LAKEPORT – It's been a busy and productive year for KPFZ, Lake County's community radio station.

As the all-volunteer station has pursued its goal of being on air at high power this fall, KPFZ and its volunteer force have secured the county's commitment of a $30,000 grant, reached an agreement for antenna space on Mt. Konocti and, now, found and rented studio space in downtown Lakeport.

Station manager and founder Andy Weiss reports that KPFZ's new studio space will be located at 149 Main St., Suite 240.

“The third element of getting community radio into Lake County is in place,” said Weiss. “We've raised the money, have permission to put the transmitter and antenna on Mt. Konocti, and now we have secured a very promising studio space.”

The new home for community radio includes three rooms – an office/reception area; a radio control room for "live" broadcasting; and a production studio for news, recording, editing, promos and on-air spots – amounting to about 650 square feet, Weiss said.

Weiss said the building that houses the studio “is Victorian, well appointed and charming,” with halls filled with artwork, a large deck out back, a location central to the courthouse, businesses and other media, plus great views of the lake, mountains and downtown Lakeport. All of those aspects make it an ideal place for a community radio station, Weiss said.

The building's owner, Ross Kauper, gave the station an excellent deal on a two-year lease with the option for third year, Weiss said.

 

KPFZ has been looking for independent studio space for many years, said Weiss. Previously, the station broadcast out of a private residence and the back room of a private business. He said KPFZers are all very excited about this big step towards putting community radio on the air in Lake County.

 

KPFZ's work is far from over, noted Weiss. “Next, comes the organizing and building process, with our target date of sometime in November 2007 for getting on the air."

If you are interested in finding out how you can help KPFZ, contact Andy Weiss, 274-2152 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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