In May, St. Louis Public Radio’s KMST transmitter in Rolla, Missouri, went off the air due to storm damage, leaving KMST 88.5 FM operating at low power for months while new equipment was being built and shipped.
After many rain delays, technicians installed a new antenna and transmission line that connects the antenna with the transmitter. The KMST Rolla transmitter is now back to its full broadcast strength in Rolla and the surrounding area and has been operating at full power for the past two weeks with no technical glitches.
“I’ve driven around the Rolla area covering stories this past week and have been amazed at how strong the radio signal is in all directions,” says Rolla Correspondent Jonathan Ahl. “St. Louis Public Radio has invested in ensuring the Rolla region is well covered. It’s good to know that my local stories and those from my very talented colleagues across the state will be heard loud and clear throughout the KMST listening area.”
Public radio is a vital asset to the many communities it serves, providing timely information to rural listeners who may not have reliable internet access. These major repairs come at a high cost and were made possible by the generosity of station donors who believe that access to reliable information is essential.
Alongside listening to St. Louis Public Radio via local FM radio, KMST can be streamed here at stlpublicradio.org, via the station mobile app, or by asking your smart speaker to “play N-P-R.”
