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AMR to expand in West Virginia
BY JAMES JACENICH • STAFF WRITER
 | | Allegheny Mountain Radio assistant general manager Carson Ralston says volunteers are needed to provide news and happenings for Pendleton County. (Recorder photo by James Jacenich) |
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MONTEREY - Allegheny Mountain Radio has the goahead for two new West Virginia transmission sites. "Before the end of the year we received notice we had a construction permit for construction in Pendleton County," said AMR assistant general manager Carson Ralston. Subsequently, it received notification of approval of the Hillsboro, W.Va. site as well. Pocahontas Communications Cooperative, the umbrella non-profit organization for AMR, still awaits approval for a site in Marlinton, W.Va., also.
Last October, AMR filed its application with the FCC for the new transmitter sites.
"Pendleton will let us serve a majority of area in Pendleton County, similar to what we do in Bath and Highland now," said Ralston. "North Fork and South Fork, we may not be able to serve initially because the mountain blocks the signal. The signal will travel northward from Franklin through Pendleton County and somewhat south toward us. Negotiations are pending to share a tower on a hill in Franklin."
Currently, AMR coverage goes as far as Trout Rock in southern Pendleton. "We've had interest from folks in the past in Franklin to get our signal," he said. Once the tower is transmitting, Pendleton County residents will be able to receive AMR on 91.1 FM. It will be the only community, non-profit radio serving Pendleton, though there are a couple of commercial radio stations serving Franklin.
"We want to bring to Pendleton County local news, weather, community calendar items, an eclectic mix of music and emergency alert system warnings," said Ralston. "We are more community oriented."
If there is enough interest and financial backing, Pendleton might get its own AMR radio station. But first things first. "We hope to get a volunteer staff," said Ralston. "Initially we will try to establish an advisory committee. Hopefully these folks will be in tune with what the com- munity wants. We will try to get someone to compile local events, news items, try to get the community to give us community information. Eventually, if the community wants it, it could lead to its own radio station.
"We hope to have community support through business underwriting, fundraising, whatever we can do to offset the expenses," said Ralston.
For more information or to volunteer call Ralston at (877) 378-9289 or 468-1234.
The AMR network of community radio stations includes WVMR in Frost W.Va at 1370 AM, WVLS in Monterey at 89.7 FM and WCHG Hot Springs 107.1 FM. Volunteers operate the stations with the assistance of a small paid staff. PCCC, a non-profit organization formed in April 1979 for educational and charitable purposes and to operate community radio stations, is the licensee of the stations.
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