I would be really surprised if we are allowed to use AREDN.
We need a studio to be able to do live radio shows. Currently our hosts have to pre-record and submit through an online dashboard. The goal is to have a live studio in Shadow Hills where hosts can do their shows, bring on guests, take calls, etc.
There are many examples of Internet radio/livestreams that do all the live studio work virtually. It would be so much cheaper and more flexible as guests just need a microphone and Internet connection. Getting good audio is not terribly difficult even with a laptop or phone's built in microphones. Positioning and some isolation do wonders for voice quality.
You are technically correct but taking that approach misses out on the purpose of community radio: community.
As a terrestrial radio station our goal is to serve and be a member of our the local San Fernando Valley community. Creating a physical space for the radio station is about creating a 3rd space for community members and hosts as much as it is for recording radio shows.
You wouldn't be "broadcasting" with it, you'd just be using it as backhaul.
AREDN users would probably be pretty happy to have a node at 1500' in the Verdugos.