KRBS is a function of the Bird Street Media Project, a California non-profit
corporation. Founded in 1999, BSMP is dedicated to providing education and experience in media to the greater Oroville community. Committed to cultural diversity and the promotion of community arts and resources, BSMP was developed by a group of Oroville-area residents. Erv Knorzer had fostered the idea to encourage redevelopment of the old downtown area into a center for local artisans and small businesses. In 1999 and 2000 he assembled what would become the board of directors of BSMP, with the first step being the
development of a non-commercial community radio station.

      Our 8 member board for BSMP is currently:

  • President - Lee Edwards
  • Vice President - Pao Xiong
  • Treasurer - Erv Knorzer
  • Secretary - Marianne Knorzer
  • Allen Rice
  • Gary Wise
  • Anna Kastner
  • Lara Martin
The advent of low-power FM radio was January 2000 when the FCC opened up a certain number of restricted wattage frequencies to initiate a greater degree of local broadcasting. This, the FCC felt, would supplant the myriad of pirate radio stations that were springing up around the country.

The FCC plan was modified in early 2001 when, spurred on by legislation sponsored by Senator John McCain, selection of available frequencies was narrowed. Ironically, this expedited the issuance of construction permits to the few applicants still qualified.

Of the nearly 6,000 organizations and individuals who preliminarily applied, less then 200 construction permits (the initial FCC authorization) have thus far been granted.

KRBS was the 6th permit issued in the U.S. Because of its rural location, and the erosion of locally- generated radio programming, Oroville was a perfect match for the low-power FM design.

With the help of an advocacy organization called Prometheus Radio Project and engineers from across the country, KRBS went on the air Sunday April 14, 2002.

The flipping of the switch on Oroville's new community station was the finale of a three day radio conference that included workshops on how to start and run your station.

The staff of KRBS consists entirely of volunteers. Some have experience at other radio stations; others bring experience in other disciplines such as theatre and journalism. All are dedicated to bring a true community radio station to Oroville.

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