Denver Catholic

LOCAL NEWS I 7 DENVER CATHOLIC REGISTER I AUGUST 28, 2013 Catholics urged to find way into local airwaves BY NISSA LAPOINT The Catholic community has a rare opportunity to tune themselves back into the local airwaves. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops along with the Prometheus Radio Project partnered to encourage and aid the airing of Catholic programs on local FM radio stations in the United States. The Federal Communications Commission announced it will accept applications between Oct. 15 and Oct. 29 for those interested in launching a low-power community radio program. "The FCC doesn't do this on a regular basis," said Helen Osman, secretary of communications for the USCCB. "It's a rare opportunity for folks if they're interested in obtaining a license." The opportunity arose after a 10-year effort to pass the Local Community Radio Act to allow community radio stations to broadcast within a three- to fivemile radius. These stations were created by the FCC to enable churches, schools, community groups and civic organizations to reach nearby listeners with news, information, emergency alerts and entertainment. Hundreds of low-powered stations subsequently received a license since 2000 but more may apply for a license, offering an outlet for Catholic programming. Catholic voices and discussions may not have a prominent voice on national programs, Osman said. Far from being an antiquated form of communication, the USCCB said a radio program can bring together a faith community. "We tend to miss the fact that sometimes our faith can have the greatest impact locally because we get bombarded by these national concepts," Osman said. "A lot of this goes back to the fact that we believe there's a place in society for many voices. Large commercial radio stations have a lot of standardized and nationalized programming. Local voices and local conversation don't find a place on these large networks." Very few outlets provide free or reduced rate air time, especially for programming with spiritual themes, the USCCB says. HOW TO GET STARTED The following are a list of resources for support and information on applying and launching a low power FM radio station with the FCC. Learn about the process to apply for a license. Online: www.fcc.gov/guides/ lpfm-frequently-asked-questions Access the FCC's free webinars on low power FM radio. Online: www.fcc.gov/events/ webinars-low-power-fm-radio Submit questions before and after at www.fcc.gov/event. Send general questions to lpfm@fcc.gov. Prometheus Radio Project Online: www.prometheusradio.org/ low_power_radio Email: info@prometheusradio.org A local FM radio channel will benefit listeners seeking information, religious support and talks on issues. "There needs to be ample room for local conversation, oftentimes these are community issues and faith issues. These are topics that should be heard," Osman said. Radio shows could air anything from talk shows to liturgies and more. Prometheus, based in Philadelphia, is offering to help Catholics interested in launching their own radio program. "They've put a lot of energy behind supporting small entities including religious organizations in attempting to be ready to apply for a license," Osman said. The first step is to check the preliminary qualifications and fill out an application on the FCC website. The FCC is also offering a webinar in October on common questions to applying for a low power license. An initial webinar was held Aug. 20. Topics include how to use a low power FM channel finder, creating an account and filling out an application. For more information, see the box above. Nissa LaPoint: 303-715-3138; nissa. lapoint@archden.org; www.twitter.com/ DCRegisterNissa SERVING THE DENVER CATHOLIC COMMUNITY SINCE 1890. The heritage behind our mortuaries and cemeteries is one of history and tradition. Gene Steinke 65 Years Father Joseph Cao, the Staff and Parishioners of ST. JOAN OF ARC PARISH send blessings of gratitude as we travel along with you in prayer and spirit. Deacon Rex Pilger Deacon Joseph Gerber Deacon Matt Archer Deacon Hugh Downey Harry Stevenson 51 Years For more than a century, Catholic families have trusted Olinger Mortuaries and Cemeteries to care for their loved ones because respect for traditions, understanding the needs of the Catholic faith, and providing affordable options is at the heart of what we do. With more than a 142 years of combined experience, parishioners Gene Steinke, Harry Stevenson and Matt Whaley have assisted families with care and compassion. Today, their experience, combined with those who provide professional services in 11 Olinger neighborhood chapels, is virtually unprecedented in serving the Denver Catholic community. (303) 455-3663 www.denverfuneralproviders.com Matt Whaley 26 Years

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