themselves, Brian, Michelle and Chris K. seem to like to talk about family stuff and Dave and Chris W. seem to know a lot about everything, but none of them seem to have a clearly defined political point of view.
on Nov 26th, 2007 at 12:47 am
It should be noted that BSR did not add any substantial local programming this summer - so the 5% number has long been incorrect.
on Nov 26th, 2007 at 9:19 am
In response to Selr, I am not sure the biasness of the national media is as prevalent within the local media as it is nationally. My educated guess is Paul J. is moderate with liberal leanings, Jon is more conservative. I would say Chris Kelly is moderate to conservative, and C-Dub is probably the most conservative of the group. But, this is just a guess.
on Nov 27th, 2007 at 3:05 pm
Don@IdahoRadio - is anyone here actually arguing there should be less local radio? A total of 10 companies control most of what we see, hear and read. In my opinion (as well as that of 99% of Americans that filed comments during the last media ownership de-relulation process), that is not a situation to value or aspire towards. If you are fixed on debating the periphery of the issue, fine…I choose not to. BSU’s own priorities are moving them in the direction of localism - that’s good news. The FCC itself has concluded that, in general, broadcasters can do more to serve their local audiences. If you are actually contenting this premise, I am having a discussion on the wrong website.
on Nov 27th, 2007 at 3:26 pm
Glad to hear BSU is moving in the direction of local radio. Maybe it is time the state’s largest university move in that direction opposing corporate radio and really become a giant in the broadcasting realm by becoming local and upgrading the broadcasting program in the Communication Department. Is it possible Paul J. could end his career working for the university in university radio? Could BSU be looking to hire students as well as the experienced broadcasters we have discussed? What an awesome learning opportunity.
on Nov 27th, 2007 at 4:15 pm
Jeff- Just a note of encouragement on your groups efforts to liberate the local market and hopefully create even more opportunities for both airstaff and listeners to have a piece of the RF prize. Having undertaken several orphan social - poitical projects in my lifetime, I can relate to what you are going through with your struggles. While the masses will always take the easy road and just say it cannot be done. It is those with vision and determination like yourself who are not affraid to roll up their sleeves and put their money and efforts where their mouths are that make it possible for the future to have new choices and opportunities. Keep your eyes on the future. Remember what Mark Twain aka Samuel Clemins said…and I paraphrase….”Everyone is a Patriot….after the battles are done….” Best of wishes to you and your visionary group of radio volunteers.
on Nov 27th, 2007 at 4:57 pm
I’m absolutely not against anything. But by posting online information on the “periphery of the issue” that’s at best misleading brings that up for debate. The FCC applications says radio programming around here “generally fails to examine issues affecting souther Idahoans” — and that’s generally false.
on Nov 30th, 2007 at 9:49 am
Don, in his statement only three days ago, it sounds like FCC Commissioner Michael Copps generally disagrees:
STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER MICHAEL J. COPPS, APPROVING
Re: In the Matter of Creation of a Low Power Radio Service, MM Docket No. 99-25
“It often seems like those of us troubled by media consolidation are relegated to playing defense. The big media companies are nothing if not persistent: lobbying for the elimination or relaxation of ownership limits, seeking waivers of existing rules, proposing merger upon merger and daring regulators to draw the line. In radio, the results have been particularly distressing. Runaway consolidation since the 1996 Act has left us with homogenized content, national play lists, outsourced news, a dumbed-down civic dialogue, and shameful levels of minority and female ownership.
“That’s why low power radio is such a breath of fresh air. It is a positive response to what ails us. These are truly local stations run by local organizations. They provide an outlet for local voices and local talent. They cover issues of importance to local and very often under-served communities. Low power is truly radio of the people, by the people, and for the people. We cannot let it perish from the earth.
“As important as LPFM is, however, let’s never allow ourselves to see it as a complete substitute for full power service. Nor should we ever be lulled into a mind-set that says, “Well, let low power cover that stuff and let the full power stations continue on their happy way.” The American people still rely on full power stations for much of their news, information and entertainment. And those full power stations are on the air because they pledged to serve the public interest in return for being allowed to make what is still a very good living. The emergence and strengthening of LPFM does not affect our duty, in any shape, manner or form, to ensure that all broadcasters serve the core public interest goals of localism, competition and diversity.
“I am pleased to support this as a good step forward, I thank my colleagues and the Bureau for their work. And I want to commend all those many dedicated members of the low power community who have worked so hard and accomplished so much in an environment that has been far less friendly towards them than it should have been.
on Nov 30th, 2007 at 1:50 pm
Interesting data, boise engineer. So if I read that right, the horizontal ERP is going to be about 15 Kw and the transmitter site is going to be near Vale, OR. The city of license will be Caldwell. I can’t imagine their signal being all that great in the Boise area. I guess we’ll see. Maybe.
on Nov 30th, 2007 at 2:12 pm
Well if they build it, the Western Treasure Valley ie- Ontario, Vale, Nyssa, Payette, Ontario Fruitland, etc will have a new choice now that they have lost their local signals for the most part. I would love to see a computer generated model of their proposed signal conture map, etc.
on Nov 30th, 2007 at 2:27 pm
RadioActive - Go to Boise Engineer’s comment posted 11/20 and click the link which will take you to the actual engineering exhibit supplied to the FCC by the applicant. There is a coverage map for the 60 dbu contour.
on Nov 30th, 2007 at 3:10 pm
FYI, Gentlemen - We also have the maps and entire application in our public inspection file residing at the Caldwell City Library. Thanks for supportive comments, RadioActive.
on Feb 13th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Forgive me for jumping in to a discussion that ended two months ago, but I just rediscovered this site. I spent eleven years running the BSU Radio News department out of the Statehouse, and the idea that only 5% of BSR’s programming is “local” is ludicrous. Not only is it higher than 5%, much of it is very high quality programming.
IMHO, there are people still bitter over the format change at KBSU in 1987, when “local programming” such as the Lost Dog Report and the Daily School Lunch Menu were dropped in favor of Morning Edition and All Things Considered.
Also IMHO, much of the programming that surfaces on community stations and public-access cable is done for the gratification of the producer, not the needs of the public.
I wish BCRP well. I just think their mission is different from public radio, and they don’t have to bash public radio to make their case for a spot on the dial.
on Feb 13th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
And furthermore…:)
Don makes multiple mentions of “BSU Radio.” It’s been years (8 or 9, as a matter of fact) since they used that branding. They’ve been “Boise State Radio” since before W moved into the White House. Notice how, on the right side of this page, the logo says Boise State Radio but your tag says BSU Radio?
Don’t worry, Don. You have lots of company. Bad branding is hard to shake.