By Anne Marie Amacher
The Catholic Messenger
DAVENPORT — The Catholic radio station in Davenport has a three-phase plan to reach out to more people.
Brian Porter, president of KTJT-LP radio, said beginning Dec. 8 the station will change its frequency from 102.7 FM to 103.1 FM. With FCC approval, changing the frequency should carry the station’s programming a greater distance.
He said a radio station outside the Quad-City area at the present time has a stronger signal and “leaks into our footprint of programming.”
Phase II is to change the position of equipment on the tower to reach more of the Quad-City area. “We hope to cover 90 percent of the area,” he said of that change.
Phase III, which is a bit further down the line, would boost wattage from 100 to 250 kilowatts, making the signal stronger. Porter said changing the wattage is something the FCC is still working on.
“These are all big moves,” Porter said.
Catholic radio stations in the Diocese of Davenport provide either Relevant Radio or EWTN Radio feed, Porter said. Some provide solely the programming from the partner stations. Others have local spots available to add their own local feed.
“Due to the limited range of our station,” Porter said, KTJT-LP has not had sponsorships. With the upgrade, he hopes to offer sponsorships. One example is to have students from Catholic schools record 30- to 60-second fillers on topics such as saints, church history or local event. “The DeWitt station does it,” he noted.
Eventually Porter would like to see additional local programming with the diocese.
For more information on the Davenport Catholic radio station, contact Porter at (563) 370-7636.
Catholic radio stations in the Diocese of Davenport
Burlington Divine Mercy Association, Inc.- Burlington
KCDM-LP 98.3 MHz
Clinton Educational Association – Clinton
KXJX-LP 92.5 MHz
Davenport Educational Association – Davenport
KTJT-LP 102.7 MHz (changing to 103.1 on Dec. 8)
DeWitt Educational Association – DeWitt
KGYS-LP 92.5 MHz
Divine Mercy Educational Radio Association – Fort Madison
KDME-LP 98.3 MHz
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Inc. – Iowa City
KOUR-LP 92.7 MHz
Muscatine Educational Association – Muscatine
KTDC-LP 105.3 MHz
Oskaloosa
KMFH-LP 95.7 MHz
