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September 24, 2009

The Breeze back on airwaves



By Sherry Koonce

The News staff writer

Nearly a year after The Breeze left local airwaves, the public radio station is back and ready for Port Arthur residents to tune in.

The non-commercial KSAP -107.1 LPFM has a new location at 300 East Fifth St. in Port Arthur, and is now called The New Breeze.

“We want to start fresh and we hope others will look at us that way too,” Stephen A. Mosely, station manager, said.

On Saturday The New Breeze will officially take to the airwaves with a grand opening celebration beginning at 10 a.m. at the station. Everyone is welcome to attend, Mosely said.

Since first opening in 2005, the radio station has survived four storms, lost its location at Port Arthur City Hall, and ultimately went off-the-air for more than 10 months.

During that time, Mosely said station officials looked at more than 100 properties, hoping to find one that would meet strict requirements of the Federal Communication Commission and the city of Port Arthur codes.

Much of the format will be the same with a mix of Gospel standards, jazz, R&B;, Zydeco, some country, and rock’n’roll.

The station will also feature a mix of talk radio programs.

“We’re going to have local physicians talking about health-related issues and area attorneys bringing people up to speed about the latest rules and regulations and how they affect the public,” Mosely said.

On Saturday, local business owners are encouraged to attend the grand opening and participate in a “Shout-Out.”

Any business representative will be given air time to plug their business.

“We’ll give them a chance to let the public know who they are and what they do,” Mosely said.

As before, Mosely said the station plans to keep area residents informed about current and local events, and encourages residents to become involved in their government.

Mosely said the non-profit radio station is supported from contributions.

“We are hoping that folks get a chance to come in and visit, talk with the staff, offer their opinions. This is what community radio is all about,” he said.

skoonce@panews.com

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