For Immediate Release
Contact:
Fr. Jeff Lorig
402-358-3596
frlorig@ludgercatholic.org
Creighton Community Radio Station Plans Moving Forward
Fundraising Phase Begins
April 9, 2014 (CREIGHTON, NE) – When the FCC began granting permits to non-profits to build low power radio stations in their communities, it gave them 18 months to make it happen. So there is no time to waste for St. Ludger Parish to begin moving forward in their plans to build what has now been named Creighton Community Radio.
A Low Power FM signal is allowed to broadcast at 100 watts, which should reach up to a 7 mile radius. “It doesn’t get much more local and community oriented than that,” said Fr. Jeff Lorig, pastor of St. Ludger and the person responsible for spearheading the project. At only a fraction of what it would cost to build a full power commercial radio station, a low power FM station is a rare opportunity for the community. The last time the FCC granted permits for low power radio stations was in in 2001 and there are no plans to grant more in the future with already crowded airwaves. “This is probably going to be our only chance to do this ever again,” said Lorig.
The fundraising phase has begun for Creighton Community Radio. The goal is to raise $20,000. The radio station will be financially independent from the parish and school activities. “Money raised for the station will not be used for the parish or vice versa,” explained Mitch Nelson, the parish council president.
The main thrust of the fundraising will be done through a $10,000 raffle. Only 250 tickets will be sold at $100 a ticket for a chance to win the $10,000. Tickets will be drawn at a raffle party to be held on May 24th at 7 PM at the St. Ludger Social Hall. A ticket allows you and a friend into the event that includes free food, live music, and a cash bar. Raffle tickets can be purchased from Kenny or Brandon Gragert at Gragert’s Grocery, Emily Hammer at The Hair Studio on Main Street, or the St. Ludger School Office.
“This has to be a community driven project; the community of Creighton has to make it happen. Literally nothing will happen unless the community is willing to make the investment,” Fr. Lorig insisted. You can learn more about the radio station at the newly created website: www.CreightonRadio.com.