Charlottesville city officials are considering the feasibility of building a low-power AM radio station to transmit general, visitor and emergency information to the general public. If built, the station would be noncommercial and would have a limited transmission range of about six miles.
The city already has the capability to transmit certain types of information through traditional media. The Emergency Alert System gives federal, state and local authorities the capability to deliver important information via all radio and TV broadcasters. Even though all stations must, by order of the Federal Communications Commission, broadcast such announcements in the event of an emergency, city officials view a separate AM station as an added communications asset.
“We are looking for new ways that we can provide accurate information in a timely manner without the benefit of electricity,” says city spokesman Ric Barrick. “We see it as a possible augmentation with our partnership with local media to help us get emergency information out to the public.”
Though other jurisdictions, including UVA and the county, have expressed interest in joining, Barrick says this project is primarily a venture of the city. He added that city officials are still researching the possibility of a station, and that no plans have been made definite. University officials also consider this station an added benefit in times of emergency.
“The possibility of establishing a low-power AM radio station is one that we have been discussing as part of an overall strategy for communicating issues regarding the construction projects and the potential effect they may have on various traffic patterns,” says University spokesman Jeff Hanna. “We have been trying to imagine as many different ways to deliver this important information as possible.”
According to Hanna, the University, Charlottesville and Albemarle County are expected to develop a comprehensive plan for this project soon.
C-VILLE welcomes news tips from readers. Send them to news@c-ville.com.
