Station's organizers hope speaker helps make (radio) waves

SANDPOINT - The proposed Sandpoint Community Radio station is still in its embryonic stage, but organizers hope Sunday's afternoon and evening events with world renowned radio commentator Jim Hightower will move them one step closer to reaching their goal of getting on the air.

The radio station that many hope will become a viable avenue for local programing is currently trudging through the process of becoming sanctioned by the Federal Communications Commission. Organizers and supporters are hopeful that a resolution will be handed down soon and the station can begin to build, said Jeff Poole, a member of the board of directors.

In the meantime, Poole and the rest of board members scored a coup by bringing in Hightower to the area for two events on Sunday. First, Hightower will greet fans at an intimate, no-host reception at Ivano's Martini Bar from 3-5 p.m. He will then move to the Panida Theater for a 7 p.m. speaking engagement. All proceeds from the events will benefit the radio station.

Poole said that although Hightower is considered a left-of-center political figure, his message will appeal to people of all political views.

“He's on the A-list of people when you talk about national personalities,” Poole Said. “He's more of a ‘do things locally' guy, and that message resonates with conservatives as well as liberals.”

Finding that balance - both politically in general content - is what the station will strive for once it's operational, and Poole made it clear that the board of directors, like the community, have differing political leanings and interests that will come through in the station's programming.

To show they are serious when they say community radio, board members plan to let non-professional community members create their own programs on issues concerning the community at large.

“Community radio will be very literal in this sense,” Poole said. “We want to create an incubator that will allow the public to create their own content.”

Tickets for both Hightower events are selling fast but still available. Tickets for the afternoon event cost $100 and can be purchased by calling Poole at (208) 255-6276, and tickets to the evening event cost $15 and are available at Eichart's Pub, F.C. Weskill's, Eve's Leaves, Common Knowledge Bookstore, Berning Books in Clark Fork, Bonner Books in Bonners Ferry and at the Panida.