Community Celebrates Launch of Helena Radio, Raises Funds for Station

On Saturday, November 15, the Last Chance Public Radio Association brought together supporters, musicians, and community members at Helena College for the LCPRA Bash and Fundraiser, a celebration and financing push tied to the launch of Helena's new community radio station. Organizers staged live music, a live auction, dancing, food and additional fundraising activities, offering tickets at the door to encourage broad participation. Proceeds were earmarked to support community radio operations and to help establish the station housed at Helena College.

The event served two immediate purposes. It introduced the station to the community in a public setting, and it generated operating resources for programming, equipment and outreach. Local public radio initiatives typically absorb upfront costs for studio space, transmitter equipment, licensing and modest staffing, and community fundraisers are a common revenue source. By situating the station at Helena College, organizers signaled an institutional partnership that could extend educational opportunities for students and create a hub for local journalism, arts programming and civic information.

For Lewis and Clark County residents, the new station represents more than another media outlet. Community radio can strengthen local news coverage at a time when many small markets have seen newsroom consolidation and reduced local reporting. It can also provide a platform for Helena musicians and cultural organizations, offer real time information during emergencies, and create hands on training for college students seeking skills in broadcasting and media production. Hosting the station on a college campus also increases the likelihood of year round volunteer and internship pipelines that can lower operating costs while enhancing local content.

The fundraiser format emphasized community ownership. Live auctions and in person ticket sales are consistent with community radio models that prioritize listener support and local engagement over advertising revenue. That model can foster a resilient funding base, though it also requires a sustained donor effort to cover recurring costs.

Looking ahead, success of the station will hinge on continued community involvement, diversified revenue streams and strong ties with local institutions. The LCPRA Bash provided an initial infusion of both funding and public visibility, but sustaining a locally focused media outlet will require ongoing contributions of time, content and dollars from residents and partners across Helena and Lewis and Clark County.