KBUT makes major effort to expand and protect signal

Power Up throughout the whole valley

In an effort to solidify its place as a valuable community institution in the Gunnison Valley, KBUT is about to upgrade its signal throughout the valley with a major transmitter construction project.

The action, labeled “Power Up,” comes at a price but the board of directors feels the move will ensure a valley-wide community radio station well into the future. The station is in the midst of a capital campaign to increase its signal strength while permanently safeguarding its presence in Gunnison.
The public radio station was awarded two construction permits from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). KBUT was chosen from thousands of applicants because of its 25-year history of growing the Gunnison Valley’s access to public programming.
This opportunity will basically expand KBUT’s reach from Monarch Pass to Blue Mesa Reservoir and from Gothic to Gunnison. The move will guarantee that Gunnison will always be able to receive KBUT over the airwaves, and the signal at every end of the valley will be stronger and clearer.
“For over 25 years, KBUT has focused on growing from a Crested Butte radio station to one that serves the entire Gunnison Valley,” says Eileen Hughes, general manager of KBUT.
“That has included things like adding signals across the whole valley, bringing programming from National Public Radio, and adding more locally produced shows that highlight the valley’s culture and community.”
But broadcasting across high-alpine, mountainous terrain comes with its challenges. At the station’s current frequencies, some areas within the valley get inconsistent signals, if they receive a signal at all. That’s why the KBUT board of directors jumped at the chance to apply for the FCC’s construction permits.
Alex Fenlon, president of KBUT’s board of directors, explained that the permits are part of the FCC’s master plan for the region.
 “The FCC opened 88.7 to bids, and we secured the construction permit because the FCC decided that KBUT is the most qualified to serve the broadcast area,” Fenlon says. “The permit is for a 6,500-watt station; we currently translate our signal from Crested Butte at 46 watts, so we will be broadcasting a much more powerful signal to our listening area.”
Fenlon explains that if another entity had secured the 88.7 frequency, it could have kicked the junior KBUT 88.9 translator off the air in Gunnison. “We have a lot of Gunnison support at KBUT,” he says. “We depend on our Gunnison underwriters, and we have many Gunnison-based DJ’s, board members and volunteers. Serving Gunnison as part of our signal has always been part of the mission for KBUT. We didn’t want that to be in jeopardy.”
So the current board chose to do whatever it took to make the upgrade happen. Calling it the Power Up project, the board began a “silent” capital campaign last winter, personally speaking with supporters and reaching out to foundations and grant-making bodies. The efforts have raised about 30 percent of the $98,000 budget, and with a hard deadline from the FCC, KBUT will be drawing on a line of credit to complete the project on time.
“The strategic importance of the project was clear to everyone on the board,” Fenlon says. “Due to federal sequestration, policy changes and unforeseen staff turnover, we are facing a very tight project timeline. We understand that borrowing is never the best way to achieve goals. But we also understand the importance of having a presence in Gunnison and upgrading our signal. Now, we need to pay that money back and we want to do it as quickly as possible so we are looking for financial support. Our construction deadline is the middle of August but by carrying a line of credit, we have more time to raise money. It’s just something we want to get off our plate as soon as possible.
“If, for some reason, KBUT had let this permit lapse, we would have lost an incredible opportunity for this community,” Fenlon continues. “We see this upgrade as a way to preserve the future of community-based, public radio in the Gunnison Valley.”
The response has been tremendously positive so far, according to Fenlon, with support coming from many individual donors who call the Gunnison Valley home, as well as grants from the Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley, the Gunnison Car Club and other organizations. The other component of the Power Up project is a boost to the 90.3 signal from Sunlight Ridge in Mt. Crested Butte, from 250 watts to 1,000 watts. This increase will provide more upper-valley coverage.
“The great thing about Power Up is that it’s a one-time investment,” Fenlon says. “There will be no significant increase in the operating budget as a result of the upgrade. But with the new reach, we expect to see an increase in the number of residents who connect to KBUT and benefit from its programming.”
And to Eileen Hughes, that means that KBUT will be poised to further its programming, not only through national programming from NPR but with locally produced programs like the West Elk Word.
“Over time, as more Gunnison Valley residents make a connection with KBUT, we’ll be able to grow that kind of programming through on-air shows and community events,” Hughes says, “and that fulfills our mission, which is not only to inform and entertain but to unify the Gunnison Valley.”
Imagine driving from Monarch Pass to Gunnison, listening to KBUT the whole way. Or driving from Gunnison to Crested Butte, enjoying a clear signal with no need for a move to 94.9 at Jack’s Cabin. Thanks to the Power Up project, that could be the reality of the situation as early as next month.
Fenlon says that overall, this move is a big step in securing locally based public radio for the whole valley. It won’t result in changing the content of KBUT but it broadens its reach. “Our expectation is that this culminates in a great improvement of our product,” Fenlon says. “That’s the goal and we’re confident that will be the end result.”
Find out more at kbut.org/powerup.