LAKE COUNTY — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved an application by KPFZ 88.1 FM, to increase its power from 100 to 300 watts.
“The new 88.1 will get to many places in Lake County where the current signal is not satisfactory, and even to some new places within and beyond county borders,” said operations manager Andy Weiss.
When this reporter travels south from Lower Lake on Highway 29, she typically loses the station”s signal near the Twin Lakes subdivision.
On one occasion, when the station was broadcasting live from the Old Time Bluegrass Festival at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park, its signal remained audible until this reporter”s vehicle reached the outskirts of Middletown.
KPFZ applied last November for an increase in power and signal area. Weiss reported that on Dec. 18, the FCC approved this request.
“KPFZ has 36 months to build this new version of 88.1, which will triple the station”s power from 100 to 300 watts,” Weiss added. “Once the money has been raised, new equipment will be purchased, antenna testing will be done back in New England, then the station will be built on a new tower on Mount Konocti. KPFZ will be responsible for tearing down the old tower.
“Following that, tests will be done to make sure the new 88.1 does not interfere with other stations.”
If you would like to donate to the power upgrade fund, call the KPFZ office at 263-3640.
