As part of the move, we are also raising money for 2-3 repeater/translator antennas. These would be new antennas with new frequencies to expand our broadcast reach, for real this time, into the deep valleys of Barre and Montpelier. These are our biggest, closests cities who have never had good coverage. This is a separate fundraising push, dependant on FCC approval, and will take us the next few years to complete.

Phase one: Run antenna studies for our possible sites and, for viable locations, submitting FCC applications due in early November, 2026. This phase will cost up to $12,000.

Phase two: Wait for FCC approval (could take months or longer). We have up to 3 years to build each antenna site out, we'd start with Barre (if approved), then Montpelier, then the possible third location in St. Johnsbury. Each station is expected to cost around $10K to build out, and about $2K per year to operate. By comparison, a full power site like WGDH, takes $10K a year just to operate and the recent WGDR new antenna project cost us $65K.

Why build out more broadcast radio in an age of digital listening?

It's simple. Radio is still the biggest way folks discovery local media content -- news, info, music, happenings, and more. Community radio meets listeners where they are. Broadcast radio remains essential—for discovering WGDR, receiving emergency information, and for many, simply because it's how they prefer to listen. At the same time, online streaming and on-demand listening make our programming available whenever and wherever people want it.

Listening habits are changing, but what connects our audience is the value they find in our programming. However people choose to listen, we're committed to providing the best possible experience.

FM repeaters/translators are low-power stations (250 watts or less) that rebroadcast WGDR's signal into communities we can't reliably reach today. In a mountainous state like Vermont, they can make a tremendous difference—extending service into areas we have never reached, and finally, addressing the spotty reception in Barre, Montpelier, and other areas where terrain limits our primary signal, all without interfering with other stations.

This November is only the application phase. If we're awarded one or more translator licenses, we'll have up to three years to determine which sites we can afford to build and put on the air.

To put in the most competitive applications we can, we need to run antenna studies and prep solid FCC applications. Working with our licensed engineer and FCC attorney, we anticipate this application phase will cost around $12,000. This includes helping us manage any MX (mutual competition battles) with other applicants if it comes to that later in the process --- a time you want a lawyer ready to go! This investment up front opens so many returns on this investment for our future as a station.

There is a lot of strategy that goes into applying for these stations and where. We are working on this over the summer. Stay tuned for more.

Translator Basics

This is the first noncommercial FM translator filing window ever and the first translator filing window of any kind in 25 years.
An FM translator is a low-power station (up to 250 watts) that rebroadcasts the signal of an existing station.
Each translator has its own call sign and frequency (for example, WBAR, Barre, 90.1 FM).
The filing window is limited to noncommercial stations, but competition is expected to be strong from other eligible organizations.
Available frequencies are limited to the noncommercial educational FM band (88.1–91.9 MHz).
Applicants must identify an available frequency and a viable antenna location and may apply for up to 10 translators.
Translator antennas can often be installed on existing structures such as rooftops, silos, and utility infrastructure—they don't always require a traditional broadcast tower. We are actively seeking partners willing to host a translator station antenna. Please reach out to Llu@WGDR.org if this is you or you know someone!
The application process for 2-3 for translator stations will be about $12,000 in engineering studies and FCC application costs.
Building a translator typically costs about $10,000 for gear and upfit, with annual operating costs of approximately $1,000–$2,000, depending on site rental and utility costs. Finding funding for each of these stations relies heavily on getting the support from the communities we are trying to add. We are eager to find partners in extended areas to help us make this happen.

Build Out Our Broadcast

Help us fund our FCC Repeater/Translator Antenna Applications