SLO County radio station asks for help after storm topples tower, cutting off broadcasts

Heavy winds from the storm last week toppled the radio tower that hosts KEBF, The Rock community radio station, leaving the nonprofit, community-run radio station off-air for some listeners.

According to a post on the station’s Instagram, on Nov. 15, storm winds knocked over the antenna structure.

Morro Bay residents, who would tune into the station at 97.3 FM, are unable to access the broadcast, according to the station’s website. Paso Robles residents can still tune in at 107.9 FM, and the group is still broadcasting online, according to KEBF.

The radio station is run by residents of Morro Bay, Los Osos and Cayucos who volunteer to keep the station up and running, according to a news release Monday.

The radio tower that fell is owned by the city of Morro Bay and station management worries it is not likely to be replaced urgently, the release said.

“We run on a skeleton budget with over 40 volunteers, all great neighbors and community members,” KEBF founder Hal Abrams said in the release. “This is a very unexpected and unfortunate turn of events. Finding a new tower in the Morro Bay city limits is not an easy task.”

Now, the search is on for tower space to mount the radio antenna used to broadcast the station, which reduced feelings of isolation during COVID-19 shut-downs and provides emergency alert announcements, the release said.

Donations are also being accepted to help alleviate the unexpected expense.

“The antenna issue is evolving daily,” Abrams said in the release. “I think we can come together to save this precious resource.”

Listen to the broadcast online or donate to help with the broken radio tower at www.esterobayradio.org.