Bear Radio will sell its Federal Communications Commission construction permit and apply for lowpower FM status, Brownsboro Independent School District Parent Involvement Coordinator Perry Eaton said.

“We’re going to liquidate our permit, and the reason I’m going to do that is because I found out the FCC is going to open up a window to receive applications for new construction permits for low-power FM. Basically, it will cover about a 10-mile circle, and I can put them up almost anywhere.”

The district owns a tower donated by Northland Cable, but it would need a translator to relay or repeat the station’s signal across portions of Henderson County. The FCC construction permit allows for 2,000 watts on the 100-foot tower.

“I’m not going to have to worry about that now,” Eaton said. “Subject to the FCC opening up the (filing) window, which they’re going to do, we can put towers in Brownsboro, Chandler, and Moore Station. That’s what I’m going to apply to do.”

FCC regulations allow low-power FM stations for “non-commercial education broadcasting only.” They can operate on no more than 100 watts on 100-foot towers.

“The likelihood of getting that (permit) is very, very good,” Eaton said. “I’m really excited about it. We’ve already got a tower in Chandler, and we’re probably going to get one here in Brownsboro. The school board asked if we can get enough to cover all our district.”

The cost for installing each tower, Eaton said, is $5,000. Bear Radio’s frequency, KLTB 91.1, will likely change if the FCC grants the district low-power FM status.

“But everything on the Internet will stay the same. This will truly be a community radio station.”

Bear Radio is in its third year. It is operated by 16 students who earn class credits for their work. They’re taught how to use the equipment, communicate with sponsors, and how to build relationships on campus and in the community.

Students who’ve been in the program for a year must mentor others who are new to the class.

Bear Radio students must be in the 10th grade or above, and are scrutinized on trustworthiness and dependability.

Eaton started the class in August 2007. When he and others visited the Hallsville Independent School District to look into its radio program, they decided to seek FCC approval for a construction permit.

To listen online, visit brownsboro.k12.tx.us.

Programming includes music, school announcements and events, sports coverage, and an agriculture show.

The FCC’s Web site is fcc.gov.