“Can I go inside?”
“Sure.”He moved into the hallway and held open the door.“I use the same equipment most commercial radio stations use, but on a smaller scale.”
Barbara walked across to his computer and studied the graphics on the screen.“One of my first clients was a commercial radio station in San Diego.I loved spending time with them.What do you enjoy most about your job?”
It wasn’t an easy question to answer.“The things I enjoy have changed since I started working here.In the beginning, it was a challenge setting everything up and working out what the community wanted to hear.Now that I’m a few months into my job, it’s probably the people I enjoy the most.I’m surprised so much happens in Sapphire Bay.”
“I know what you mean.Even though I grew up beside the lake, it’s changed a lot.After I moved home, I thought I’d be bored.But, so far, I’ve been just as busy as I was in San Diego.”
“That could have something to do with juggling two jobs.”
Barbara shrugged.“It’s only for another six or seven months.”
For some reason, Theo was disappointed.
“After I leave, Penny and Diana will manage the inn.I’ll do the inn’s marketing and promotions from San Diego and Katie will help when she’s needed.”
“It sounds as though everything’s organized.”
“I don’t know if it’s organized, but at least it’s a plan.My family has a habit of making last-minute changes that make any planning difficult.What were you working on before I arrived?”
“I was editing an interview I did with the city manager from Polson.The water shortages are worrying everyone.”He reached forward and played the opening notes of his introduction.Blue and green bars appeared on the screen as the sound traveled through his digital mixer.“Using this software, I can edit the audio and add different sound clips.It’s a lot easier than using an analog mixer.”
“The station I visited kept their old analog mixers in a storage room.They looked complicated.”
“Once you know how to use them, they aren’t so bad.”
Barbara pulled a notebook and pen out of her pocket.“I’d better ask you some questions about the station.From your answers, we’ll create some Instagram and Facebook posts.Where did you learn how to be a radio host?”
“I worked in the campus radio station while I was at college.After I left, I volunteered at a small community station.”
“What did you do when you weren’t volunteering?”
For a few seconds, his mind went blank.Telling her he’d worked for the largest newspaper in New York City would start an entirely different conversation.“I did some work for a local newspaper.Would you like a cup of coffee?”
“No, thanks.I’m trying to cut back on caffeine.”Tapping her pen against her chin, she studied the studio.“How do you start a radio station?”
“Before you do anything, you need to apply for a frequency.It can take a long time to be allocated one but, thankfully, someone else in Sapphire Bay had the same idea a few years ago.After a lot of negotiation, I was able to transfer the frequency to my name.”
“And after that?”
“Apply for a license and organize the equipment.Most stations apply for funding long before I did.”
“Why didn’t you start sooner?”
“I thought I’d be okay for the first twelve months.”
Barbara frowned.“When I looked at the income part of your budget, you didn’t include anything for advertising.What does it cost your clients to be featured on your station?”
“Nothing.It’s free.”
“But that’s where most stations make their money.”
“A lot of the businesses around Flathead Lake don’t make much profit.If I charged them to advertise their products, they wouldn’t consider working with me.This way, they get free advertising and I get an interesting show that an audience wants to listen to.”
“Interesting shows don’t pay the bills.”
“Which is why I need your help.”Crossing his arms in front of his chest, he studied the serious expression on Barbara’s face.“Do you think I have a chance of securing enough funding to stay open?”
