*Sprouts interview with Wimberley Valley Radio President Susan Raybuck and Austin Airwaves' Jim Ellinger shortly after the Memorial Weekend Floods of 2015. The radio show is aired on a number of stations that get programming from the Pacifica Foundation Radio Affiliates Network.

Wimberley, TX – In extraordinary news for Wimberley the FCC on Monday announced it had granted a construction permit to Wimberley Valley Radio to build a new low power FM radio station. Wimberley Valley Radio will have 18 months to complete the project and get on the air.

Only when the station is built, has passed a rigorous FCC checklist, and is ready to broadcast would the actual license be granted.

In a statement announcing the news, Susan Raybuck, president and acting general manager of Wimberley Valley Radio, said, “We are now racing toward the last hurdles in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have a radio station. Licenses are rare and hard to come by. This is Wimberley’s third attempt to get one and it’s essential to make sure this is a success. It’s the only chance for a radio station that we’ve got.”

Having been awarded an FCC construction permit, the nonprofit anticipates a major capital campaign for expansion of their facilities and to purchase required equipment including a transmitter, an emergency alert system, and broadcast studio equipment.

“Remember that Wimberley Valley Radio was formed to pursue a broadcast license in response to the Central Texas fires of 2011,” Raybuck said. “Wimberley had fires at the same time as Bastrop, but we had no good way to alert residents of potential danger to themselves or their property. Radio will improve public safety here as well as strengthen our community connections.”

Wimberley Valley Radio invites the community to learn more about the opportunity and what will be required for success at its 3rd Annual Community Meeting to be held at 6 p.m. Monday, February 16 at the Wimberley Community Center.

Wimberley Valley Radio is an all-volunteer 501( c)3 organization currently streaming local and other programs of interest from its website (www.WimberleyValleyRadio.org) and is actively seeking more volunteers for content creation and a host of other tasks. With the construction permit granted the need for volunteers for construction, show hosts, show content, voice talent, audio recording and editing, writers, musicians, fundraising talent, and other technical expertise has greatly expanded.

Wimberley, TX – In a decision that ushers in a new era for the Wimberley valley community and its access to local, enriching and insightful news and programs, the FCC  announced on December 23, 2014 that Wimberley Valley Radio's (WVR) application for a Low Power FM broadcast license has been Accepted for Filing. Pending a standard 30-day window for public feedback and appeals filings, the “Accepted for Filing” designation means WVR is tentatively approved for a broadcast license.  

“It is a terrific Christmas present for the Wimberley community,” said Susan Raybuck, board president and acting station manager of Wimberley Valley Radio. “Our supporters have made it clear they want radio programs to help them discover their community, promote understanding, and foster positive relationships and feelings of being connected and united. This ruling from the FCC brings us one step closer to providing the community access to this kind of quality programming.”

After the allotted window for public comment and filings, Raybuck anticipates the FCC will grant WVR a construction permit. Once the FCC grants the construction permit, a station has 18 months to begin broadcasting . Only then would the FCC grant the broadcast license.

WVR currently streams locally produced programs from its website  (http://www.radiowimberley.org/listen.html) and is actively seeking volunteers to help produce and edit shows and create content.  Additionally, WVR is seeking sponsors to support  operations, equipment and production.

“We’re a non-profit station, much like public radio,” Raybuck said. “We depend on donations and sponsorships to be able to provide the programming the Wimberley valley community wants and needs. If you are considering making a tax-deductible donation before the end of the year, we would greatly appreciate your support!”

 For sponsorship information, contact Dan Pickens, marketing and communications chair, 512-788-1610, dan@danpickens.com.

At the 2013 annual meeting of Wimberley Valley Radio, President Susan Raybuck details the purpose of WVR the opportunity to create community radio in Wimberley, Texas.