PORT TOWNSEND — Volunteer-operated KPTZ 91.9-FM also helps to promote volunteerism in the larger community, said staff members as the station conducts a pledge drive.
“Music is a big thing for us, but our talk shows really bring in the listeners,” said Nora Petrich, station manager for the nonprofit.
“We bring in a lot of the local organizations and put them on the air so they can talk about what they do.”
The station, which began broadcasting in May 2011, is conducting its twice-yearly pledge drive. Officials hope to raise $30,000 to replace equipment and replenish the operating budget.
As of Tuesday afternoon, more than $6,000 had been raised toward the goal for the station that broadcasts 24 hours daily.
Petrich and disc jockey-technology coordinator Mike Schecksler are the only people of the more than 50 working at the station who draw a salary.
The two share one full-time position between them.
Many of those who volunteer, working on the air or behind the scenes, have other jobs, while others are retired.
Schecksler, who is known as Maximus on the air, said being a DJ is more than just spinning records.
“When you are on the air, you spend a lot of time waiting for a song to end, so you end up listening to the music, which is a very calming experience,” he said.
“And when you come off the air after doing a particularly rewarding show, you get a cathartic lift, like how you would feel after giving a performance onstage.”
While the station’s equipment was purchased new much of it needs an upgrade, Petrich said.
The on-air CD players are worn out from all the use, and the automation system needs to be replaced, she said.
As the new equipment is installed, the older components will be moved to a transmission site on Jacob Miller Road adjacent to the station’s broadcasting tower, which will be pressed into service in case of an emergency.
“If the power goes out for days, we want to be able to keep broadcasting news and information, but we’ll also want to play music,” Petrich said.
“At that point, we will want to entertain people and keep their spirits up.”
There are several incentives — including a KPTZ long-sleeved T-shirt for $60 — and each contributor will be entered in a drawing for a premium entertainment package that includes passes to the Port Townsend Film Festival, Centrum and the Key City Public Theatre.
To pledge, phone 360-554-4430.
For more information, visit www.kptz.org.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.