Morro Bay, CA, community station KEBF-LP is in danger of being off air indefinitely after heavy winds from a recent storm toppled its radio tower. The station has concerns that the city of Morro Bay, which owns the tower, will not prioritize the project.
The weather incident occurred on November 15, with the station’s website confirming that broadcasts in Paso Robles on 107.9 FM remain unaffected, and online streaming continues as usual. Run by more than 40 volunteers from Morro Bay, Los Osos, and Cayucos, KEBF played a vital role during the COVID-19 pandemic and regularly provides emergency alert announcements.
To aid in the recovery and search for a new tower space, KEBF is accepting donations to help cover the unforeseen expenses.
KEBF founder Hal Abrams expressed the challenge they face, stating, “This is a very unexpected and unfortunate turn of events. Finding a new tower in the Morro Bay city limits is not an easy task.” He noted, “The antenna issue is evolving daily. I think we can come together to save this precious resource.”
As a part-time Los Osos resident with family in Morro Bay, i can say the city of Morro Bay is giving Hal a runaround and the tower he is leading was a poor deal from the start. It’s in the city’s maintenance yard.
Hal should negotiate to move it up the hill or to Cayucos.
The bigger story here is that against Bob FM and KTEA, Hal Abrams had built a LPFM people tune to as their little local FM.
And by the way this is the Purple part of California with plenty of Red around it, politically.
The liberal NIMBYs will keep the city from rebuilding it.
Hopefully they put up an emergency antenna (anywhere) and are still on air.