EUGENE SCHOOL DISTRICT 4J
NEWS RELEASE
OCTOBER 28, 2009

For more information contact:
Bobbie Cirel, KRVM Development Director
bobbie@KRVM.org or 541-790-KRVM (5786)




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — After more than six decades populating the  Eugene-Springfield region's radio waves with quality programming, local public radio station KRVM 91.9 FM is expanding its reach.

Achieving a long-time goal - 16 years in the planning - on July 16, 2009, KRVM began broadcasting in hybrid digital (HD) with a new broadcast power of 15,000 watts. KRVM FM's new digital signal on 91.9 MHz can now be heard clearly in Eugene-Springfield, Cottage Grove, Corvallis-Albany, and has been received as far north as Salem.  Having just passed the three-month mark with the signal running strong, KRVM is about to enter its first fall fundraiser with the new, farther-reaching digital signal.

Now it's time to break out the tie-dye when KRVM's fall fundraiser begins at 8:00 AM on Friday, October 30, with the annual "Grateful Friday" hosted by Ed K.  Featuring Grateful Dead and family music for 13 hours, along with a live in-studio interview with Steve Kimmock and other special surprises, it promises to be an exceptional day of music, radio and community.  The fundraiser continues through Monday, November 9, with "Breakfast With the Blues" - All Day!  KRVM's most popular show series will be featured from 5:30 AM until 5:00 AM, hosted by KRVM's resident blues experts.

KRVM 91.9 FM broadcast for about 20 years at 1,100 watts from the station's old site at Blanton Heights - a workable but less-than-desirable antenna facility.  When the FCC finally lifted its freeze on FM construction permit filings in 2007, KRVM immediately applied to achieve a power boost to 15,000 watts.  It took time, but funding came together, with a huge thanks to KRVM's members, underwriters, volunteers and most of all to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Eugene's original "variety in music" radio station, KRVM 91.9 FM began broadcasting on December 6, 1947 - making it one of the longest-running public radio stations in the United States.  Owned by Eugene School District 4J from its inception, KRVM now receives no funding from the school district and is supported exclusively by individual members, business supporters and grants.

KRVM is a resource for local musicians and bands to have their music presented to a wide audience.  The public radio station's five-person staff and 50 dedicated volunteers provides creative, inventive and personally selected music for KRVM's listeners 24/7.  Over its 62 years, KRVM has given a start to countless professional broadcasters, now residing all over the country, through its student broadcasting program.


Technical Information:

At 1:10 PM PDT on July 16, 2009, KRVM FM at 91.9 MHz went on the air with a new Nautel NV15 transmitter at 15KW ERP/9,200W TPO, FM+HD (Hybrid Digital) from their newly leased site at 4545 Blanton Rd, on the top section of a 280' tower with a new Shively 4 bay 6810-4D-SS, 1/2~ antenna. The antenna includes a special polarization of 70% Horizontal & 30% Vertical to help reduce undesirable signal reflections. The site also has HD 2 & HD 3 channels ready scheduled for programming later this year.
 
KRVM and simulcast transmitters KSYD FM on 92.1 MHz and translator K211BP on 90.1 MHz are audio delay synchronized to the HD signal for a smooth radio transition for listeners switching from analog to HD .


Additional Information:

KRVM 91.9 FM provides a strong signal throughout the southern Willamette Valley.  In addition, the signal is rebroadcast on KSYD FM 92.1 serving Reedsport and Coos Bay and a translator on 90.1 serving Florence on the Oregon coast.  KRVM also broadcasts on the AM band - KRVM-AM 1280 features  a news and information format, including regular broadcasts of school board meetings and district high school sporting events.

Licensed to and owned since 1947 by Eugene School District No. 4J, the county's largest school district, KRVM offers an opportunity for students to learn radio broadcasting in a real working environment.  It is the mission of KRVM to serve the community interest both by producing innovative, unique and diverse radio programs, and by providing access to community members of all ages who wish to add to their communication experience.  KRVM delivers a consistently professional program, utilizing students and volunteer staff.

http://www.krvm.org