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TV translator group continues search for funds

by Brad FuquaWestern News
| January 20, 2010 11:00 PM

In an attempt to get operation and maintenance costs covered while preparing for the ultimate conversion to digital, the Libby TV Translator Group is trying to find local residents who are willing to contribute to the cause.

Libby Video Club president Jim Nelson hopes to see the antiquated translator system upgraded when digital conversion becomes necessary. To reach those goals, the group needs to show financial support from Libby and the surrounding area to apply for government grants.

“The community of Libby will have to pull together if they want to keep this system running,” Nelson said. “We will take anything – $5, $10.”

In addition to upgrading translators for the digital conversion, the group needs to arrange financing for operating and maintaining the current system. Fixed costs include power, licensing fees, site permits and maintenance on equipment that is around 40 years old.

The video club sent out letters to previous contributors explaining the situation and soliciting contributions. However, Nelson said many addresses are outdated and he’s worried that the word may not get out. The group did not do a mass mailing to all households as it had tried last year.

“The TV translators in the Libby area are solely maintained by the residents who provide financial assistance to the system,” Nelson said in the letter. “Each year these numbers dwindle.”

Last year, Libby Video Club sent out 5,026 letters and only 25 responded with contributions.

The Libby Video Club is licensed for eight translators – one of the largest systems in the country. However, only four are currently operating on Sheldon Mountain because of a lack of funds. The four channels currently available are KCFW, the NBC affiliate out of Kalispell; KPAX, the CBS affiliate out of Missoula; KXLY, the ABC affiliate out of Spokane, Wash.; and the PBS affiliate out of Missoula.

When the requirement to transmit a digital signal arrives, Libby Video Club hopes to be in a position to continue service. The group’s Jim Miles said they have received one grant but it only pays for a part of the conversion of one translator.

“We haven’t even begun to have the funds to make the switch to digital,” Nelson said. “The day will come and when that happens, we will be off the air completely.”

But if the translators can be upgraded, the quality of high-definition television will be incredible. Miles said that because of the type of signal, the picture quality is even better than those available on cable and satellite systems.

“Let’s make the jump to digital and high definition,” Nelson said in hopes of finding people to contribute. “Let’s keep Libby advancing into the digital age.”

Contributions

The Libby Video Club is seeking contributions to go toward operating and maintenance costs and future digital/HD upgrade costs associated with the TV translators on Sheldon Mountain.

Contributions to Libby Video Club can be made at:

• First National Bank

• Glacier Bank

• Libby Video Club, P.O. Box 977, Libby, MT 59923 (make checks payable to Libby Video Club)

• Contribute via credit card online at PayPal using the e-mail address: libbyvideoclub@yahoo.com .

• Call Clarence Johnson at 293-4039 to pay over the phone using a credit card.

For Information

• Rick Klin, 293-5014

• Jim Nelson, 293-1393

• Jim Miles, 291-5657