MPB awarded largets radio grant from PTFP

( Jackson , Miss.) - Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) was awarded a 2006 Public Telecommunications Facilities Program (PTFP) grant totaling $903,025 to replace the FM radio transmitters of the eight-station MPB Radio network.

“With the PTFP awarding $5,003,552 to 49 radio station projects nationwide, MPB's award of over $900,000 was not only the largest but was significantly larger than any other grant awarded,” said MPB Executive Director Marie Antoon. “The PTFP funds require a 50% match. MPB has only a few months to raise this match or risk losing these funds,” Antoon added.

According to Robert Lockhart , MPB Technical Services Director, the PTFP plays a major role in the development of public broadcasting throughout the United States by providing needed assistance to increasing radio and television signals. Its funding provides broadcasting service programs for the disabled and distance learning facilities for instructional programming to students and professionals.

“The transmitters are 23 years old and are in need of replacement,” said Lockhart. “This grant will begin our transition to digital radio. Looking to the future, this could allow MPB to offer multiple streams of radio service to listeners across the state.”

MPB Radio Director Tom Freeman added, “Not only will this increase the reliability of our current programming, it will allow MPB to regionalize news and weather information to different parts of the state. With digital FM, MPB will reach more Mississippians with three new channels of programming streams.”

MPB's radio frequencies (FM) include 90.3 (WMAH), Biloxi ; 89.5 (WMAE), Booneville; 88.9 (WMAU), Bude; 90.0 (WMAO), Greenwood ; 91.3 (WMPN), Jackson; 88.1 (WMAW), Meridian ; 89.9 (WMAB); Mississippi State ; and 90.3 (WMAV), Oxford-University.

MPB Deputy Director of Content Operations Gene Edwards commented, “Our commitment to providing reliable service to the citizens across Mississippi is MPB's top

priority. The monies awarded through the PTFP grant ensures our continued efforts in

meeting society's needs in the ever-changing and evolving world of broadcast technology.”

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Kathy Broom
Dec 12, 2006	601.432.6683
MPB awarded largest radio grant from PTFP
( Jackson , Miss.) - Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) was awarded a 2006 Public Telecommunications Facilities Program (PTFP) grant totaling $903,025 to replace the FM radio transmitters of the eight-station MPB Radio network. “With the PTFP awarding $5,003,552 to 49 radio station projects nationwide, MPB's award of over $900,000 was not only the largest but was significantly larger than any other grant awarded,” said MPB Executive Director Marie Antoon. “The PTFP funds require a 50% match. MPB has only a few months to raise this match or risk losing these funds,” Antoon added. According to Robert Lockhart , MPB Technical Services Director, the PTFP plays a major role in the development of public broadcasting throughout the United States by providing needed assistance to increasing radio and television signals. Its funding provides broadcasting service programs for the disabled and distance learning facilities for instructional programming to students and professionals. “The transmitters are 23 years old and are in need of replacement,” said Lockhart. “This grant will begin our transition to digital radio. Looking to the future, this could allow MPB to offer multiple streams of radio service to listeners across the state.” MPB Radio Director Tom Freeman added, “Not only will this increase the reliability of our current programming, it will allow MPB to regionalize news and weather information to different parts of the state. With digital FM, MPB will reach more Mississippians with three new channels of programming streams.” MPB's radio frequencies (FM) include 90.3 (WMAH), Biloxi ; 89.5 (WMAE), Booneville; 88.9 (WMAU), Bude; 90.0 (WMAO), Greenwood ; 91.3 (WMPN), Jackson; 88.1 (WMAW), Meridian ; 89.9 (WMAB); Mississippi State ; and 90.3 (WMAV), Oxford-University. MPB Deputy Director of Content Operations Gene Edwards commented, “Our commitment to providing reliable service to the citizens across Mississippi is MPB's top priority. The monies awarded through the PTFP grant ensures our continued efforts in meeting society's needs in the ever-changing and evolving world of broadcast technology.”