90.5 KBXE Notes

KBXE Publicity Committee Meeting in Bemidji

2011-02-23T12:23:00.000-08:00

We have just over a year before the March 2012 deadline to get 90.5 KBXE on the air, can you feel the excitement?

Please join our Publicity Committee meeting and share your ideas for good ways to spread the news about KBXE. If you have the time/interest in helping staff a table at a local event, or just a suggestion of an event we should represent at - the more people we have, the better we can do.

We'll be meeting at the MN Energy Resources building in Bemidji at 301 2nd St NW (use the 2nd St entrance) from 5:30-7p.

You can RSVP on Facebook, or just show up.

We'll be working on final specifics for events in March and April, including the Master Gardeners Spring Wakeup conference in Bagley, SisterSong in Bemidji, a Phenology Walk in the Bemidji area and the Ojibwe art exhibit Art From Within.

Plus, we've got some guerrilla theater to orchestrate and it has to be even cooler than last years Paul Bunyan Flash mob. Got some ideas of how we can do that?

I hope to see you there!

Rock on,
Doug

KBXE Spread the Love 2011 [The Video]

2011-02-18T06:49:00.000-08:00

The official highlight video from Spread the Love, including performances by Katie Corning and The Limns!!!

There was a great turn out for Spread the Love at the Blue Ox in Bemidji on Feb., 5th, 2011. The food was great, the music rocked, the trivia was quizzical and the people were generous.

At Spread the Love, we raised $19,240.86 towards building KBXE. A huge thanks to everyone who came out to help spread the love!

Read more: http://kbxe.blogspot.com/2011/02/spre...

More info:
KBXE: http://www.kbxe.org
The Limns: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Lim...
Katie Corning: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Katie-C...

HUGE thanks to the Video Ninja!!!

Spread the Love Raises Over $19K to Build KBXE

2011-02-07T11:10:00.000-08:00

There was a great turn out for Spread the Love this weekend. The food was great, the music rocked, the trivia was quizzical and the people were generous.

At Spread the Love, we raised $19,240.86. A huge thanks to everyone who came out to help spread the love for KBXE!

Building a new community radio station is a big project with many parts. Recently Northern Community Radio received a $150,000 grant from the George W. Neilson Foundation to help build KBXE's studios in Bemidji. This grant depends on our raising an additional $50,000 in matching funds.

All together we've raised $33,896.86 towards making that $50,000 match.

We would like to start renovating the space and building the studios in March, which is less than a month away.

You can help my pledging to KBXE's capital campaign.

Pledging to the capital campaign is separate from membership to Northern Community Radio. You can pay your contribution over 3 years, spreading out the payments however you like.

The budget for the entire KBXE project (including the tower and transmitter) is a little over $1,000,000 and includes $250,000 in community donations.

The KBXE Studios are 2,500 square feet, so that breaks down to $100 per square foot to build KBXE. How many square feet can we put out down for?

You can get more information and/or pledge by calling 800-662-5799 or by emailing kbxe@kbxe.org.

Thank you for your consideration.

KBXE Publicity Committee Meeting in Bagley

2011-02-01T15:31:00.000-08:00

Things are starting to really cook with the KBXE project, and I hope you can join our next publicity committee meeting this Thursday at Daroo's Pizza in Bagley from 5:30 - 7pm. More info here.

We'll work out the final details for the Spread the Love party and fundraiser this Saturday at the Blue Ox in Bemidji, more details here.

And we'll brain-storm upcoming events (we're due for some guerrilla theater this summer ;D)

There has been a lot of information published lately about the KBXE project:
How to Understate Excitemen t
How KAXE and KBXE will Coexist
What is Northern Community Radio

Your voice, your community, your station... see you at the meeting!!!

Rock on,
Doug

Doug MacRostie
Northern Community Radio
260 NE 2nd St
Grand Rapids MN 55744
mac@kaxe.org
218/326-1234
800/662-5799

91.7 KAXE www.kaxe.org
90.5 KBXE www.kbxe.org
www.northerncommunityinternet.org

Spread the Love THIS Saturday

2011-01-31T08:00:00.000-08:00

There will be fun and games galore at our annual Spread the Love party and fundraiser this Sat., February 5th, at the Blue Ox Bar and Grill in downtown Bemidji starting at 6pm.

Julie Crabb and Brandon Chase will be hosting love-themed Green Cheese Trivia with prizes from the Bar Bell Bee Ranch, K.D. Floral and Gardens, Chocolates Plus, and Chronicle Books.

And we’ll have great live music with The Limns from Minneapolis, a high energy rock band with influences of reggae and funk.

It's all to help Spread the Love for 90.5 KBXE, the new radio station we’re building to secure and enhance the service of KAXE and Northern Community Radio in Bagley, Bemidji, Puposki, Erskine, Clearbrook, Buzzle Lake and beyond.

Get more information, and find out how you can help build KBXE, at Spread the Love this Saturday, Feb 5th at the Blue Ox Bar and Grill in Bemidji. The Taco Bar and veggie alternatives start at 6 with trivia and music throughout the evening to help Spread the Love for KBXE.

You can RSVP on Facebook here.

Let's Get Together and Feel All Right

2011-01-25T11:26:00.000-08:00

Our second annual Spread the Love party and fundraiser is coming up on Sat., Feb 5th at the Blue Ox Bar and Grill in downtown Bemidji starting at 6pm. Come on out for fun and games, live music and find out how you can help spread the love for KBXE!

We'll have love themed Green Cheese Trivia and prizes with Brandon Chase and Julie Crabb. Big thanks to the Bar Bell Bee Ranch, KD Floral and Gardens and Chocolates Plus for providing the prizes. Plus, we'll have a couple copies of The Sexy Book of Sexy Sex to give away - how's that for love themed prizes? ;)

And we are really excited to have The Limns joining us that night for some excellent live music. Out of Minneapolis, the Limns are a high energy reggae-rock band with more than enough love to go around.

There will also be a taco bar and veggie alternatives. We'll start with trivia after food, then The Limns will rock out, then another round of trivia before The Limns rock out the rest of the night.

Join us on Sat., Feb 5th to Spread the Love for KBXE. You can RSVP here on Facebook.

Let's Spread the Love

2011-01-17T11:53:00.001-08:00

Wondering what KBXE is? It’s a new radio station we’re building to enhance the service of KAXE and Northern Community Radio in Bagley, Bemidji, Gonvick, Shevlin, Debs, Wilton and beyond.

You can get more information, and find out how you can help build KBXE, at our annual “Spread the Love” party and fundraiser starting at 6pm on Saturday, February 5th, at the Blue Ox Bar and Grill in Bemidji.

We’ll have a Taco Bar and vegetarian alternatives, and fun and games including love-themed Green Cheese Trivia with Brandon Chase and Julie Crabb.

Plus live music with The Limns, a high-energy reggae-rock band from Minneapolis.

Join us on Saturday, Feb 5th at the Blue Ox Bar and Grill in Downtown Bemidji starting at 6pm to help Spread the Love for KBXE.

You can RSVP on Facebook here.

Video: KBXE and the 2010 Night We Light Parade

2011-01-10T12:40:00.000-08:00

"Winner of the Blue Ox Film Festival 2010, Filmmaker Jamie Hall, aka the Video Ninja, has made an awesome film that is both funny and entertaining, following KBXE's journey from building a float in an old, dirty garage to a bright ride in the Night We Light parade in downtown Bemidji."

Jamie Hall, the Video Ninja, volunteers his time and skills to Northern Community Radio, and he submitted this as his final project for a production class at BSU. He got 290/300. Why the -10? "The video was only supposed to be 6 minutes long - but I refused to edit any more of the video out. I guess I went a little 'Peter Jackson' with it."

Big thanks to the KBXE Publicity Committee and Jamie Hall!!!

More info:
http://www.kbxe.org
http://www.kaxe.org

Meetings, Parties and Construction... OH MY!

2011-01-04T13:14:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!!! Nothing against 2010, but it's nice to finally be in 2011, right? We have barely over a year to build KBXE, LET'S DO IT!!!

This Thursday, Jan. 6th, the KBXE Publicity Committee is meeting at the future KBXE Studios, 3rd and America in downtown Bemidji, at 5:30pm. All are welcome! Bring friends, neighbors, strangers, whoever! We'll be working on Spread the Love II, planned for Saturday, Feb 5th. RSVP on Facebook.

Some homework to bring to the meeting: 5 love-themed trivia questions (not raunchy!) for the bar-edition of Green Cheese Trivia with Brandon Chase. If you can't make the meeting, feel free to message them to me (mac@kaxe.org).

And keep in mind that we have a "Call for Help" out there for remodeling the KBXE studios - It's a modern day barn-raising; where a community comes together and builds something great. Read more here.

Thanks for all you do, let me know if you have any questions and see you soon!

Rock on,
Doug

Doug MacRostie
Northern Community Radio
260 NE 2nd St
Grand Rapids MN 55744
mac@kaxe.org
218/326-1234
800/662-5799

91.7 KAXE www.kaxe.org
90.5 KBXE www.kbxe.org
www.northerncommunityinternet.org

Let's Build This Thing!

2010-12-29T09:30:00.001-08:00

Northern Community Radio and 90.5 KBXE have a New Year's resolution, and hopefully it involves you! It's remodeling the new studios at 305 America Avenue NW in downtown Bemidji.

It's a modern day barn-raising; where a community comes together and builds something great. In this case, it's building 90.5 KBXE - a public radio station for the entire community to use and enjoy.

It's the kind of project that requires the skills, experience, labor and networking of many. In short, 90.5 KBXE supplies the materials and you help in the assembly.

If you want to volunteer in the renovation of 90.5 KBXE, contact John Bauer: jbauer@kaxe.org, or call 218-326-1234.

So Bright You Might Need Shades

2010-11-24T08:07:00.000-08:00

by Doug MacRostie

Last year was KBXE's first time in the Night We Light parade in downtown Bemidji. We had cute kids in a truck with our mock-tower on the trailer covered in glow sticks next to a mock-radio studio, homemade banners on the side outlined by strings of lights - all run from an inverter. It was a very fun and cool thing. Then we saw the rest of the floats and in terms of the "light" part of the parade, we were the dimmest.

WELL NOT THIS YEAR!!! Come out and see the spectacle, starting at 6pm on Friday, the 26th in downtown Bemidji.

Last Sunday, members of the community and the KBXE Publicity gathered to put together this years float. We have upped the ante with a giant, reflective cornucopia that will have a pile of radios pouring out. Plus, a generator. Why a generator? Well...

We'll be hooking up some speakers and blasting tunes. And we've got 4 professional, sturdy, die cast aluminum, multi-color stage lights combining for a total of 144 high powered LEDs to wash our float with colorful light. Factor in the multiple 4' x 5' LED light spreads for the cornucopia, the flashing light on top of the tower and the brake lights and you might just want to bring your sunglasses.

No, we will not be the dimmest float this year! Oh, and we'll have cute kids again too :)

Like last year, we'll be doing a video of our adventure, and this time the Video Ninja will be capturing the footage so be sure to get nice and loud when you see the float. I'm talking big excitement. Screaming, waving your hands, perhaps feigning a faint, you get the idea.

We'll be meeting at 3pm on Friday the 26th to finish up the float at the KBXE Studios (3rd and America) - stop out if you would like to help, OR if you have any radios/stereos we can use on the float drop them off between 3 and 4:30. It would be a good idea to put a piece of tape on the bottom of the radio with your name and phone # so we can make sure it gets back to you.

If you would like to walk with us in the parade, be to the staging ground (behind the County buildings in Bemidji) between 5:30 and 6 - we'll have candy, KBXE info, buttons and stickers for you to hand out.

90.5 KBXE is a new public radio station being built by Northern Community Radio, who's mission to build community in Northern MN through radio broadcasts, cultural events and interactive media. Northern Community Radio has been operating 91.7 KAXE for almost 35 years (available at 105.3fm in Bemijdi) - 90.5 KBXE is intended to expand and enhance our service to that region, and has to be on the air by March of 2012. More info at http://www.kbxe.org.

Ever See a Giant Cornucopia Pouring Out Radios?

2010-11-15T09:41:00.000-08:00

90.5 KBXE will have a float again this year in the Night We Light parade in Bemidji on Friday, Nov. 26th (the day after Thanksgiving). Last year we had a glowing tower and radio station and a truck full of "cute enthusiast." This year we plan to make things bigger and better with a giant cornucopia with radios pouring out (and more).

If you would like to help spread the news and excitement about 90.5 KBXE you can help us assemble the float on Sunday, Nov. 21st at Noon at the future KBXE Studios on 3rd and America in downtown Bemidji (RSVP on Facebook). Bring a snack to share, hands to help, and any old radios or stereos we can use in the float. We'll be using chicken-fencing and fabric to make the cornucopia, which we'll pull behind a truck in a trailer (full of cute enthusiast, obviously). We'll also have a generator to power music and lights, including some professional stage lights :D

You can also walk with us in the parade, which starts at 6pm on Friday the 26th - arrive a little early! (RSVP on Facebook). We'll have stickers and 90.5 KBXE info to hand out, as well as candy! The more, the merrier. Give us a call if you have any questions, 800-662-5799 or email comments@kbxe.org.

90.5 KBXE is a new independent public radio station being built by Northern Community Radio which has been operating 91.7 KAXE for almost 35 years (at 105.3fm in Bemidji). 90.5 KBXE will enhance and expand the local, community coverage of Northern Community Radio. Give KAXE a listen if you haven't, we're streaming live at http://www.kaxe.org.

Here's a video of our experience last year:

VIDEO: KBXE Zombie Crawl in Downtown Bemidji

2010-11-08T13:36:00.000-08:00

The KBXE Zombie Crawl & Guerrilla Theater video was captured and produced by volunteer Jamie Hall, aka the Video Ninja. Thanks to the mass of zombies who dragged themselves around downtown Bemidji for the KBXE Zombie Crawl!!!

What is KBXE?

Zombies Flood Bemidji to Build Community

2010-10-25T07:46:00.000-07:00

When word spread around Northern Community Radi o that Lara Gerhardson and Mike Bredon were planning to close a street in downtown Bemidji to shoot a mass zombie scene for their film Lazarus at the same time KBXE was planning to host a Zombie Crawl in downtown Bemidji, we knew it was going to be a very cool thing. We joined forces and yeah, it was. Check out pix in our photo album.

On Sat. Oct 23rd 2010, hundreds of zombies gathered for the Lazarus film shoot on Beltrami Avenue NW and for 2 hours we dragged ourselves through the streets, mobbed a truck and had a lot of fun. Everyone involved was very happy to be there and from the film crew & producers to the security and zombies, it was all smiles between takes. The zombies ranged from young kids to grandparents.

Director Mike Bredon said that the shooting went excellent before climbing into the truck for one last mass-mob shot. "You guys have been amazing and thank you so much for being here." Local producer Gary Burger said that he was impressed by the seriousness of the the zombie participants, "I didn't see anyone goofing off at a camera, or smiling and laughing out of character. No horsing around or interrupting, just serious zombies. And that makes it so much easier for us."

Immediately following the filming was the KBXE Zombie Crawl which lead many of the undead all around Bemidji for coffee and drink specials and a little guerrilla theater (video coming soon :D). Chants of "What do we want? BRAINS! When do you want them? BRAINS!" could be heard throughout the night, and Rob Zombie's "Living Dead Girl" was played on multiple jukeboxes. The mob got bigger as the they crawled on and Brigid's Cross was packed with Zombies for live music to rock out the night.

"It's great seeing so many young people at a community radio event" said KBXE producer Doug MacRostie, "I think the zombie's helped a lot." The Zombie Crawl was to support Northern Community Radio's new station, KBXE. When it is built, KBXE will provide a new and powerful signal to people who live near Bemidji and Bagley.

Please contact us if you would like to help build KBXE!

Zombies Spotted in Bemidji!!!!!!!!!

2010-10-05T09:58:00.000-07:00

One Night, Two Events, Lots of Zombies! On Sat. the 23rd of October we'll be flooding Bemidji with Zombies - you can be part of a Zombie Film, and/or our Zombie Crawl:

Be in Lazarus - a Zombie Movie set in Bemidji
Have you ever wanted to BE in a Zombie Movie - now is your chance! Lara Gerhardson and Mike Bredon have been working on a full-length feature film called Lazarus. It's set in Bemidji and is the story of two brothers coming to terms at the end of the world. They have a big Zombie mob scene and we need YOU to be there. They are closing Beltrami Avenue in front of Brigid's on Sat. the 23rd from 5p-7p to do a multi-angle shoot of lot...s of zombies flooding the street. Bring all your friends! Meet at the parking lot behind Brigid's Cross. Wear old raggedy clothes and be ready to act like an old-school, slow moving zombie. If you can be ready to go with costume and make-up, be there by 4:30 to be part of the scene. If you need help with make-up, then be there by 4. Filming will start around 5, after some preliminaries and training. This is going to be a lot of fun and I hope you can be a part of it. If you would be interested in helping as a make-up artist, please let us know! This film shoot will be followed by the KBXE Zombie Crawl around downtown Bemidji. RSVP on Facebook.

KBXE Zombie Crawl
Join 90.5 KBXE for an evening of cavorting and fun for our Bemidji Zombie Crawl!!! On Saturday, Oct 23rd we'll be gathering at the parking lot behind Brigid's Cross Irish pub to start the crawl at 7pm, arrive early to be part of the group! Show up in your best zombie clothes and make-up! There will be make-up artists at the parking lot behind Brigid's if you need help with that - be sure to arrive early then - maybe around 6:30.... The route will take us to 209 at 7pm, Blue Ox at 7:30, Backyard BBQ at 8, Keg N' Cork at 8:30 then finish the night off with a party and live music at Brigid's Cross Irish Pub at 9. There will be a drink special happening from 7-9p at the Cabin Coffee House too! There will be drink specials at each bar for anyone dressed as a zombie AND wearing a KBXE sticker or button (which we will have available). And we'll probably plan a few "mobbing" moments as we travel from bar to bar (more details will be given the day of ;) RSVP on Facebook.

More details at KBXE.org

What is KBXE? Find out: http://www.kaxe.org/kbxe/faqs.html

Clearwater County Fair Photos

2010-08-16T10:14:00.000-07:00

90.5 KBXE was at the Clearwater County Fair in Bagley from Thursday August 5th through Sunday August 8th. Check out more pix here. Many local musicians performed at the KBXE booth including Lance Benson with Steve Ross and Mark Bauer, The Brothers Burn Mountain, Drew Warne-Jacobson & Friends, Aaron Tank, Eric Carlson, Miriam Tell and Katie Corning. Plus we had drawings for CD packages, KBXE stickers and more info on this soon-to-be-built radio station from Northern Community Radio.

Get more info at www.kbxe.org

KBXE's Clearwater County Fair Kickoff

2010-08-06T07:16:00.000-07:00

by Doug MacRostie

When we arrived to set up and the Clearwater County Fair yesterday, some other radio station was in our spot (and we had rented the BEST spot). This was quickly resolved and didn't seem to be too big of a deal to anyone. But still, for our first event IN Bagley, we bumped out a different radio station..., "Hi, here comes KBXE" ;). A sign of things to come? lol.

Right away we had issues tying knots to hang weights for the booth, a new thing we hadn't tried before. After one knot untied unexpectedly, we inquired at the booth of Cub Scout Pack 53 of Bagley to see if anyone could help us. Josh and Sam came over and saved the day! As they were working on the knots and we were chatting about this new station we're building, we found out that Josh actually already listens to KAXE, streaming on his smart phone! (KAXE isn't available on-air in Bagley...hence, KBXE is on the way). We didn't even have everything set up yet, and right away we had someone signing up for more info and volunteering help for the station. The perfect start for the fair - not to mention the Cub Scout booth was covered in KBXE stickers all day after that :)

When we were set up and ready to go, we could hear the Country Oldtime Tuners performing on the Pine Stage behind us. A duo with a guest, they had two guitars, vocals and accordion playing traditional country and gospel music. The Pine stage is a nice shady area, with an artificial pond and benches. One thing is for sure, the Clearwater County Fair has a great atmosphere! We forgot to bring our extension cords so we didn't have any music playing, and the red light on the tower wasn't flashing. That is all fixed starting today - so if you stopped by yesterday, you have to come out again to see the full effect (not to mention the live music).

Today's live music at the KBXE Booth will be performed by Eric Carlson at 4pm and Aaron Tank at 6pm. Tomorrow (Saturday) is our "big day" of music, with multi-piece bands including drum kits. A lot of people said they would be back tonight (Friday) to see Lance Benson at 6pm - check out the full schedule at KBXE.org and stop out and say HI!

What is KBXE?

KBXE Brings Local Bands to Clearwater County Fair

2010-07-30T09:27:00.001-07:00

90.5 KBXE will be at the Clearwater County Fair in Bagley from Thursday August 5th through Sunday August 8th. Many local musicians will be stopping by to perform at the KBXE booth including Lance Benson with Steve Ross and Mark Bauer, The Brothers Burn Mountain, Drew Warne-Jacobson & Friends, Aaron Tank and Eric Carlson. Plus we’ll have drawings for CD packages, KBXE stickers and more info on this soon-to-be-built radio station from Northern Community Radio.

Performer Schedule
Friday August 6th:
4pm: Eric Carlson
6pm: Aaron Tank

Saturday August 7th:
2pm: Drew Warne-Jacobson and Friends
4pm: The Brothers Burn Mountain
6pm: Lance Benson with Steve Ross and Mark Bauer

Sunday August 8th:
2pm: Miriam Tell
4pm: Katie Corning

What is KBXE?

We Came, We Flash Mobbed, We Left

2010-07-27T15:16:00.000-07:00

So wow, the KBXE Paul Bunyan Flash Mob was a HUGE success. With over 50 people coming together dressed as Paul Bunyan, a lot of smiles and double-takes at Art in the Park, and a video that has over 1,300 views in the first week it was an eye-catching event, and a lot of fun. Not sure what I'm talking about? The Video is at the bottom of this blog.

The video and story of the KBXE Paul Bunyan Flash Mob was picked up around the internet including The World News Network (see screen shot), Minnesota Brown, MinnPost, ICTV, the FlickrRiver, it was the most popular story on Northern Community Internet, the National Federation of Community Broadcasters, Strong Towns Blog, Roy C. Booth's Myspace page, and many other content repeaters :) Not to mention the people who watched on the Bemidji Chamber of Commerce Paul & Babe webcam :) There was also a clear impact on the KBXE Facebook page; compared to the previous week, our monthly active users was up 141.3%, total fans up +13.9%, interactions up 722.2%, and overall page views up 123.5%.

If you can think of anyone or anyone else who should cover this story, feel free to encourage them to do so ;) Will we do another Flash Mob? Join the Publicity Committee to find out :D

This was the latest event from the KBXE Publicity Committee, a group of volunteers working to raise public awareness and build support for 90.5 KBXE - a new independent community radio station that will serve Bagley, Bemidji and beyond. Please contact us if you would like to get involved the the Publicity Committee (email Sarah MacRostie, sdemac@paulbunyan.net), or any of the other ways you can help - call Northern Community Radio at 800-662-5799.

The KBXE Paul Bunyan Flash Mob

2010-07-20T08:06:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful day in downtown Bemidji. The sun was shining and people were enjoying Art in Park when a Paul Bunyan walked by. What? A Paul Bunyan? There's another! And three more! They're everywhere, what's going on here?

It was Northern Minnesota's first ever flash mob, courtesy of 90.5 KBXE. On Sunday, July 18th 2010, a group of over 50 people gathered at Diamond Point Park in Bemidji for pizza and planning. Then the group set off for the Lake Bemidji Waterfront, dressed in red and black flannel shirts, blue jeans (rolled up of course), a painted mustache and a dark knit cap. The group slowly trickled through Art in the Park, turning a lot of heads and getting even more smiles. The Mobbers then drifted to the Paul and Babe statue, where they froze one at a time. What started as a couple of frozen Paul Bunyan's grew into dozens and people stopped to watch and take pictures while passing cars honked their horns.
Members of the Flash Mob ranged in age from 88 to 1, or "older than the Paul Bunyan statue to younger than it's latest paint job." There was even a Paul Bunyan on a bicycle, and families of Paul Bunyans.

After remaining frozen as a group - they suddenly turned away from the statue and pulled open their flannel shirts to reveal KBXE Bumper Stickers to a cheer from the gathered crowd.
The KBXE Paul Bunyan Flash Mob was conducted by the Publicity Committee of KBXE - a soon-to-be-built independent community radio station that will serve Bagley, Bemidji, Fosston, Gonvick, Clearbrook, Debs, Erskine, Zerkel and beyond. Lead organizer Sarah MacRostie said, "KBXE’s publicity committee has been working hard to raise awareness in area communities in creative ways - from a phenology walk in Clearbrook to being in the Debs 4th of July parade. Getting members from the community to perform guerrilla theater in the form of a Paul Bunyan Flash Mob seemed like a perfect fit for the First City of the Arts, and a great way to get peoples' attention."

90.5 KBXE has to be broadcasting by March of 2012, and you can help make it happen! Contact us if you'd like more information or would like to join one of the committees working on this project. KBXE is being built by Northern Community Radio, whose mission is to "Build Community in Northern Minnesota through radio broadcasts, cultural events and interactive media." Northern Community Radio operates 91.7 KAXE, which is celebrating over 34 years of independent community radio with studios in Grand Rapids, and translators at 89.9 in Brainerd and 105.3 in Bemidji. KBXE is being pursued as a way to preserve community radio for that region.
More info: kbxe.org

Thanks:
The KBXE Publicity Committee

Video:
Jamie Hall

Photos:
Jeremy Anway

Food:
Papa Murphy's Pizza, Bemidji

And of course, all you Mobbers :D

Press Leak: KBXE Flash Mob

2010-07-13T10:45:00.000-07:00

ATTENTION: Group of Volunteers Plan “Flash” Event for Bemidji’s Art in the Park

On Sunday, July 18th, during Art in the Park in downtown Bemidji, something amazing is going to happen. That something will start at 1pm and last for a matter of minutes, gathering at the Paul and Babe statue. And it’s something you should cover. Have your cameras pointed & reporters posted for Northern MN’s first ever Flash Mob, courtesy of KBXE.

At first you’ll see one or two…, then there will be one or two more…, and three more after that…and then more… what is it? Be there to find out!

Think of it as community guerrilla theater by volunteers of 90.5 KBXE, a soon to be built community radio station serving Bagley, Bemidji, Fosston, Gonvick, Clearbrook, Debs, Erskine, Zerkel and beyond.

This information is embargoed until culmination of the event on July 18th and should not be announced in advance. Contact me if you have any questions.

Thanks and see ya there,
Doug

Doug MacRostie
Northern Community Radio
260 NE 2nd St
Grand Rapids MN 55744
218/326-1234
800/662-5799
mac@kaxe.org

91.7 KAXE www.kaxe.org
90.5 KBXE www.kbxe.org
www.northerncommunityinternet.org

----------------------------------------------------
P.S. If you want to be involved with this event, get in touch with KBXE Publicity Committee by contacting Sarah MacRostie at sdemac@paulbunyan.net.

Community Radio is People: That's YOU!

2010-06-30T15:07:00.000-07:00

The following is a message that was sent to members of the KBXE Publicity Committee, but - all our welcome, so here is your official invite :)

---------------------------------------------

Yo! Here's my attempt at urging you to dedicate some of your valuable and limited time to help KBXE this summer - it's a LOT of work to build a new radio station and we really need your help.

I can completely understand how busy you probably are this summer - I know my calendar has very few "open" weekends left, along with wanting to spend time with Escher (almost a year and a half old now!) and what not, it's crazy and seems like there is barely time to breath...

But, KBXE is important. And, KBXE is on a tight timeline. I hope you can come to our meeting tomorrow night at 5:30 (Thurs, July 1st, 2nd and Minnesota – old People’s Nat. Gas building meeting room). From sharing ideas to planning events - the more people the better!

If you can't make the meeting, but still want to help, please let us know if you can help with events on these dates:

Sat. July 3rd (THIS sat) we are going to be in the Debs parade - meeting in Debs at 10a, with the parade starting at 11.

Sun. July 18th - something really cool is happening, but you have to contact me to find out what (mac@kaxe.org).

August 5th-8th, the Clearwater County Fair - we'll have a booth there and need volunteers to help staff it. Even if you can just offer a couple hours, we truly need all the help we can get.

If you are available at any of these times, please come out and help! Contact me back to let me know, and feel free to ask any questions: mac@kaxe.org

Northern Community Radio has a great reputation doing a lot with a little, and we do that with volunteer support - help make KBXE happen and thanks!

~Doug

What is KBXE?

90.5 KBXE Is Heating Up in July

2010-06-29T10:02:00.001-07:00

by Doug MacRostie

July is shaping up to be an exciting month in the world of 90.5 KBXE, the yet-to-be-built radio station that will serve Bagley, Bemidji, Fosston, Gonvick, Clearbrook, Debs, Erskine, Zerkel and beyond. From new studios to parades, from fairs to ???, it's going to be a lot of fun!

Coming up this Thursday at 5:30pm the KBXE Publicity Committee meets at it's temporarily-regular time and place (first Thursday of the month, 2nd and Minnesota – old People’s Nat. Gas building meeting room in Bemidji) with a lot of exciting things to talk about (if you want get involved with the Pub Comm, check out the group on Facebook, or call us for more info 800-662-5799). The reason this is the temporary regular date and time is...

The purchase of studio space for 90.5 KBXE has to be closed by July 7th - we have teamed up with Harmony Natural Foods Cooperative to purchase the former TruStar Federal Credit Union building at 413 3rd Street Northwest in Bemidji. 2,600 square feet of that would be 90.5 KBXE studio space (next to Dave's Satellite), the rest would be the new location of Harmony. The location serves both organizations, and it's been great that we've been able to work with another local, community-oriented group in a mutually beneficial way. So, by the time the next KBXE Publicity Committee meets, we should be sitting in the future home of the KBXE studios!!!

Coming up on Saturday July 3rd, volunteers from 90.5 KBXE will be in the Debs 4th of July Parade starting at 11am.

On Sunday, July 18th... [more information available through the Publicity Committee ;D] ...how cool is that?

The first weekend of August we'll have a big booth at the Clearwater County Fair in Bagley, next to the kiddie barn area. We're planning to have some local musicians stop by the booth to play some tunes, and we'll have CDs and stickers to give away - plus all the info you need to support a radio station being built. We could definitely use some volunteer help at the fair, again contact the Publicity Committee for more info, or call 800-662-5799.

Do you have questions about KBXE? Wondering how, exactly, we're going to do what, exactly? Get involved! Building a community radio station is a community process - we're a grassroots organization, and we're still at the early stages of this project - you're help is more than welcome, it's needed!!!

Help Save PTFP!

2010-06-29T09:49:00.000-07:00

PTFP is an acronym for a federal program: the Public Telecommunications Facilities Program. PTFP is in trouble.

PTFP is the place public radio and television stations go to apply for federal funds to help build new stations. It also keeps existing stations on the air when the equipment wears out, and helps public radio stations prepare for or recover from hurricanes, floods or other natural disasters.

It is a good program. It has just 3 employees and low overhead. PTFP helped KAXE replace an ailing transmitter in the past, and we hope it will help us build KBXE in the future. It is a small federal program; a drop in the proverbial budgetary bucket. PTFP received a total $44 million in 2011, most of which will be distributed to public radio and television stations.

Yet, for some reason, PTFP has been targeted as one of only 4 programs in the whole government as examples of what the President wants to line item veto this year. Efforts to cancel the program have come from both Democrats and Republicans in congress. They have linked cancellation of PTFP with lowering the deficit.

At the root of this, there seems to be general misunderstanding about PTFP. Some people think it is redundant, because the Corporation for Public Broadcasting funds many aspects of public broadcasting, and has recently provided funding for digital conversion.

Unlike the CPB, the PTFP doesn’t exist to fund HD radio or digital TV. PTFP exists to build stations. PTFP is the only place organizations like Northern Community Radio can go for federal funds to buy actual, basic broadcast equipment. The PTFP’s highest priority is to make sure public broadcasting is available to people everywhere in the United States. It won’t pay for everything—the program requires every applicant to leverage public money with matching private funds.

In 2007, the FCC opened what is probably the last window for applications for new noncommercial broadcast licenses ever (because the FM spectrum is pretty much completely full now). They granted hundreds of new construction permits, many to grassroots organizations—community licensees, colleges, nonprofits and American Indian groups, to name a few. Most of these new stations are not built yet. A loss of the PTFP right now will mean an irreplaceable loss in new community radio stations because the stations in the pipeline—that had counted on PTFP for help—may not be able to find enough money to build. If they can’t build in time, their licenses will go to wealthier organizations that can, and it is likely that no new licensing opportunity will ever come again.

This is a critical issue for all small and community-based radio stations in the public radio system. You can help! Here is a link to a letter you can send to your congressional representatives (by email or printable letter) about PTFP. It is on an NPR website, the Public Radio Action Center (when you fill in the identifying information, most of you will be a “non-station advocate.”)

Here is a link to write to your local congressperson: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

And another link to write to your senators: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

Or, call KAXE if you want more information, and ask to talk to me! 218/326-1234.

-Maggie Montgomery, General Manager
Northern Community Radio

KBXE FAQs [Revised May 10th, 2010]

2010-05-12T12:54:00.000-07:00

Frequently Asked Questions: What is KBXE?

90.5 KBXE is a soon-to-be-built nonprofit, community/public radio station that will serve Bemidji, Bagley and the surrounding area. It’s a big project! Many individuals are working hard to plan the station, raise funds, and build the tower, transmission plant and studios. This document endeavors to answer questions about 90.5 KBXE. If you need to know more, email kbxe@kbxe.org or call Northern Community Radio at 800/662-5799 or 218/326-1234. Thanks for taking the time to learn more about KBXE!

What is community radio?

Community radio is community supported, community controlled, and community programmed. It is radio “of, by and for” the community. Community radio stations may be licensed to local organizations, universities, tribal councils, or others. All community radio stations are educational in mission and non-profit in structure.

90.5 KBXE will be licensed to Northern Community Radio. Northern Community Radio’s board of directors has established a mission that will guide how this remarkable asset will be used: to build community.

90.5 KBXE will achieve this mission by making connections, bringing people together, and encouraging a sense of regional identity and belonging. 90.5 KBXE will use its broadcast and Internet facilities to support the efforts of community groups and organizations.

How is community radio different from other kinds of radio, like public radio and commercial radio?

Community stations like 90.5 KBXE are a special type, or subset, of public educational radio. They are public radio stations that are very focused on their communities, and that have a nonprofit structure. Like other public radio stations, 90.5 KBXE will receive some of its funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, conduct pledge drives, and will carry some programs from organizations like National Public Radio. But KBXE will be independent and focused on northern Minnesota in its daily operation and programming. It will be locally owned and operated by Northern Community Radio, and will involve people from this area in all aspects of its operation.

90.5 KBXE is part of a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit so, unlike commercial radio, any profit it makes will go back into the organization rather than to a private owner or company. There are just 4 community radio stations in the State of Minnesota, including KAXE. KBXE will be the 5^th!

Will I be able to produce a radio show on 90.5 KBXE?

Volunteers will be extremely important to 90.5 KBXE. In fact, they will be the foundation of its programming!

Some volunteers may be interested in producing music shows. Others may want to produce public affairs segments, write commentary, or help produce specialty programs. 90.5 KBXE will provide free training classes for new volunteers that will teach them how to create professional radio programs. There will also be plenty of opportunities to volunteer off the air.

Will KBXE be just like KAXE? What will the programming be like?

People in the communities served by KBXE and KAXE will “co-create” programming that will be broadcast all across northern Minnesota, because shows created in either station’s studio can be broadcast on both stations. Volunteers and staff at KBXE will originate some special programs that grow out of the culture of the Bemidji and Bagley area, and those programs will be shared with KAXE. What we hear on both stations will be better because of this relationship, and because of the influx of new volunteers and communities. KBXE will expand our sense of the northern Minnesota region and our understanding of its people, communities, and nature.

It takes a long time and a lot of input and experimentation to make high quality radio programs that will help build community. We think KBXE will rely more heavily on KAXE for programming at first, and will contribute more programming of its own as time goes on. It will grow its capacity and its ability to develop new programs over a period of months or years.

Like KAXE, 90.5 KBXE’s programming will reflect our community, our culture and the natural environment. You will hear the voices of your neighbors, local musicians and artists, local events, businesses, community groups and organizations, history and humor. KBXE will be inclusive and participatory, will provide companionship and entertainment, and will help people in our region learn more about where they live.

In community meetings so far, people have told us that they would like KBXE’s programming to include news and information from National Public Radio. They would like the Morning Show and other programs to include information and people specific to northwest and north central Minnesota. They would like to hear live performances by local artists on KBXE. They would like to help produce programs that might be broadcast simultaneously on both KBXE and KAXE. They are interested in KBXE holding and broadcasting live performances from its studios.

Because it is planned that volunteers will produce music programming for KBXE and KAXE simultaneously, the music on 90.5 KBXE will be similar to the music heard on 91.7 KAXE. KAXE currently broadcasts a mix of folk, rock, blues, jazz and world music that is about 50% male/female. The musical mix includes many local musicians and musical performances—music that is part of the cultural heritage and cultural present of northern Minnesota. Each music program is hand-made by a volunteer from the community, who brings his or her special knowledge and creativity to the airwaves.

We will be gathering more input into programming throughout the process of building KBXE.

Who’s behind this project…Who’s in charge…Why is this happening?

Northern Community Radio (NCR) will own 90.5 KBXE’s broadcast license on behalf of the community. Northern Community Radio has operated community radio station 91.7 KAXE since 1976. NCR is an independent, nonprofit membership organization headquartered in Grand Rapids MN. Northern Community Radio also operates Northern Community Internet dot org, which consists of 18 websites for individual communities in northern Minnesota, including www.BemidjiCommunityInternet.org. Northern Community Internet is a place where people can share their online content with their neighbors.

A ten-person board of directors governs Northern Community Radio and establishes its mission. Members elect four of the directors, and the board itself appoints six more. You are considered a member of both KAXE and KBXE if you join either one.

When 91.7 KAXE was founded it was one of the original FM signals in northern Minnesota. Its signal reached people in Bemidji and beyond with little trouble. When more stations started crowding the FM dial, Northern Community Radio had to provide KAXE’s signal to the Bemidji area via a 250-watt translator (currently operating at 105.3 FM, located atop the Federal Building in Bemidji). This worked fairly well—at least within Bemidji city limits—for about 20 years. However, for a number of reasons (including other stations crowding in, the advent of HD radio, and the fact that 105.3 is in the commercial part of the radio spectrum) it is getting harder to provide KAXE’s signal to the area.

Northern Community Radio procured a construction permit for an entirely new broadcast station in the summer of 2009, from a community group that wanted to bring a community radio signal to the Bemidji area (Headwaters Unitarian Universalist Fellowship - HUUF). HUUF transferred the permit to Northern Community Radio because they had confidence that the organization could fulfill that purpose. This was perfect for Northern Community Radio too, because of the signal difficulties it was having.

Northern Community Radio will provide management and administrative support for KBXE. It will provide experience, systems, and resources that will help 90.5 KBXE operate efficiently, legally, and transparently. The organization hopes to achieve some economies of scale by operating two stations together.

Will KBXE be affiliated with Minnesota Public Radio (MPR)?

No, KBXE will not receive any money or support from MPR. KBXE will be operated by Northern Community Radio, which is totally independent from MPR.

MPR is much larger than Northern Community Radio. MPR is headquartered in St Paul and operates almost 40 public radio stations across the United States. In turn, American Public Media Group (APMG) is the parent organization that operates Minnesota Public Radio, Southern California Public Radio, and Classical South Florida, as well as American Public Media, the Greenspring Company and the Fitzgerald Theater. APMG also directly operates the Pretty Good Goods Catalog, The Lake Wobegon USA Store at the Mall of America and Public Radio Market, an Amazon dot com affiliate.

Northern Community Radio is locally owned and operated by people in northern Minnesota. It is a membership organization that holds an annual meeting and allows its members to vote and submit resolutions. Northern Community Radio is a member of NPR, or National Public Radio. This membership allows Northern Community Radio to pay dues and purchase programming like Morning Edition, Car Talk, World Café and All Things Considered from NPR.

Minnesota Public Radio is also an NPR member, just as Northern Community Radio is. MPR pays NPR dues and purchases NPR programs. Some members of Northern Community Radio pledge money to MPR too. However, money given to either one of these organizations does not support the other.

Will I get 90.5 KBXE on my radio where I live?

90.5 KBXE’s signal will originate from a 500’ tower that will be located between Bagley and Bemidji. The primary signal will probably encompass most of Clearwater County, plus parts of Mahnomen, Red Lake, Becker, Hubbard and Beltrami Counties. Depending on terrain, conflicting radio signals, the quality of your antenna and the selectivity of your tuner, you may be able to hear KBXE beyond the primary signal area.

If you live in certain areas (east of Bemidji, for example) you may be able to receive both KAXE and KBXE, but with a less robust (fringe) signal.

Where will KBXE’s studios be?

Studios will be located in Bemidji. 90.5 KBXE will join Harmony Natural Foods Cooperative in its prospective new home, the former TruStar Federal Credit Union building at 413 3^rd Street Northwest.

Harmony’s new space—a 7,500 square-foot structure on a half-block of property—will have three times the retail capacity the co-op has now, plus a true loading dock, parking, a larger deli space, meeting room, commercial community kitchen, and a perfect partner in 90.5 KBXE.

KBXE will be moving into the east-facing side of the building, next door to Dave’s Satellite, a 2,600 square-foot suite of rooms with an entrance on America Avenue. Harmony will initially lease the space to KBXE, because that will help Harmony pay its bills as they build a new co-op. At the end of 5 years those lease payments will have accumulated and KBXE will own the space.

Is there a deadline for building KBXE?

The station has to be on the air by March 23, 2012.

Can I stop in for coffee?

Sure, but only after the station has walls, an electrical outlet and a coffee pot.

Will KBXE have an official bird or an official pancake?

Possibly, but that’s up to the community!

Is it true that a KBXE bumper sticker will add value to my car/truck?

Definitely. It will also add character to your car, help hold your vehicle together better than duct tape, and allows your car or truck to hang out with other community-minded vehicles that also sport KBXE bumper stickers.

What can I do to help?

KBXE is a grassroots community project. You can give time, money, input or all three! Here are some helpful things you can do:

Help spread the word! Tell your friends and neighbors about 90.5 KBXE.
Serve on a committee. You can help with special events, publicity, technical committees, building committee or fundraising. More committees may be developed in the future! Call 800/662-5799 or email kbxe@kbxe.org to find out more.
Most importantly, give generously to the capital campaign. You can pay your pledge all at once or over as much as three years’ time! Call 800/662-5799 or email kbxe@kbxe.org to find out more.

What will my contribution be used for?

If you contribute to KBXE right now, your money will be used to help build the station. The campaign includes “brick and mortar,” broadcasting and studio equipment, land for a tower, transmitter building, fundraising materials and expenses (your money will not be used for the staff time Northern Community Radio is contributing directly but may be used for consultant fees), publicity costs, events related to the campaign, legal fees, license costs, contingency, and other similar things.

We believe the final cost of this project will be around $1,300,000, but it may be a little more or less depending in large part on the final location of the tower. Of this total, we hope to raise about $300,000 from individuals, businesses and special events. We are applying for the remainder from federal sources (NTIA/PTFP) and foundation grants.

How do I sign up? Call 800/662-5799 (those are Northern Community Radio’s offices) or email kbxe@kbxe.org.

How To Make A Willow Whistle

2010-05-04T08:59:00.000-07:00

At the end of the KBXE Phenology Walk and Birding Expedition in Clearbrook with John Latimer, John displayed to the group how to make a willow whistle. The secret? A sharp knife and pocket full of band aids. Follow along step by step as as John shows the cuts and twists involved:

John Latimer hosts The Phenology Show, which has been on 91.7 KAXE for over 25 Years. Northern Community Radio, which has been operating KAXE for over 34 years, is building a new community radio station to serve Bagley, Bemidji, Blackduck, Birch, Buzzle, and beyond. Read more about KBXE here: http://kbxe.blogspot.com/ or http://www.kbxe.org.

90.5 KBXE Finds Studio Space!

2010-04-26T09:35:00.001-07:00

4.23.10

TO: Current & Future Friends of 90.5 KBXE
FROM: Steve Downing (sdowning@kaxe.org)

On 91.7 KAXE’s 34^th birthday we’re officially announcing what some of you already know. The story was in the Bemidji Pioneer two days ago, meaning it must be true, and it is: 90.5 KBXE will join Harmony Natural Foods Cooperative in its prospective new home, the former TruStar Federal Credit Union building at 413 3^rd Street Northwest. To say that Northern Community Radio is excited about the news understates it by a lot. This arrangement was our first, best hope; it seemed to have run aground awhile back; seeing it come around again has improved everyone’s spirits.

Harmony’s new space---a 7,500 square-foot structure on a half-block of property--will have three times the retail capacity the co-op has now, plus a true loading dock, plus loads of parking, plus a genuine restaurant, plus a perfect partner in 90.5 KBXE. KBXE will be moving into the east-facing side of the building, next door to Dave’s Satellite, a 2,600 square-foot suite of rooms that we first walked through in November and have been thinking about ever since. Lease? Buy? Both? We haven’t spelled out the details yet, but this relationship feels very symbiotic. Our two membership rosters share quite a number of names. Whatever the eventual legal agreement comes to look like, the organizing principle will be win-win.

We’re still looking for a tower site. No news to report on that front. Ideas? We’re all ears.

The Publicity/PR Committee continues to meet the first Thursday of every month, at 5:30, in the meeting room at the MN Energy Resources building (corner of 2^nd & Minnesota, Bemidji) and everyone’s welcome to attend.

Next big events: “Upper Shores”: Saturday, May 1, 3:00 PM, at Beltrami History Center (130 Minnesota Avenue Southwest, Bemidji). Singer-songwriter Miriam Tell has written and gathered songs for a unique and entertaining approach to musical storytelling. A free will donation at the door will benefit both the Beltrami County Historical Society and KBXE. Be there! That same day, KBXE volunteers will be at the Council of Indian Students Pow Wow at John Glass Field House, BSU from Noon-10pm – bumper stickers and buttons for all!

Committee 1 (major donors) has been meeting regularly and has just begun approaching prospective large-gift contributors.

If anyone asks you, “What is KBXE?,” remember the short form summary we used in the first newsletter. 90.5 KBXE is a soon-to-be-built nonprofit, community/public radio station that will serve Bagley, Bemidji, Blackduck, Birch, Buzzle, and beyond. KBXE will be operated by Northern Community Radio, which has 34 years of experience doing this sort of thing (91.7 KAXE). The two stations will feed and inspire one other; the sound of Northern Community Radio will be even more creative, more diverse than ever. That’s saying something! The tower will be built near Bagley. The studios---it’s official now---will be in Bemidji. KBXE will begin broadcasting no later than March, 2012.

Please forward this to anyone you think might be interested and tell them how easy it is to get onto our list: send an email to kbxe@kbxe.org

90.5 KBXE www.kbxe.org kbxe@kbxe.org 218.326.1234 800.662.5799

Join John Latimer for a Phenology Walk/Birding Expedition

2010-04-20T08:39:00.001-07:00

by Doug MacRostie

"I need an angle to write a blog about the Phenology walk coming up," I said to Heidi Holtan while sipping my soda and spinning around in my chair. "How about your love of donuts?" she asked. I paused..., she said, "Oh wait, that's MY love of donuts." And such was my dilemma.

It is true there will be donuts and even tea and coffee and sugar and cream (powder) at 8:30am this Saturday at the Gathering Place in Clearbrook (the old school gym), and I really enjoy donuts - but that's not why I'm excited. I don't have any idea what to expect on the Phenology Walk/Birding Expedition starting at 9, especially not in rice paddies. But, I guess that's what's fun about nature walks, you never know what you'll find! And when someone as passionate and knowledgeable as John Latimer is leading the way (don't tell him I said that!) tiny little plants or critters that I normally don't notice suddenly become specimens of some exotic creature. A butterfly floating by isn't a fleeting moment, it's an opportunity to observe, identify and appreciate.

With the crazy weather we've been having this Spring (and the last year) it's hard to predict what we may find. There could be thousands of migrating birds... or not. But there definitely will be coffee and tea, there will be good company, and it's looking like great weather to get outside and explore around Clearbrook and see what we find. And just like the fun of not-knowing-what-comes next of a nature walk, we've got the mixed-tastiness of a potluck at Noon back at the Gathering Place! Booya!

All are welcome at the Phenology Walk/Birding Expedition with John Latimer this Sat., the 24th at the Gathering Place in Clearbrook (221 3rd Ave SW - here's a Google Map), meeting at 8:30am for coffee and rolls, walks starting at 9 and a potluck at Noon. If you're on Facebook, the event is listed here. As you can see in the picture to the right, John is so good at this, students from all over MN send him hand-drawn portraits! BE THERE!

This event was orchestrated by the KBXE Publicity Committee, a group of local volunteers working to raise awareness of 90.5 KBXE, a new, local station being built by Northern Community Radio, who have been operating 91.7 KAXE for 34 years in Grand Rapids, Hibbing, Virginia and the Iron Range, also heard at 89.9 in Brainerd and 105.3 in Bemidji. Get more information at KBXE.org

Why Is KBXE?

2010-04-07T10:29:00.000-07:00

by Scott Hall & Maggie Montgomery

There's much excitement and energy for KBXE, the new station Northern Community Radio is building to better serve the Bemidji and Bagley areas. Many people have come forward in Beltrami and Clearwater counties to help us with the planning, building and fundraising. Some listeners from other parts of the KAXE listening area have asked, "Why are you building KBXE?"

The answer is to preserve community radio in that region. Many new radio stations have been built in north central MN since KAXE first went on the air in 1976. It is getting harder to get KAXE’s 91.7 signal to Bemidji due to HD Interference and summer fades, and the signal will get worse because the FCC just gave radio stations permission to increase the power of their HD transmissions. In the case of 105.3, it's possible we could lose that signal altogether because it's in the commercial spectrum - which means a commercial entity could take the signal and we would have no recourse.

Northern Community Radio intends to preserve a signal for community radio in our region and has the financial resources to expand its service. Failure to act will mean loss of audience, and that will erode our financial support. KBXE will add energy, creativity and substance to Northern Community Radio’s programming, on both KAXE and KBXE, and on our websites and social media networks.

This is an opportunity to expand our mission to over 40,000 new people and several communities to the west, including people who don’t currently have access to a public radio signal, giving more people the opportunity to directly participate—the opportunity to create radio programs and other media using Northern Community Radio’s facilities. KBXE will be a regional broadcaster and an asset in its communities of service.

KBXE will broadcast at 90.5 and is the best solution to guaranteeing a reliable signal for those many loyal KAXE listeners. It will also enable us to reach people who may have never heard KAXE. This is an exciting opportunity and we hope you'll be involved.

We have a very active Publicity Committee that is planning monthly (or more) events - whether you'd like to share ideas, answer questions at an info table, want to help with construction, or just have a lot of energy to focus - please let us know, email kbxe@kbxe.org, or call 800-662-5799.

KBXE FAQs [Revised March, 2010]

2010-04-07T10:23:00.000-07:00

Frequently Asked Questions:
What is KBXE?

90.5 KBXE is a soon-to-be-built nonprofit, community/public radio station that will serve Bagley, Bemidji and the surrounding area. It’s a big project! Many individuals are working hard to plan the station, raise funds, and build the tower, transmission plant and studios. This document endeavors to answer questions about 90.5 KBXE. If you need to know more, email kbxe@kbxe.org or call Northern Community Radio at 800/662-5799 or 218/326-1234.

Thanks for taking the time to learn more about KBXE!

What is community radio?

Community radio is distinguished by community support, community control, and community programming. It is radio “of, by and for” the community. Community radio stations may be licensed to local organizations, universities, tribal councils, or others. All community radio stations are educational in mission and non-profit in structure.

People in northwestern and north central Minnesota will be fortunate to have a radio broadcast facility like 90.5 KBXE in their community. 90.5 KBXE’s broadcast license, studios and transmission facilities will be an asset!

How is community radio different from other kinds of radio, like public radio and commercial radio?

Community stations like 90.5 KBXE are a special type, or subset, of public educational radio. Like other public radio stations, 90.5 KBXE will receive some of its funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, conduct pledge drives, and will carry some programs from organizations like National Public Radio. But KBXE will be independent and focused on northern Minnesota in its daily operation and programming. It will be locally owned and operated and will involve people from this area in all aspects of its operation.

90.5 KBXE is part of a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit so, unlike commercial radio, any profit it makes will go back into the organization rather than to a private owner or company.

Will I be able to produce a radio show on 90.5 KBXE?

Volunteers will be extremely important to 90.5 KBXE. In fact, they will be the foundation of its programming!

What kind of music will be on 90.5 KBXE?

Because it is planned that volunteers will produce music programming for KBXE and KAXE simultaneously, the music on 90.5 KBXE will be similar to the music you hear now on 91.7 KAXE. That is, it will be a mix of folk, rock, blues, jazz and world music that is 50% male/female. Each program is hand-made by a volunteer from the community, who will bring his or her special knowledge and creativity to the airwaves.

KBXE will eventually create specialty programs, and share those with KAXE. It will include many local musicians and musical performances in its musical mix, and music that is part of the cultural heritage and cultural present of northern Minnesota.

Who’s behind this project…Who’s in charge…Why is this happening?

When 91.7 KAXE was founded it was one of the original FM signals in northern Minnesota. Its signal reached people in Bemidji and beyond with little trouble. When more stations started crowding the FM dial, Northern Community Radio had to provide KAXE’s signal to the Bemidji area via a 250-watt translator (currently operating at 105.3 FM, located atop the Federal Building in Bemidji). This worked fairly well - at least within Bemidji city limits - for about 20 years. However, for a number of reasons (including other stations crowding in, the advent of HD radio, and the fact that 105.3 is in the commercial part of the radio spectrum) it is getting harder to provide KAXE’s signal to the area.

Will KBXE be affiliated with Minnesota Public Radio (MPR)?

No, KBXE will not receive any money or support from MPR. KBXE will be operated by Northern Community Radio, which is totally independent from MPR.

Minnesota Public Radio is also an NPR member, just as Northern Community Radio is. MPR pays NPR dues and purchases NPR programs. Some members of Northern Community Radio pledge money to MPR too. Money given to either one of these organizations does not support the other.

Will I get 90.5 KBXE on my radio where I live?

90.5 KBXE’s signal will originate from a 500’ tower near Bagley. The primary signal will probably encompass all of Clearwater County, plus parts of Mahnomen, Red Lake, Becker, Hubbard and Beltrami Counties. Depending on terrain, conflicting radio signals, the quality of your antenna and the selectivity of your tuner, you may be able to hear KBXE beyond the primary signal area.

If you live in certain areas (east of Bemidji, for example) you may be able to receive both KAXE and KBXE, but with a less robust (fringe) signal.

Will KBXE be just like KAXE? What will the programming be like?

People in the communities served by KBXE and KAXE will co-create programming that will be broadcast all across northern Minnesota because shows created in either station’s studio can be broadcast on both stations. Volunteers and staff at KBXE will originate some special programs that grow out of the culture of the Bemidji and Bagley area, and those programs will be shared with KAXE. What we hear on both stations will be better because of this relationship, and because of the influx of new volunteers and communities! It will expand our sense of the northern Minnesota region and our understanding of its people, communities, and nature.

In community meetings so far, people have told us that they would like KBXE’s programming to include news and information from National Public Radio. They would like a morning show and other programs that include information and people specific to northwest and north central Minnesota. They would like to hear live performances by local artists on KBXE. They would like to help produce programs that might be broadcast simultaneously on both KBXE and KAXE. They are interested in KBXE possibly operating a live performance venue.

We will be gathering more input throughout the process of building KBXE.

Where will KBXE’s studios be?

Studios will be located in Bemidji. A site has not been chosen yet, and we’re not sure if KBXE will rent space or own its own space.

Is there a deadline for building KBXE?

The station has to be on the air by March 2012.

Can I stop in for coffee?

Sure, but only after the station has walls, an electrical outlet and a coffee pot.

Will KBXE have an official bird or an official pancake?

Possibly, but that’s up to the community!

Is it true that a KBXE bumper sticker will add value to my car/truck?

Definitely. It will also add character to your car, help hold your vehicle together better than duct tape, and allows your car or truck to hang out with likeminded vehicles that also sport KBXE bumper stickers.

What can I do to help?

KBXE is a grassroots community project. You can give time, money, input or all three! Here are some helpful things you can do:

Help spread the word! Tell your friends and neighbors about 90.5 KBXE.
Serve on a committee. You can help with special events, publicity, technical committees, building committee or fundraising. More committees may be developed in the future! Call 800/662-5799 or email kbxe@kbxe.org to find out more.
Most importantly, give generously to the capital campaign. You can pay your pledge all at once or over as much as three years’ time! Call 800/662-5799 or email kbxe@kbxe.org to find out more.

What will my contribution be used for?

We are conducting a capital campaign. If you contribute to KBXE right now, your money will be used to help build the station. The campaign includes “brick and mortar,” broadcasting and studio equipment, land for a tower, transmitter building, fundraising materials and expenses (your money will not be used for the staff time Northern Community Radio is contributing directly but may be used for consultant fees), publicity costs, events related to the campaign, legal fees, license costs, contingency, and other similar things.

We believe the final cost of this project will be around $1,000,000, but it may be more or less depending on the results of tower studies and final decisions about the studios. Of this total, we hope to raise about $250,000 from individuals, businesses and special events. The rest will come from federal sources and foundations.

How do I sign up? Call 800/662-5799 (those are Northern Community Radio’s offices) or email kbxe@kbxe.org.

KBXE Music Sprawl

2010-03-10T07:26:00.000-08:00

Do you have your KBXE bumper sticker yet? Have you enjoyed a KBXE event? Or are you still wondering, "What IS KBXE?" Find the answer, and a bumper sticker, at the KBXE Music Sprawl this Sat. March 13th - we'll be hanging out at a series of concerts around the Bemidji area that night so stop in and say HI! We'll have an info table at Brigid's Cross Irish Pub for a Jim Miller gig, the Headwaters United Unitarian Fellowship for a Peter Mayer performance, and at Jammers Nightclub for Michael Walters and the Sky Blues band concert - all of which have music starting at 8pm. Show up a little early to chat with our volunteers and find out how can help build KBXE. More info at www.kbxe.org.

And Now, the Buzz Around KAXE

2010-01-21T10:37:00.001-08:00

by Doug MacRostie

[Originally posted on 91.7 KAXE Notes]

As usual, things are flying at about twenty million mph around the KAXE Studios; we’ve got the exciting return of Ojibwemowin on the Morning Show, a fundraiser coming up next month and an ever advancing online-media presence. The other big news is the ground work for KBXE, the new radio station being built by Northern Community Radio to serve Bagley, Bemidji, Fosston, Gonvick, Clearbrook and beyond (check out this video of our float in the Night We Light parade). This is a huge and exciting project and here’s a little info from my perspective on the Publicity Committee. Physically, KBXE doesn’t exist yet – we don’t have a tower, we don’t have a studio and just over two years to get on the air. But we do have people, and community radio is people. KBXE already has dozens of dedicated volunteers working on finding locations for the studio and tower, fundraising and spreading the word.

What is KBXE?
KBXE is being welcomed with a high level of enthusiasm and energy, and we plan to continue raising public awareness with monthly events – the next is Sat. Feb 6^th at the Backyard BBQ in downtown Bemidji. KBXE will “Spread the Love” with fun, info, love-themed trivia hosted by Brandon Chase and some rockin’ blues with The Beerds which includes KAXE Volunteer Steve Ross on bass along with local legend Rob York on guitar, Chris Carter on drums and Shane Corning on guitar and vocals. We’ll have a chocolate fountain with dip-ables, and trivia prizes like chocolates, roses and honey (for your honey) [Thanks to KD Floral and Gardens, Chocolates Plus, Bar Bell Bee Ranch, Harmony Food Co-op and Lueken’s Village Foods]. But mainly, we’ll have the answer to, “What is KBXE?”

If you’re interested in helping spread the word about KBXE, let us know! There are committees you can join and there is plenty of work to be done. Get more KBXE info at http://www.kbxe.org, or check out the KBXE Facebook page.

What the hell is the internet?
KAXE was a wonderful reputation of being on the cutting edge of technology and there are a lot of ways to keep up with us. Other than streaming live online and archiving many of our programs, did you know we’re on Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, YouTube, Flickr and Blogger? Yup, we are. From videos of live music at the KAXE studios to blogs about John Bauer’s bad hair day – you can find it all at http://www.kaxe.org.

What is Ojibwemowin?
Ojibwemowin is the language of the Ojibwe people. In the Nigaane Language Program at the Bug-O-Nay- Ge-Shig School near Bena, elementary students learn to speak the language of their ancestors. They are immersed in speaking and reading Ojibwe. From time to time we’ll hear a variety of programs featuring Ojibwe speakers, and what it means to the Anishinaabe people.

What's So Exciting About KBXE?

2010-01-19T11:11:00.000-08:00

[Originally published 10/27/09 on 91.7 KAXE Notes]

If you look carefully at those distinctive green KAXE bumper stickers, you might notice something different…on some of those stickers the “A” in KAXE has been replaced with a “B.” You are seeing the very first bumper stickers for Northern Community Radio’s new station that will serve Bagley, the Bemidji area, and points west: KBXE!

90.5 KBXE has to be on the air by March 23, 2012! Building a new radio station is a whirlwind of problems to solve and opportunities to seize, but collaborating with folks from Bemidji and Bagley has been a lot of fun. KAXE members from the “western fringe” are sharing their creativity, knowledge of the area, and professional expertise. Committees are hard at work, progress is being made in the search for studio and tower space, and we’re figuring out how we might raise a pile of money in tough economic times. Fashionable folks across northern Minnesota are sporting enigmatic green buttons on their shirts and coats that ask, “What is KBXE?”

There are lots of reasons for excitement! One of those reasons is that KBXE will be founded in 2011 or 2012, and it will have the benefit of everything we’ve managed to learn at KAXE over the past 33 years—all those mistakes and triumphs that have taught us important lessons about being an authentic local radio station for northern Minnesota.

KAXE was founded in 1976, and there will always be a lot of 1976 in KAXE. As much as we pride ourselves on KAXE’s good reputation and its contributions to the wider world of community and public radio, the inertia of the past sometimes makes it hard for us to adopt new ideas and methods. With KBXE we can create an innovative and thoroughly modern version of our medium. KBXE will reach out to new people. KBXE will develop its own quirks, its own attitude, new programs and sensibilities.

Here’s another exciting thing: At the first KBXE community meeting in August, people clearly said they hoped we would build in the ability to pass a signal back and forth between KAXE and KBXE. Sometimes KBXE’s program would be on both stations and sometimes KAXE’s program would be on both stations, and sometimes each station would operate independently, broadcasting separate programs.

A relationship like this between stations is fairly unusual in broadcasting. A more normal model is for a lead station to broadcast to one or more repeaters without give and take, except maybe for the occasional remote studio interview.

This way of passing the signal back and forth has the potential to bring about some positive consequences. In northeastern and north central MN, KAXE has helped create a sense of neighborliness and belonging. That’s our mission. We call it “building community.” The relationship between KAXE and KBXE may help create an even larger sense of neighborliness—a sense of “northern Minnesota-ness”—that stretches across the whole top part of the state!

In the overall world of radio, community stations are fairly rare. There are only a handful of community-licensed stations in Minnesota. KBXE and KAXE together will help us bring out the best of the culture of our region and show it off as few other media organizations can. What we are building here is going to take a lot of work, but it will be a wonderful asset!

I hope you are all as jazzed about this as I am! Call us if you’d like to help with this project, or if you want one of those new KBXE bumper stickers or a fashionable “What is KBXE?” button: 800/662-5799 or 218/326-1234.

Stay tuned. There will be more reports as things develop…

-Maggie Montgomery

91.7 KAXE & 90.5 KBXE, Northern Community Radio

2010-01-19T11:08:00.000-08:00

[originally published 9/11/09 on 91.7 KAXE Notes]

In early August, the FCC awarded Northern Community Radio a construction permit to build a new radio station that would serve the Bagley/Bemidji area.

We hope you will call KAXE at 218/326-1234 if you have any questions or want to help build KBXE! You can join a committee for construction, fundraising, events, technical crew or publicity OR you can come to the next general meeting.

KBXE will be a noncommercial station licensed in the city of Bagley. Depending on the final location and power of the KBXE transmitter, the station could serve Bemidji, Fosston, Gonvick, Clearbrook, Debs, Erskine and Zerkel.

KBXE can broadcast at as much as 100,000 watts, or it may be more cost effective to use less power. In some respects, the location of the transmitter will determine the ERP (effective radiated power) of KBXE. A high power station cannot be located near some other stations due to interference issues, while a lower power station would have more location options.

KBXE’s construction permit was originally awarded to the Headwaters Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (HUUF) in Bemidji. Northern Community Radio signed a purchase agreement with HUUF to obtain the construction permit, at cost. HUUF was interested in bringing a community radio station to Bemidji. The HUUF agreement stipulates that Northern Community Radio cannot transfer KBXE’s license to any other organization for at least 10 years. This is so Northern Community Radio cannot just build and then sell KBXE to make money. HUUF definitely wants a community radio station to serve the Bemidji area, but did not think this was something they could do themselves.

Now Northern Community Radio is the sole owner of the KBXE construction permit. Northern Community Radio’s board of directors will “own” KBXE on behalf of the community. Our organization’s mission, which is to “build community in northern MN through radio broadcasting, cultural events and interactive media,” will guide KBXE just as it does KAXE. KBXE will serve a wide broadcast area just as KAXE does.

Northern Community Radio was interested in a new station because KAXE’s signal to the west is experiencing more and more interference. Translators are low priority for the FCC and do not have the protections that full-power stations do. KAXE’s Bemidji translator is in the commercial band, making it especially vulnerable. A commercial broadcaster could take its 105.3 frequency for a full-power commercial station if the FCC opens another filing window. The radio spectrum is a limited natural resource. KBXE’s 90.5 frequency is the last remaining noncommercial frequency that can serve the Bemidji area.

In all, 5 entities applied for this broadcast license. A settlement agreement allowed both the Unitarians and Leech Lake Reservation to squeeze in their proposed stations before Northern Community Radio purchased the construction permit. Leech Lake Reservation is building a tribal station that will broadcast at 90.1 FM. Its call sign is KOJB.

Northern Community Radio plans to build studios in Bemidji, although the location hasn’t been determined yet. At an initial gathering in Bemidji with about 80 KAXE members, those attending said locating downtown, building green, and including a performance space were important considerations. They also thought KBXE should be a mix of KAXE and locally originated content, that KBXE should air NPR programs, and that KBXE should have its own version of the Morning Show. Everyone wants to meet again in a month or two. New people are welcome to join the process at any time!

A committee is working now on a tower location. They are trying to determine if we can build a tower of if we should rent one, and where.

Another group is looking at studio location options. They are looking at land and buildings and talking about the pros and cons of locating with other organizations and building new versus renovating.

Yet another group will help raise the money to get the project done. The project will have to show significant community support before it will be able to get matching money from foundations or government agencies.

There is a lot more to do, including reaching out to more people in the Bagley area, but this is a start!

There is a deadline. KBXE has to be built and operational by March 23, 2012 or Northern Community Radio will lose its construction permit. The tower and transmission plant are high priority in getting the station on the air by the deadline. There are a lot of unknowns, but we think it will cost at least $1 million to build the tower, transmitter and studios, and possibly closer to $1.5 million.

Call or email KAXE/Northern Community Radio if you have ideas, want to sign up for a committee or would like more information: 218/326-1234 or kaxe@kaxe.org.