CALUMET — If all goes according to plan, Real People Media, also known as the Keweenaw Storytelling Center, will begin airing local programming by the end of 2024.

Last month, RPM was granted a permit from the Federal Communications Commission to construct a low-power FM radio station at its 215 Fifth St. location.

WRJX 94.1 FM will broadcast episodes of the Red Jacket Jamboree as well as other educational and inspirational community programs.

RPM Executive Director Rebecca Glotfelty said RPM is networking with local organizations to develop programming for the station. Per the FCC license, applicants are required to provide at least 8 hours of programming per day and be open to the public for at least 40 hours per week. The station will reach the Houghton-Hancock area as well.

Glotfelty said a radio station has been a goal of RPM.

The RPM board discussed the possibility when the FCC last opened its application window, Glotfelty said, which was in 2013.

“We’re really excited to have a community radio station to air the Red Jacket Jamboree and other community programming,” she said.

A number of community members have already contacted Glotfelty with show ideas, she said.

“I have to say Kudos to Jerry Younce on our board, because he volunteered his time to complete the technical aspects of the application, saving us hundreds of dollars in consultant fees,” Glotfelty said. “His expertise was critical to our application to the FCC, which allowed for a one-week window to apply.”

Real People Media hosts storytelling events and classes, provides visual artists with exhibit space, and performance opportunities for storytellers at its Fifth Street center. The facility provides storytelling activities for all ages, from puppet shows for children, animation and media classes for teens and theatrical events for adults.

RPM will be fundraising to purchase the necessary equipment. It is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization helping people share personal stories through literary, visual, performing and media arts, the RPM website states. Storytelling helps to build community as it allows people to “step into another’s shoes,” creating understanding and compassion for others in the community and beyond.

The KSC occupies the former 1948 Woolworth’s building. The building was gifted to the organization by the Family Dollar Corp. in 2019.