Turn Up The Hope

You know that feeling when you're obsessed with something, and you can't help but share it with literally anyone who will listen? Whether it's your favorite boba tea, or the most comfortable shoes you've ever worn in your life. Sharing it just makes the joy so much bigger! At Real FM, we're kind of obsessed with sharing hope in Jesus with as many people as we can through refreshing pop and hip-hop. And now, we're about to take that obsession to the next level.

We are thrilled to announce that Real FM is coming to a new signal! Later in 2026, we'll begin broadcasting in Fort Smith and Van Buren at 101.1 FM, and the entire River Valley via HD Radio. This means we'll have the opportunity to reach up to 250,000 more people!

Expansion projects like this simply aren’t possible without the support of the Real FM listening fam, so we want to invite you to join in the work God is doing! Your gift is an investment in every life that will be changed by the right song being heard at just the right time. 

Would you consider being one of 400 donors to make a special one-time gift of $250 to help Real FM reach up to 250,000 more people? This amount would cover the required equipment costs to launch Real FM on this new signal in the River Valley. You can give online now.

We are so grateful for your partnership as we embark on this new chapter for Real FM. Learn more about this expansion project below!

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the new signals launch?

The short answer is we're not 100% sure just yet. We have already closed on the purchase of the new signal, and are currently building out the transmitter sites by purchasing and installing the necessary equipment. Our current target is to get both signals on-the-air sometime this fall. At the latest, we feel confident that things should be up and running by the end of 2026.

What frequencies will the stations be available on, and where will they cover?

Real FM will be available on 101.1 FM, which covers the immediate Fort Smith and Van Buren area. In addition, Real FM will be available on 94.5-HD2 via HD Radio. The map above shows an approximation of the signal coverage area, which will include Fort Smith, Van Buren, Mountainburg, Alma, Mulberry, Lavaca, Charleston, Booneville, Mansfield, Hartford, Pocola, Poteau, Spiro, Panama, Sallisaw, and Cedarville.

What is HD Radio?

HD Radio is a technology that allows radio broadcasters to transmit a clear, strong digital signal, and also includes the option to operate additional stations as "subchannels" of the primary frequency. This means that you'll hear KLRC on the primary signal at 94.5-HD1, while Real FM will be available on the subchannel 94.5-HD2. An HD Radio capable receiver will be required for listening to Real FM on 94.5-HD2, while a traditional radio receiver will still work for listening to Real FM on 101.1 FM.

How much will this expansion project cost?

We estimate that it will cost approximately $400,000 to fully launch the new River Valley signals. This includes the cost of acquiring the new signal, as well as a significant amount of equipment to upgrade 94.5's transmitter to HD Radio. The equipment cost alone will cost upwards of $100,000, and we would be thrilled to see God provide that amount through the KLRC and Real FM listening families during our "Turn Up The Hope" fundraising day!