Baucus and Tester announce new funding for Yellowstone Public Radio

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Montana’s U.S. Senators Max Baucus and Jon
Tester today announced a grant of nearly $45,000 to upgrade Yellowstone Public
Radio.

The money, from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Public
Telecommunications Facilities Program (PTFP), will replace Yellowstone Public
Radio’s unreliable and failing translator equipment with new satellite
equipment. 

Yellowstone Public Radio, based in Billings, serves many communities across eastern and
central Montana.

“Montanans love to listen to public radio under the Big
Sky- they have some tremendous programs over at YPR,” Baucus said.  “Securing
federal funds for worthy projects like this is very important. I’m pleased these
dollars will help YPR get the updates they need to stay on the air for years to
come.”

“Max and I work to support investments like this because
infrastructure links our communities together,” Tester said.  “Yellowstone
Public Radio provides essential service to Montana listeners, and this funding will help
upgrade equipment to continue that service into the
future.”

PTFP supports the expansion and improvement of public
telecommunications services by providing matching grants for public facilities
that deliver educational and cultural programs across the nation.  Established
in 1962, PTFP has contributed to bringing public broadcasting services to almost
97% of the population.  In addition, PTFP supports the replacement and
improvement of the public broadcasting infrastructure including the upgrade to
digital technologies.  The program also provides funds to educational and
institutions and non-profit organizations for a variety of technology-oriented
distance learning projects. 

PTFP, administered by the National Telecommunications
and Information Administration, is funding 110 awards totaling more than $19
million for the 2008 grant round.

Yellowstone Public Radio’s grant award is
$44,942.