Huntley Community Radio FM Development

Huntley Community Radio,Ltd.(HCR), founded in 2004 is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, serving the Village of Huntley and surrounding communities. HCR has been streaming local radio 24/7 since September 2012. The programs are produced and hosted by community residents from the ages of 12 to 89. It's all volunteer, and in its charter, will not take funding from tax-supported agencies nor does it sell advertising. It exists on individual donations sponsorships and grants. HCR has an Executive Board, an Advisory Board and, because of a $25,000 grant from a local citizen, who believed in the concept, HCR has equipped a professional broadcasting studio. From its inception, when applications were made available, HCR planned on applying to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for a license under the new Low Power FM Act of 2010. The FCC opened a 2 week application window on Oct. 15, 2013 and HCR applied. The FCC has granted HCR a Construction Permit, which is the first step towards getting a license. The FCC allows HCR 18 months to raise the necessary funds to complete required engineering studies and to purchase and install an antenna and transmitter. The estimated cost will be $40,000. We are approached other funding sources in addition to GoFundMe, held special fimdraosomg events startrf a "Friends"drive and prepared other fundraising opportunities.

On March 14, 2014, the FCC approved a Construction Permit (CP) which gaves HCR the go-ahead to purchase needed FM equipment and proceed with the installation and testing of the FM portion of our broadcasting.  HCR will be WHRU-LP at 101.5, and  hope we will go live near the end of October after the FCC gives us the final license.

HCR now enters the second step in its development. In order to leave the studio and cover remote activities, such as high school football games, concerts, etc. and to be able to add "call-ins" to the studio, we need additional equipment estimated at another $5,000. HCR still need to cover its yearly operating expenses of $18,000 a year so it will continue to fundraise and its goal of $5,000 with Go Fund Me will continue.