KUTZ Takes a Stab! at Fundraising
KUTZ LPFM has an internet problem that can’t be solved without moving the antenna to a new location. Moving an antenna can be expensive and requires folks getting on a roof. For KUTZ any costs require a fundraiser. Finding a new antenna roof has been challenging. We had hoped to move the antenna to Stab! Comedy Theater at 1710 Broadway. Unfortunately, the landlord doesn’t want it there. However, we can still build a studio, giving KUTZ a physical space for shows and events.
There’s an 11 story building at 4100 Folsom that has given permission for the antenna…IF we get an engineer to draw up plans, then file for a building permit. We have no idea what all that will cost. There are other locations in play…all require an engineer and money. Trying to find an engineer willing to help has been discouraging. Money talks, community radio work isn’t profitable.
With the hardware and new antenna, we’re looking at ~ $2500 to move and relaunch.
Stab! and KUTZ go together like…
KUTZ is currently on a shared DSL line…Stab Comedy Theater has fiber. Streaming music would not be a problem. We can create a studio space for volunteers to broadcast live or record their shows. The theater offers a full schedule of activities in the evening, leaving the space open for KUTZ during the day. A perfect combo.
The Theater is already streaming live shows and we hope to bring more of that comedy to KUTZ radio listeners. But first we need to raise the funds to move. We also need to upgrade some critical equipment and add a new piece of old technology.
KUTZ displays no data on a modern car stereo without an RDS encoder.
The current KUTZ system does not have an RDS encoder. This technology was developed in the 90’s at the beginning of the digital age of car stereo receivers. It’s what shows text on your stereo screen in the car. The station name, song and artist info. This is all encoded in the FM signal. Modern transmitters have this built in. The KUTZ transmitter predates this tech so we need to buy a separate piece of hardware to deliver that data. It’s ~ $600.
With the hardware and antenna move, we’re looking at ~ $2500 to relaunch. This includes some money for a relaunch party at the new location for supporters. Stab! has a spacious private backyard for events and a beer license. Snacks, beer, live music and comedy…It’s a great round up for a local venue.
My “vision” for the new home of KUTZ. Objects are most definately not to scale. 🙂
Once we’re up and running, we can really expand our service to the community by supporting local music with live events and playlists that focus on the local scene. Stab! even has a large glass front window. We could put the DJ right there. Hang a neon sign… For me, it’s very much a Chris / Northern Exposure kind of vibe.
Right: KBHR radio “store front” on the TV show Northern Exposure.
KBHR radio “store front” on the TV show Northern Exposure.
The fundraiser as of 2/12/2025.
As a new volunteer at KUTZ, I’m excited for this opportunity. A physical studio means we can conduct training and do interviews. We can craft shows that encourage people to drop by and engage. We can play music outside the building to liven up the street. It’s all the things that make a community radio station awesome.
Right now we need to focus on raising the funds. We’ve turned the corner on post covid volunteering and volunteers are showing up. We’ve got a massive music library that we haven’t been able to play because of our current location. Once we’re moved, the diversity will expand 10x beyond the already diverse library of more than 3500 songs and weekly produced shows. By comparison, most corporate owned radio stations carry less than 1000 songs at a time. They rotate out a select few and the rest stays the same. Boring and repetitive to maximize profits, not serve the community. KUTZ will offer a massive evolving library and a growing lineup of locally produced shows with a focus on local music.
I hope we can raise the funds quickly and get the hard part of moving done with. The rest will be a blast with KUTZ and Stab! helping Sacramento enjoy great music, laughs, and stay informed.
Help us move, please!
KUTZ volunteer
John Ellis
Help Us Move!
Donate one time to our fundraiser or become a monthly supporter. Either way you’ll be invited to our relaunch party at Stab Comedy Theater at 1710 Broadway once we’re moved and back up on FM.