Mom and Pop Station Goes On The Air

Radio broadcasting has changed drastically over the past few years when many of the restrictions on radio station ownership were lifted when in February 1996 the Federal Telecommunications Act went into effect. Since then many small stations have been absorbed by mega broadcast interest groups as ownership consolidation continues to accelerate with ten of the largest organizations owning nearly 1500 stations or approximately 14% of all commercial AM and FM stations. Many small family owned stations are declaring that community radio stations will soon be a novelty of the past.

With the advent of the Federal Communication Commission's policy of auctioning new frequencies to the highest bidders, there appears to be no more room for the hometown station.

But with a vivid vision and unshakable determination, a mom and pop station can become a reality.

On December 8, 1997, an application for a new non-commercial educational family radio station was submitted to the FCC by The living Word of Faith Christian Outreach of Youngsville, PA, a town of less than 2000 people in Northwestern Pennsylvania. That application was approved by the Commission in October 1998 with the facility now on the air.

The station is WTMV, an acronym for "We're The Master's Voice" at 88-five, where Jesus is ALIVE!

WTMV operates out of the former living room of the home of Revs. Bill and Patty Baker, directors of The Living Word of Faith Christian Outreach where the studio, transmitter and office are all located. The 50 -foot tower, topped by a single bay circularized FM antenna, is located right outside the back window of Baker's living room. With 100 watts of power, WTMV covers the Brokenstraw Valley in stereo 24 hours a day.

One satellite dish is outside another window in the room and pulls in the signal from Tupelo, MS. from The American Family Radio network and another satellite dish, located near the top of the station's broadcast tower receives the signal from The Praise Broadcasting Network from Arlington, TX. "Family Friendly" programming is aired, from both the satellite networks, as well as 30 hours of locally produced features.

Baker, and his wife, both ordained ministers, have a wealth of broadcast experience including 9 years in management of a Christian Radio Station as well as three decades in all areas of secular broadcasting. The husband and wife team are assisted by daughters Noelle Baker and Patti Lynn Chaffee and granddaughters Tiffany and Stephanie Chaffee who have their own weekly program on the station, 'Spotlite on Kidz'. Khlare Bracken, a teacher at The Warren County Christian School does a weekly program from the school called "Life in the Barn" as well as a Sunday Classics program each Sunday afternoon.

WTMV is truly a 'down-home' station. Baker explained that while the station is airing satellite programs, they might be just a few steps away in the kitchen cooking a meal or baking. An occasional "arf" can be expected to be heard during some of the local programming from Marmye, Bill's great Dane or Noelle's Siberian Husky, LaKota Sioux or from Chimo, Phoenix or Teka, all German shepherds or from Wylie, a red Siberian Husky or from Patti Lynn's Cocker Spaniel, Chloe Mae.

{Marmye crossed over the 'Rainbow Bridge' at 3:46pm on August 11, 2000 and is sadly missed.}

WTMV is owned and operated by Living Word of Faith Christian Outreach, a ministry inaugurated by the Bakers is 1982 that includes Bible Studies, Fellowship, Christian Care-Giving as well as Communications.

Baker stated that, WTMV is the 'biggest little radio station on the dial' from Youngsville 'the biggest little-town' on the map, a slogan the borough has embraced for many years. A 'David in the land of Goliaths' is another way Baker describes the radio station, with the low powered facility cradled in the Brokenstraw Valley surrounded by other fm stations including a 50,000 watter.

WTMV utilizes 4 CD players, 3 cassette machines and yes, even turntables. In fact a 78 r.p.m. record could even be aired. However, up-to-date technology is also applied with WTMV using Broadcast Software that records all of the station's ID's and announcements on the hard drive of one of the station's computers as well as an automation system that enables the station to be operated even without live assistance.

WTMV, Although small in size, is big in expectations and performance. Even though the station was still conducting program and equipment testing, WTMV took on an ambitious endeavor in airing 5 local Christmas concerts and cantatas during the first couple of weeks of broadcasting.

Baker, who is physically challenged, said WTMV affords him the opportunity to combine his many years of broadcast experience and as a pastor to minister directly from his home at this 'electronic pulpit.

WTMV is a 'faith operation' with financial dependence based on listener support.

The Baker's previously managed Christian Station WCTL, Union City, PA and worked in various capacities at WNAE/WRRN (FM) Warren, PA, WKST, New Castle, PA, WPIC/WPIC-FM, Sharon, PA, WWIZ (FM), Mercer, PA, WFEM (FM), Ellwood City, PA, and WGRP/WGRP-FM, Greenville, PA.

Baker was instrumental in the creation of five FM radio stations in Western Pennsylvania.

Patty Baker is a Certified Nursing Assistant at The Rouse Home, Youngsville, PA where she has been employed for 8 years.

The Bakers formerly pastored churches in Tionesta, Fern, Waterford, Union City, New Holland and Titusville, PA before coming to Youngsville.

For More Information Contact:

WTMV Radio
409 E. Main Street Youngsville, PA 16371
Tel:   814-563-4903
FAX: 814-563-4903
Internet: wtmv@westpa.net