FCC grants building permits for new Catholic radio stations in Iowa

Published: 2004-08-12

DAVENPORT, Iowa (CNS) -- The nationwide increase in the number of small, local Catholic radio stations continues to be reflected in the Diocese of Davenport. With four Catholic radio stations already on the air, three others have received construction permits from the Federal Communications Commission and hope to be on the air within the next year. Catholic radio stations in Burlington, Clinton, Fort Madison and Muscatine began broadcasting last year. Of the stations that have received the FCC permits, one is planned for DeWitt and one for Iowa City. Fund raising is well under way for those new radio stations. The third station is to be in Davenport and will serve the Quad Cities, which include Davenport and the Illinois cities of Moline, East Moline and Rock Island, all in the Peoria Diocese. After many months of negotiations, Quad Cities advocates of Catholic radio received a permit, frequency and call letters from the FCC earlier this year. Brian Porter, a member of the board of directors of the proposed Davenport station, said Catholic radio is a great tool for education and evangelization.

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