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Local low‑power FM operator asks Port Richey for help finding studio space and partnership
Summary
James Stall, operator of 107.9 Ritchie FM, told the Port Richey CRA board he is relaunching a low‑power community radio station, can provide emergency alerts and streaming, and seeks guidance on studio space, community engagement and potential eligibility for city business grants.
James Stall, operator of 107.9 Ritchie FM, told the Port Richey Community Redevelopment Agency on the CRA meeting dais that his low‑power FM station is preparing to return to the air and is seeking a local studio and partnerships.
Stall said the station previously broadcast before Hurricane Ian disrupted operations and that he has reinvested in equipment to restore service. "We're a low power community FM radio station," he said, and described the outlet as a platform to "promote the city, promote nonprofits in the area" and to provide news, resources and emergency communications.
Stall said the station can provide emergency alert capability and backup power at its planned transmitter site, and that it runs multiple streaming channels in addition to terrestrial broadcasts. He asked the board for a dialogue with city staff and the Chamber of Commerce about locating an accessible studio and coordinating programming and sponsorships.
City officials and staff responded that the station could coordinate with city contacts for space and outreach; staff suggested Andrew Butterfield as a contact and the board discussed working with the Chamber to identify studio or podcast space. The board also noted that having a studio physically located in the city could affect eligibility for certain commercial grant funds the CRA offers for local businesses.
Stall said his transmitter tower is at Tower Storage on Voorhees Road and that changing the station's city‑of‑license with the Federal Communications Commission is a clerical filing if the board or staff advise that licensing should reflect Port Richey rather than New Port Richey. He said the station is currently cloud‑hosted and streaming while he searches for a permanent public studio location.
Stall left contact information with staff and the board directed staff to facilitate follow‑up so the station and city can explore potential collaboration and any applicable grant eligibility.
The CRA did not take any formal action on the request during the meeting; the item was raised during the public‑comment portion of the agenda and will require further staff follow‑up and application of existing grant rules if the station seeks funding or a city grant.
