SPANISH FORT, Ala.—Some Power 88.5FM radio fans may have trouble tuning in since the station’s transmitter is putting out only about one-fourth of its usual power.

The transmitter is in Spanish Fort and is co-located on WKRG TV-5’s tower. Power 88 is in Spanish Fort at Highways 98 and 31 in the Prodisee Center.

The station has had trouble with the transmitter for the past six months to one year, general manager Wilbur Goforth said.

“Sometimes it would go completely down and we would have to go to a back-up transmitter,” Goforth said.

The transmitter is more than 20 years old and is starting to “wear out,” he said.

The transmitter operates on 8,000 watts and should use 33,000 watts at full capacity, Goforth said. The 20-year-old transmitter’s manufacturer doesn’t carry parts for it anymore, he said, adding that when it has been repaired, parts unmeant for the transmitter were used, but didn’t work as well as would those from the manufacturer.

The station’s best bet is to replace the transmitter, which will cost about $60,000.

Goforth said that with the state of the economy he doesn’t know when the station will have money in the budget for a new transmitter—which ultimately could cost less since newer models require less power.

The new, solid-state transmitters lack tubes that take up the most energy—a concept Goforth said is difficult to explain—making a replacement transmitter seem like a no-brainer.

“It would make operation costs a lot more efficient,” Goforth said.

Areas in Pensacola, Fla.; Milton, Fla.; Atmore, Ala.; and small towns in southeast Mississippi are being affected by the malfunctioning transmitter and may be unable to pick up Power 88. The station in these areas may come in more clear in a car versus inside a building. The reason, Goforth said, is that cars reject interference; buildings don’t.

Power 88 is part of WBHY-FM in south Alabama, southeast Mississippi and northwest Florida. It plays contemporary Christian music—with artists such as Jars of Clay, D.C. Talk, Carmen and Michael W. Smith—and inspirational tracks from artists such as Carrie Underwood and Martina McBride. The station’s target audience is young adults, according to its official Web site, www.goforth.org/power88.

The nonprofit organization runs off donations, which are tax deductible, Goforth said.

And on which the station’s fate relies, he said.

No money is designated for a new transmitter right now, he said, adding that the station only has back-up money for emergencies at this time.

Donations can be sent to the station, next to Rite Aid:

6530 Spanish Fort Blvd. Suite B

Spanish Fort, AL 36527

Or, mail them to:

Power 88

P.O. Box 1328

Mobile, AL 36633

Meantime, Goforth said he will leave the issue with the Lord and pray that the station can get the funds soon.