Tower Campaign

KUAR to Move to New Tower

UALR Public Radio continues its fundraising campaign to move to a new tower on Shinall Mountain. KATV Channel 7, in collaboration with landowner Deltic Timber, has donated space at the new facility for UALR Public Radio's use. The value of this contribution, calculated over 25 years, is $2.7 million!

KUAR has received a construction permit from the Federal Communications Commission and is ready to begin the move as soon as enough funds are raised. The cost of the move for KUAR is approximately $180,000. As of July 2010, UALR Public Radio has raised $70,000 for the project.  Moving to the new tower site will improve KUAR's signal and provide some operational improvements to the station.

Some of the advantages of the move for KUAR:

1. Improved signal: KUAR's antenna will be higher in elevation. The higher an FM antenna, the better the signal. While we can't expand the signal to new areas, listeners that currently get a signal that's inconsistent and noisy will hear improvements. Even places in Little Rock will get a clearer sound.

2. Energy savings: Antennas located at higher elevations also need less power to operate. It will take less energy to reach the same listening area.

3. State-of-the-art transmitting facilities: KUAR's current transmitter building is  in dire need of renovation. Moving to the new KATV state-of-the-art facility will mean avoiding those renovation costs and providing additional room needed for digital equipment.

4. Stand-by generator: At the new KATV site, KUAR will have access to a stand-by generator, which will allow the station to stay on air even during power outages.

5. Other cost savings: UALR Public Radio will also experience additional cost savings through a reduction in the cost of maintaining the current tower site and paying lease agreements.

Expenses that are a part of this $180,000 transition include new antennas for both stations, cable, additional equipment, electrical installation, engineering consultation and labor. We've designed the project so that we can move to the new site with a minimal amount of interruption to the station's regular broadcast schedule.

Improvements for KLRE, Classical 90.5

At this time, we are unable to include KLRE in the move to the new tower at Shinall Mountain due to technical restrictions. However, we are making improvements to KLRE as well. Utilizing a grant of $75,000 from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, KLRE will purchase a new HD transmitter. Under the FCC's new regulations, KLRE will have a stronger HD signal than previously available. HD radios have never been cheaper so KLRE listeners will hear some real improvements in their signal when they purchase a new HD radio. To complete KLRE's digital transition, we need approximately $50,000.

We Need You!

Whether helping KUAR move to a new tower or KLRE make the transition to digital broadcasting, listeners will hear improvements to their favorite public radio stations. We're asking for you to help us with these changes. If you've never made a contribution to UALR Public Radio, now is the time. If you give regularly to our stations, we're asking you to make an additional contribution today.

You can call us at 569-8485 or 1-800-952-2528 or e-mail us at tower@kuar.org or digital@klre.org to discuss your pledge. Or, you can use our online pledge form to make a contribution today. We accept Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.

With your help, we will reach new heights!