COMMUNITY

Community radio gets signal boost

KMUZ Community Radio (100.7 FM) recently boosted the power of its radio signal, increasing the potential mid-Willamette Valley listening audience from 50,000 people to over 300,000.

On Sept. 15, KMUZ increased its power from 34 watts to 220 watts. The upgrade represents a milestone for the Salem-based nonprofit radio station that broadcasts on 88.5 FM and 100.7 FM and streams online at KMUZ.org. Funding for the project was made possible by a grant from the Oregon Community Foundation.

Keizertimes Managing Editor Eric Howald hosts a one-hour live interview segment during KMUZ’s Willamette Wake-Up programming. The show, News from the North, airs the second Friday of every month beginning about 8:10 a.m., and focuses on the news and people of Keizer. 

Nearly eight years ago, KMUZ started broadcasting its mix of music, news and community affairs programming. But the low power level initially authorized by the FCC limited the station’s range. In some nearby areas, its radio signal couldn’t penetrate buildings.

Listeners in Salem, Keizer and Albany and smaller communities on the east side of the mid-Willamette Valley will notice the biggest improvements in the station’s reception. 

Volunteers operate the local, non-commercial FM station. KMUZ is licensed to Willamette Information, News and Entertainment Service (WINES), an Oregon Public Benefit Corporation. KMUZ also streams online and podcast on KMUZ.org.

The station’s studio is located at 245 Division St. NE in Salem.