Group trying for public radio station in Poplar Bluff

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- A group has formed to bring a community radio station to Poplar Bluff.

The board of Black River Public Radio is working to raise funds to apply for a permit from the Federal Communications Commission for a low-wattage FM station, said group president Robert Smith.

The application window opens in October and the group must apply to become a not-for-profit before that time and complete an engineering study, which will look at technical requirements.

"What we hope to put on this is a lot of local community events and provide some music, classical, jazz, gospel and others," said Smith, a local lawyer. "I think it will really benefit this community to have a radio station that centers on community events and provides music other stations don't."

The group has begun discussions with area schools and community groups about providing a location for the radio station. Members meet one Tuesday per month, with the next meeting scheduled for noon March 19 at the Bread Company. New members are welcome, Smith said.

Schools and hospitals have been contacted about providing content, said group vice president Jackie Thomas, retired director of Poplar Bluff Public Library.

The group also has considered airing musical performances from churches, said Connie Larrew, director of Northside Nutrition and secretary/treasurer for Black River Public Radio.

"The idea is to give more [groups] the opportunity to let people know they are out there," she said.

For more information, Smith can be reached at 573-686-1141.

Pertinent address:

Poplar Bluff, Mo.