It's possible that Spanish versions of existing NPR and APR news programming could be created at relatively low cost. Morales awaits results later this year from a separate CPB-funded study of that idea. Focus groups of Spanish-speakers last week tested prototype Spanish adaptations of NPR and APR news programming, ranging from inexpensive reversioning to expensive remixes, according to Tom Thomas, a consultant managing the research. Having the Fresno schedule available by satellite helps the stations in Calexico and Salinas, which don't have resources for full-time local production. Orozco expects the ranks of network users to grow slowly, one station at a time, with 25 or 30 stations pulling down programs from the satellite two or three years from now.
Morales sees two marketing jobs ahead.
First, he hopes predominately English-language stations will pull down blocks of Satelite programming. He believes that targeted programming can build a special audience if it's given a regular, substantial block of time. That's the approach at KBSU-AM, a new multicultural station on a recently donated frequency operated along with two FM stations by Boise State University. The Radio Bilingue feed airs between 11 p.m. and 4 p.m., and programmers are planning other blocks for Native Americans and the local Basque population, according to General Manager James Paluzzi. Second, the planners hope Satelite will help new Latino-controlled stations fill their schedules.