WFHB, a nonprofit, non-commercial public broadcaster serving south-central Indiana, has a rare chance to get its own “spot on the dial.” WFHB was “one of the lucky few” awarded a permit for a radio translator just before the Federal Communications Commission shut the door on new applications, according to Chad Carrothers, news director of the station.

The FCC has given no indications when, if ever, they will entertain new applications, and the station’s deadline to comply is quickly approaching. Their translator, which will pick up an existing radio signal and throw it out farther, must be operational by September. It will provide a strong, steady signal to the hills and valleys in Brown County, allowing a crystal clear signal to 100.7 FM (Nashville) and 106.3 FM (Ellettsville).

A group of Nashville residents is working on raising the funds necessary to support the construction of the transmitter, gathering the community to help. The total cost of the project is $40,000, with the City of Bloomington already having covered half of the cost. They are working on raising the rest of the money through individual donations and events.

WFHB has a long history of community involvement. Bloomington Community Radio, Inc. was founded in 1975 by a group of individuals who saw a need for an area community radio station. The station finally made it to the airwaves in 1993. Today, it operates with the support of more than 200 volunteers and a small paid staff.

WFHB started its on-air programming with the sound of an ancient Chinese gong belonging to Herman B. Wells, past president of Indiana University. Carrothers says they have tracked down the same gong and intend to use it when the translator goes live.

To support the radio translator fund, Thomi Elmore, a member of the barn-raising special events committee, will host a benefit concert at her establishment, the FigTree Gallery and Coffee Shop, Thursday, June 28. Robbie Bowden, a fourth-generation Brown County resident, will headline the event. Bowden’s music was featured in the Liar’s Bench album. You can count on Bowden to bring a talented group of musicians to play traditional country music.

Donate to the translator project at the concert or through the station at www.wfhb.org.