Submitted by KUPR
Many things hold together the fabric of a community; local radio is one of them. Serving Placitas and the surrounding communities is a tiny, low-power FM station that just celebrated its 10th anniversary. While an eclectic mix of music is at the center of the station’s programming, KUPR is also deeply rooted in the local art scene and topics of community concern like emergency broadcasts and the threat of wildfire.
From its inception May 4, 2015 in a tiny studio located inside the offices of the San Antonio de las Huertas Land Grant, to its current location in a donated and improved mobile office building next door, KUPR is now on the air 24/7 and streaming worldwide. It features both broadcast and recording studios, a meeting space and audio infrastructure to accommodate live-music broadcasts. This has been made possible by an all-volunteer staff of a manager, three engineers and 33 DJs plus, most importantly, the supporters – listeners, underwriters, concert attendees, the Land Grant, supportive non-profits and Sandoval County, which is a partner in providing emergency information to the broadcast area.
Now, as the matured station turns ten, so has its equipment and KUPR is overdue for a new transmitter – that critical component at the heart of FM radio that typically has a lifespan of eight years. The investment in a new transmitter is significant and one that is crucial to keeping KUPR on the air for another ten years.
KUPR considered hybrid digital upgrades that work alongside the existing analog channel. The equipment costs and licensing of such options is prohibitive (triple the cost of a high end analog transmitter) putting this technology at a very low priority for KUPR this time around. Digital transmission does provide a cleaner signat but the station has already invested heavily in a robust digital streaming option for those who cannot get the analog signal, upgrading its streaming provider and moving to fiber optics in 2024.
The search for a new transmitter was focused on these considerations: (1) continued ability to upgrade to 250 watts instead of 100 should that become FCC approved; (2) Quality of the manufacturer and the equipment; (3) swappable components to reduce downtime; (4) high quality audio processing to enhance the analog signal. Checking all these boxes and more is the Nautel VX300 with Orban audio processing at $6,977, making the fundraising goal $7,000. Nautel is a Canadian company specializing in the design, manufacture, and support of high-power, solid-state products for radio broadcast and other applications. Nautel has manufacturing facilities in Nova Scotia, Canada, and Maine, USA.
KUPR is asking for your support in raising these funds, with an anonymous supporter pledging to match donations of $100 or more. To become a partner in keeping KUPR on the air and improving for another decade, visit kupr.org.