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KJJP-FM 105.7 is currently operating at very reduced power and signal range using a back-up transmitter. This is because of complicated problems with its very old primary transmitter. Local engineers are currently working on that transmitter and consulting with the manufacturer to diagnose and fix the problems. We apologize for this disruption and service as we work as quickly as possible to restore KJPFM to full power. In the mean time you can always stream either the HPPR mix service or HPPR connect service using the player above or the HPPR app.

A new Texas home for HPPR

Sometimes a big problem really does become a great opportunity. That’s certainly the case with HPPR’s Amarillo studios.

The problem began last summer when we unexpectedly lost the lease for our studio space in downtown Amarillo. We had to vacate the site by August 31st, creating a big problem for our broadcast and other operations from Amarillo. We were left scrambling to find a new home.

The search for a new studio location led us to Arts in the Sunset, Amarillo’s destination site for art studios, galleries and events. Space is available there for HPPR to build custom studios that will serve as a great new home for HPPR in Texas for decades to come. Here are the full details and information on how you can help (including contributing now).

What are the plans for constructing new studios at Arts in the Sunset?

The new studios will be within the Arts in the Sunset complex at 3701 Plains Boulevard in Amarillo, just off the main concourse and ideally located immediately adjacent to the large indoor events area. Plans call for building out 1,400 square feet of available space as a new home for HPPR that will include:

  • Two complete live broadcast and recording studios with professional grade soundproofing and sound treatment;
  • A broadcast and IT equipment area for monitoring studios operations and HPPR’s entire 18 FM station network;
  • Office and open meeting space for staff, guests and volunteers;
  • Two points of access, one directly to outside parking and one from inside the Arts in the Sunset complex.

See the floorplan for details.

The space and technical arrangements of these studios will be far superior to HPPR’s former studios. Those studios were located in an office building basement with poor public access. They were retrofitted into existing offices with somewhat improvised studio configurations and wiring arrangements. Consequently, the reliability, maintenance complications and efficiency of their operations were ongoing issues.

The new studios are designed to address all of these issues. They will provide HPPR with on-air and recording studios that are well-configured, built to professional standards (e.g. for sound isolation), properly wired for efficient operations, and located in an ideal place for serving the public for decades to come. The architectural design and construction planning are being led by Dana Walton, Architect, of Peridot Design, an invaluable partner working with HPPR to “value engineer” the design to keep costs as low as possible to provide this new home for HPPR.

How will the new studios improve and enhance HPPR’s services?

While the need to relocate the Amarillo studios is presenting a major operational disruption and challenge for HPPR , it is also providing an prime opportunity to improve its operations and service to Amarillo, the Texas Panhandle and the wider High Plains region in many ways, including:

  • Increasing HPPR’s public visibility by being located within a destination arts and culture hub for Amarillo and the wider region, Arts in the Sunset.
  • Increasing HPPR’s capacity to produce locally programming by constructing two complete broadcast and recording studios with efficient layouts and sufficient space for guest interviews and performances;
  • Increasing its capacity to host live music and other large public events by using the existing and immediately adjacent large events space within the Arts in the Sunset complex;
  • Upgrading the quality and reliability of HPPR’s programming operations through proper sound isolation, better equipment configurations and improved IT systems security;
  • Providing a better overall work location and environment for HPPR staff and volunteers;
  • Providing easy studio parking and access for guests, performers, volunteers, members and listeners.

All in all, the new studios will establish a fine and lasting home for HPPR in Texas from which to better serve the entire High Plains region.

What will it cost and how will it be funded?

The total budget for the Amarillo studios relocation and construction project is $225,000, including:

  • Labor and materials for construction of the studios themselves (including added costs for proper soundproofing of walls, doors and windows); 
  • Added air conditioning and ventilation capacity with sound dampening ducting;
  • Architectural and mechanical engineering design fees along with permitting fees; 
  • Engineering costs for reinstalling, reconfiguring and testing studio and broadcast equipment now in storage;
  • Upgraded equipment and software to increase IT security and improve the studios interconnection with HPPR’s Garden City studios and transmitter sites;
  • Removal and relocation of HPPR’s existing outdoor neon sign to Arts in the Sunset along with new interior and exterior signage.

Because HPPR is an independent nonprofit organization, no institutional or governmental funding is available and HPPR must raise the needed funds from private sources. A capital campaign was started in mid-November of last year and, as of February 15th, a total of $202,852 has been raised from individuals, foundations and businesses, leaving about $35,000 to be raised.

How can I help?

Your financial contribution now will help bring the new studios to reality. You can also mail a contribution to HPPR, P.O. Box 3457, Amarillo, Texas 79116 and be sure to mark it for “Amarillo Studios”. Or just call us at 800-678-7444.

Any financial help you can provide will be greatly appreciated. This is a big (and unexpected) project for HPPR. And, as noted above, it is especially challenging as HPPR has no institutional support to fund this capital project and must rely on private support while also maintaining support for its ongoing operations.

Volunteers are also needed to help with the project in many different ways, from assisting with publicity and promotion of the capital campaign to lending a hand to help with outfitting and moving into the new studios. To offer your help or ask about how you might help contact Abby Killingsworth, HPPR Development Director at akillingsworth@hppr.org or 800-678-7444.

And if you have any questions of any sort about the needs and plans for HPPR’s new Amarillo studios, please feel free to contact Abby or Quentin Hope, HPPR Interim Executive Director, at qhope@hppr.org.

How has HPPR been operating without a home?

As constructing new broadcast studios is not a quick or simple matter, we’ve scrambled to make temporary arrangements to continue HPPR’s broadcast operations uninterrupted, while working on the new studio location. We’re fortunate to be receiving crucial direct assistance and support from several organizations.

  • West Texas A&M University is providing a dedicated studio on their campus in Canyon for continuing live broadcasts of High Plains Morning every weekday from 9 am to noon as well as recording interviews.
  • The Amtech Career Academy is providing a studio for the weekly recording of the Western Swing Radio Rambler and post-production work on Classical Music Amarillo and other local content.
  • The Amarillo Area Foundation is providing office space in their new building for HPPR’s business sponsorship representative.
  • The staff of Arts in the Sunset are working closely with HPPR on planning the studio construction within their complex and are providing direct assistance by providing rent-free storage space for all of HPPR’s broadcast equipment, furniture, fixtures and signage until the new studios are constructed.

We are profoundly grateful to them all for providing the needed “bridge” for the relocation of HPPR studios to a wonderful new home at Arts in the Sunset.

Click to contribute