KKFI celebrates new transmitter

Two years ago, when I did an in-depth report on problems facing community radio station KKFI, the most pressing one that I saw was its aging, 20-year-old transmitter. Located in a truck trailer in unincorporated Blue Summit, the transmitter had been battered by the weather and wasn't putting out the mighty 100,000 watt signal it once did.

Well, KKFI listeners and other supporters rose to the challenge, and today the station christened its new transmitter. The signal has been restored to full strength, thanks to $75,000 of local fundraising and a $78,000 matching grant from the federal government.

Below you can watch a video I made of the ceremony, which was broadcast live and included a proclamation from the mayor of Kansas City, Sly James.

"KKFI was awarded the grant based on the strength and diversity of its music, news, public affairs, cultural, and arts radio programming," read a statement from the station.

"KKFI listener-supporters generously donated toward a special fundraising campaign, which began in late 2010, for purchasing equipment specified in the grant. Additionally, in-kind donations or discounts were provided by a range of individuals, businesses, and organizations ... KKFI is proud to have earned this grant as it will replace aging and unreliable transmitter equipment, thus improving the ability to deliver a crystal-clear audio signal to listeners."