KONZ Awarded PTFP Grant; Begins Fund Drive
Saturday, November 7th, 2009 Slider Stories by KONZ-FM
Manhattan — UFM Community Learning Center has become a recipient of a Public Telecommunications Facility Programs (PTFP) grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Agency. The grant award of $291,962 will be used towards the purchase of a transmitter, antenna, and hardware needed to equip the new community radio station, KONZ: Flint Hills Community Radio. UFM is responsible for raising a $72,000 match to complete equipment purchases.
The new community-based, noncommercial station will serve over 100,000 people in Junction City, Manhattan, Odgen, Riley, Randolph, Wamego and northern Wabaunsee county.
The vision of KONZ: Flint Hills Community Radio is to “Build Community through Radio” and to complement existing radio stations and programs while partnering and collaborating with local nonprofit organizations, various community groups and Kansas State University.
“The station will provide opportunities for discussion of public issues, the expansion of musical and cultural experiences, and will offer diverse and unique programming”, said UFM director, Linda Teener.
KONZ will use a “community radio” format in which all on-air personalities will be volunteers from the area. The station will have a small paid staff to assist in daily operations.
Outreach to community groups in the service area will be on-going. Presentations will be made to area groups in order to build a network of volunteers and determine sources of content for the programming that the station will provide.
Based on the philosophy that everyone can learn and everyone can teach, UFM provides opportunities for lifelong learning and personal development. UFM serves as a forum for the exchange of ideas and as a catalyst for new programs and services that enhance the quality of life for all. UFM Community Learning Center has provided a variety of educational experiences to the community for more than 40 years and has served as an incubator for a variety projects and programs such as the community radio station.
For more information or to schedule a presentation for a group or organization, contact Linda Teener, UFM Executive Director, at 539-8763.
This marks an important time for KONZ – Flint Hills Community Radio as we begin our Fund Drive to raise operating funds in order to be granted a license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Over the next few weeks, you may receive material in the mail or your e-mail Inbox regarding KONZ and how you can support your community radio station. If you are able, please donate generously to this important new part of our community.
Thank you for your support!
Manhattan, KS
