National Geographic says the odds of being struck by lighting in the U.S. are 1 in 700,000. We know what you’re thinking: what does this have to do with WCBE?
During the robust storms that rolled through Columbus Monday night and early Tuesday, WCBE defied all odds, and our beloved transmitter was struck by lighting. The lightning strike fried the internal circuits of the transmitter, causing WCBE to go off the air. It will take days to get the parts needed to repair the transmitter, so until we can fix it, WCBE will have to remain off the air.
We have eked out super low power…25 watts, less than a light bulb. And, yes, you can still stream the station online. However, the cost to fully repair the transmitter is estimated to be around $15,000. Another $5,000 to get a new “back-up” low power transmitter for emergencies like this, which would at least be more powerful than refrigerator light!
Entering a very tight fiscal year here at WCBE, unfortunately, we do not have the funds to repair the transmitter on our own. In light of our dilemma, WCBE has started an Emergency Fundraiser to help fund the repairs to the transmitter. Any donation to the Emergency Fund is needed and greatly appreciated.
You can donate online, through the mail at 540 Jack Gibbs Blvd, Columbus, Ohio 43215, or at the station and don’t forget to share the WCBE Emergency Fund with your friends!
Thank you again for your continued support of WCBE. As you know, without financial contributions from listeners like you, WCBE would not be able to broadcast the radio excellence you’ve come to love and rely on. Actually, today proved we can’t broadcast at all without you! Please give now.
Sincerely,
Chelsea Wintzer
Intern Left In Silence