Two years ago Ron Myers, European Broadcasting Services manager, offered Milo Adventist Academy the opportunity to have an on-campus radio station by providing the technology and equipment for satellite uplink and transmission. Then-principal John Kriegelstein realized the potential and applied for a frequency. Don Bovee, campus industry Thunderbird Wood Products plant manager, also volunteered to help. After almost a year, the application was approved. Last summer, the local sponsors were given 18 months to get it on the air and before the deadline, 107.9 FM was broadcasting within a 20-mile radius of the school.
The start-up phase consists mostly of music. Later, the music content will be reduced to 30 or 40 percent as Voice of Prophecy, Faith for Today and other programs are added. The station's music is conservative and sacred, with the target audience being age 30 and older.
Already, at least 10 students have had their voices recorded for the station. Bovee is also planning a student-produced weekly program. The students will continue to be included in many ways.
One 30-minute time block each day will provide time for students and staff members to promote Milo Adventist Academy, increase awareness of the school and reveal its beliefs to the community.
Though the station has only been broadcasting for a few months, it is already making an impact. Marge Wheeler, affectionately called the "Mayor of Milo," commented, "It’s a good station. I really appreciate having it. It’s great!" She prizes having a Christian station because she doesn’t have access to 3ABN.
Although Myers resides in France, he has family living near Milo and continues to support the station. He produces much of the programming overseas and sends it to Oregon via satellite. Milo's station is Myers’ sixth at a boarding academy. Students and staff appreciate your prayers as they minister through this new instrument of evangelism.
Ron Myers, Gary Knowles and Don Bovee prepare to raise the antenna.
Milo students and staff are lending their time and voices to the new Milo radio station.
