The Taft Chamber of Commerce will submit a request this Tuesday to the Taft City Council requesting funding to start up a low power AM informational radio station.
According to Chamber Director Fred Schell, you will be able to tune your radio to station 1610 and be welcomed to the City of Taft by the Mayor; informed of the Rails to Trails project, progress on the Oilworker Monument all about the West Kern Oil Museum, the Historic Fort and even the splendor of Carrizo Plains.
The station will also be an opportunity ti hear about the various points of interest, and be treated to a colorful narrative on the history of Taft.
For tourists, information will be made available on such topics as where to spend the night and where they might be able to jump out of an airplane.
These are but a few of the options that will be offered to both residents and visitors alike.
Schell says, "just think how beneficial this would be for Oildorado.
Schell described the station like those that serve airports and National Parks.
"We have all seen the signs suggesting we turn our radios to a low powered AM station along the freeways, at points of interest and even on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Most cities, airports, train stations and even parks all use the information broadcast system.
The station is also useful in emergency situation.
A disaster occurs; power is out, an emergency situation arises. The station will be an excellent way to reach citizens in life or death situation. A remote switch is activated and the information station transforms your radio into an emergency communication devise where anyone with a radio can obtain timely and critical information.
Shell says that in its capacity as District Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Bureau, the Chamber is the natural organization to sponsor the radio station.
Schell says that the City of Taft would have to designate the Chamber to act on the behalf of the City of Taft to obtain a Federal Communication Commission license under 47 CFR 90.242 (FCC Rule 90.242) for the sole purpose of a "Travelers' Information Station'.
The Chamber wold apply for, install and operate the station on the AM Band in the frequency range of 530 kHz to 1700 kHz (specific frequency would be issued by the FCC) with a maximum transmitter output power not to exceed 10 watts and the installation of an antenna not exceeding 15 meters (49.2 feet).