High Potential of Low-Power Radio

New communication tools can enable audiences to receive customized information at their convenience. A case in point is the innovative use of low-power radio for outreach in the Pacific Northwest.

As the name implies, low-power radio (LPR) is a specialized form of AM radio broadcasting. This technology made its debut in the 1970s as a traveler information source on traffic and weather conditions. Since then, over 500 LPR stations have been successfully used to provide information across the nation. Operators of these include communities, governmental agencies, airports, the National Park Service-and even Disney World!

Low-power radio is relatively simple to use and inexpensive to operate. It functions with four components: an audio recorder to capture and repetitively play back voice messages, antennae, AM radio transmitter, and signs alerting travelers to the AM broadcast. Digital recorder technology enables storage of up to 32 messages and variable sequencing of this broadcast information. Message changes are possible from remote locations via telephone access.

Successful LPR applications, digitized equipment, and modest start-up costs are stimulating wider use of this communication technology. Low-power radio typically covers a broadcast area ranging from about one to 15 square miles, depending on terrain and signal strength. Therefore, more community and outreach organizations are considering use of this tool for disseminating information.

One community using low-power radio is Newport, Oregon. Located along Oregon's scenic coastline, more than 1,000,000 visitors travel through this community annually. There, community leaders are challenged to make visitors aware of recreational opportunities without causing traffic bottlenecks.

Last year, the Newport Chamber of Commerce and Extension Sea Grant teamed up to initiate a low-power radio station. While this demonstration's impact is now being evaluated, others in Extension are already planning to use LPR technology in their educational programs.

Some examples of creative low-power radio applications being planned for use by regional Extension staff include:

• Agricultural agents communicating pest management and other "real-time" information to producers in a two-county area.
• Extension foresters informing motorists in mountain passes of environmental stewardship practices, and travel tips.
• State 4-H camp staff updating daily activity schedules and sharing camper safety with youth in disparate locations.

This communication technology holds considerable promise for successful use by Extension and its clientele.1

1. A special report on Low-Power Radio is available from: Extension Sea Grant Program, 108 Ballard Hall, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331