Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Boulder Community Broadcast Association, Inc.
May 13, 2003

Call to order at 6:35

Board members in attendance: Arleigh, Nile Southern, Chip Grandits, Steven Sherman-Boemker, Paul Mischo, Tracy Miller, Phil Dougan, Gabrielle Silva, Greg O’Brien, Anne Bermingham, Liz Valles, and Marty Durlin (ex-officio)

Public and volunteers in attendance: Maura Cleary, Michelle Barone, Clover, Joanne Cole, Joy Barrett, Janaki LeFils, Jim Ciarlo, and Marc Hand

The minutes of the previous board meeting held on March 11 and the agenda were approved.

Public Participation: none

Station Manager’s Report: (See attachment) Marty explained that the station has an opportunity to expand into the Denver market by acquiring an AM frequency that is currently for sale in Denver (1510 AM). A discussion followed about the general implications, impacts, and opportunities that a move into the Denver market would entail. Arleigh proposed that the executive committee and three additional board members, which she noted would form a quorum, form a committee to study the issue. Chip Grandits, Nile Southern, and Gabrielle Silva volunteered. (Liz Valles, of the executive committee, has since been replaced by Steven Sherman-Boemker.)
  Marc Hand, who is the director of Public Radio Capital was introduced. He explained that PRC is a non-profit organization, founded in July of 2001 and partially funded by the CPB, whose purpose is to aid public radio stations in locating and acquiring available radio frequencies. Marc’s background is in public and commercial radio and in radio brokerage; PRC has worked with public stations of all sizes all over the country. He explained that he has contacted the owners of 1510 AM and that they would like to see a public station acquire the signal. The asking price is in the $4 million range, and prices in the AM market are increasing . Digital technology can improve the quality of an AM signal dramatically, and public radio has been increasing its market share since1984. PRC would be willing to represent KGNU in negotiations and would charge $20,000 total if the sale is consumated. Marc explained that the process of transfering ownership of a signal takes about one year. The process begins with the signing of a letter of intent, which includes a purchase price, that binds the prospective seller and buyer into exclusive negotiations for a certain period. The actual sale occurs when an asset purchase agreement is signed.

Nominating Committee: The committee is currently considering the application of Janaki LeFils for board membership. She has an MSW and a masters degree in communication and has been actively involved with the station for a year and a half.

Budget Committee: The station is in very good shape financially.

Programming Committee: Democracy Now will soon discontinue its second hour of daily broadcasting which KGNU has been presenting from 12 :00 to 1:00 PM. The committee has been discussing the community forum that has been held from 1:00 to 2:00.

Internet and IT: (See attachment)

PBOG: The Chomsky and Palast events as well as the Women’s Blues Review were successful fundraisers for the station. On May 31, the Plant Sale will be held at the station as will the Book and Record Sale on August 23.

Signal Committee: (See Station Manager’s Report) Chip Grandits stated that we need to consider all options with regard to our main transmitter location.. A field trip to the current transmitter site on Davidson Mesa will be held at noon on May 17. It was also noted that since no one else has applied to install a translator in the Frazier area, KGNU can submit formal application for a translator.

Bylaws Committee: A draft of the revised bylaws will be presented to the board on June 10 at the station at 6:00.

Building Committee: All of the sod for the front and west-side lawns will be installed in June.

Mosaic Committee: The Mosaic will probably be installed in July. Arleigh proposed that a formal unveiling and reception be hosted after its completion.

Other Business: June 28, August 9, and September 6 were discussed as possible dates for an annual retreat. They would all fall on a Saturday. It was suggested that we discuss long-range planning at the retreat. Tracy Miller requested that board meetings be moved up to 6:00, and the board agreed. The board also considered a letter of complaint by a listener.

Adjourned at 9:10

Respectfully submitted,
Phil Dougan, Secretary
July 2003

Index of board mins