KBUB-FM 90.3 Radio station has been off the air since May 8th. Lightning took out the “exciter” section of the stations transmitter located on Bangs Hill.
Radio Station Chief Operator Mike (Mikey Wayne) Isbell estimated the costs for repairs from $5500 to $7000, and that doesn’t include the engineering costs. He said, “the transmitter is forty five years old, and the exciter is 42 years old. Our Consulting engineer has most of the old exciter at least partially operational again, but there are several components in the unit that are now obsolete making them difficult to find.”
“Our problem comes down to dollars,” Isbell said, “and since KBUB is entirely listener funded, it’s our supporters who will have to help us get back on the air. Times are economically tough for all of us, and when money gets tight, unfortunately, it’s donations that suffer. Our donors are precious people who support the ministry with their dollars and prayers. So far, we’ve received $555 in donations toward a $4000 piece of equipment.”
Then there’s the question of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) compliance. Isbell says, as Chief Operator, he is required to notify the Dallas FCC office when the radio station has been off the air for more than thirty days. After that, the FCC has to be kept updated on the equipment status, and when KBUB goes back on the air. He emphasized that KBUB is not in danger of losing their FCC Broadcast license.
Those wishing to donate to the KBUB Country Gospel Radio ministry can do so by mailing their donation to KBUB Radio, Box 1549, Brownwood, Texas 76801. Visa and MasterCard donations can be called in to 325-646-5993, and since we a 501C(3) non-profit organization, all donations are tax deductible.
Isbell added, “We hope to be back on the air soon. As God lays it on the hearts of our listeners, the funds will come and we can continue to bring Country Gospel Radio music and teachings to the nine surrounding counties.”
KBUB-FM Radio is licensed to operate at 90.3 FM, with a maximum radiated power of 5,500 watts. KBUB-FM is owned by BLM of Brownwood, Inc., and operates from their studio facilities at 910 Main Street in Brownwood, next to the Howard Payne University campus.
