As published in The Erin Advocate
After a brief stay in Fergus, the Erin Radio studio is back on the Main Street of Erin village, with a team dedicated to local programming.
“We’re starting fresh and getting back to our roots,” said Ronia Michael, who took over as Chair of the CHES-FM Board of Directors last week.
Weekday content will include popular music and community information, but they are planning to have more specialized shows with local hosts, guests and musicians in the evenings and on weekends. There is a new website, erinradio.org, and an Erin Radio 88.1 Facebook page.
The radio station still broadcasts at 88.1 FM from the Erin water tower, as it continued to do when production was shifted last year to Centre Wellington Community Radio in Fergus as a way to cut costs.
The Fergus group, which operates The Grand FM 92.9, had come to the rescue of the Erin operation in 2012, investing in equipment, operating a local studio as the Headwaters New Mix, adopting a more commercial style and hoping to tap into more of the Orangeville market.
With lack of advertising revenue from Erin and the recent refusal of the CRTC to allow an additional transmitter in Orangeville, the Fergus group was not willing to continue. They have returned the station to some of the people who founded it in 2006.
“It was great to build a station, but we couldn’t make it work,” said Chair Larry Peters. He has resigned from the board along with Scott Jensen and Vic Folliott. “It’s community radio, but you have to run it as a business,” said Jensen.
Remaining on the board are Ronia Michael and Sales Coordinator David MacDonald, while returning are Treasurer Jay Mowat, Music Director Phil Taylor, Fundraising Co-ordinator Ray Young and Producer Rob Dodds.
“I want to thank 92.9 for being supportive,” said Michael. “We’re very grateful for your help through this transition period – for two years you have kept us on the air. You’ve gone above and beyond.”
Taylor said while listeners can still expect some familiar popular music, there will be more variety, with a greater focus on independent Canadian artists.
Erin Radio will continue as a volunteer-based non-profit venture, keeping costs as low as possible. Erin United Church has donated space for their new studio, which went live on January 5. Arrangements are being made for on-line listening.
Michael appreciates the local community cooperation she has experienced while bringing the new team together, and has special thanks for Doug Bingley of Barrie, whose company Central Ontario Broadcasting operates the Toronto-based radio station Indie 88.1.
She said Bingley supports community radio and has made a partnership with CHES, providing a donation to help with transition costs.
Bingley won the competition to use the 88.1 frequency in 2012 after the Ryerson University station lost its CRTC license. Indie 88.1 plays 60% of its Canadian music from emerging artists – those who have never had a hit single.
Bingley’s station shares the 88.1 frequency with Erin Radio and is not allowed to overpower the Erin signal. The transition of radio reception between the two stations occurs in the south part of the Town of Erin, near 5 Sideroad.
When the Toronto station wants to increase the power of its transmission, it has an interest in helping Erin Radio boost its power, to balance the signals and maintain the territories. Mowat said Erin has benefited from this situation, and may do so again.
Showing posts with label Radio. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Radio. Show all posts
January 07, 2015
November 05, 2014
Erin Radio Orangeville transmitter rejected
As published in The Erin Advocate
Erin Radio’s plan to rebroadcast programming in Orangeville, in order to ensure its survival, has been rejected by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).
The agency supported the validity of complaints from other radio companies that the station was “attempting a ‘back-door’ entry into the Orangeville radio market”, which it is not licensed to serve.
It also ruled that the new signal of 50 watts would be too weak to make optimal use of the frequency 89.1 – the last remaining frequency in the Orangeville area that could be used for the operation of a higher-powered radio station. The CRTC was also not convinced that the transmitter would improve Erin Radio’s financial viability.
Chair Larry Peters said the Board of Directors is likely to meet soon to discuss possible strategies. “Until we do, it’s business as usual,” he said.
Last December CHES-FM 88.1 applied to the CRTC to operate a second FM transmitter in Orangeville, which would repeat their programming at 89.1 MHz. Erin Radio has branded itself as the Headwaters New Mix, and despite some power upgrades, it is still only reaching part of Orangeville with a weak signal. Peters said previously “a better signal in Orangeville would allow the station to build the revenue base necessary for survival.”
The non-profit station, started in 2006, has been struggling with low revenue due to lack of advertising by Erin businesses. In May they closed the Erin studio, and while production has been temporarily moved to the facilities of Centre Wellington Community Radio in Fergus, the signal is still transmitted from the Erin Water Tower.
The CRTC received an intervention in support of Erin Radio from the National Campus and Community Radio Association. It also received interventions in opposition from Dufferin Communications Inc. (CIDC-FM Orangeville), My Broadcasting Corporation, which has approval to launch a new commercial FM radio station in Orangeville, and Bayshore Broadcasting Corporation (CFDC Shelburne).
CHES argued that Erin does not have a sufficient advertising base to support a radio station, and that its mandate includes providing service outside its core area. It said a non-commercial community radio service is needed in the Orangeville market.
In 2010 the CRTC approved an increase in effective radiated power (ERP) for Erin from 50 watts to a maximum of 250 watts and in 2013 allowed it to increase to a maximum of 1,250 watts. The CRTC noted that power increases for the Erin signal have been intended to improve its local coverage, not to increase its territory.
“Although Erin Radio stated that the current proposal aims to address reception issues within Orangeville, the Commission is of the view that it would increase the station’s coverage to encompass the town, which it was not licensed to serve,” the decision says.
“The licensee has not demonstrated a compelling technical need for the proposed transmitter. Whether the station is in a position to improve its financial situation as a result of having improved its signal remains to be seen.”
Erin Radio’s plan to rebroadcast programming in Orangeville, in order to ensure its survival, has been rejected by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).
The agency supported the validity of complaints from other radio companies that the station was “attempting a ‘back-door’ entry into the Orangeville radio market”, which it is not licensed to serve.
It also ruled that the new signal of 50 watts would be too weak to make optimal use of the frequency 89.1 – the last remaining frequency in the Orangeville area that could be used for the operation of a higher-powered radio station. The CRTC was also not convinced that the transmitter would improve Erin Radio’s financial viability.
Chair Larry Peters said the Board of Directors is likely to meet soon to discuss possible strategies. “Until we do, it’s business as usual,” he said.
Last December CHES-FM 88.1 applied to the CRTC to operate a second FM transmitter in Orangeville, which would repeat their programming at 89.1 MHz. Erin Radio has branded itself as the Headwaters New Mix, and despite some power upgrades, it is still only reaching part of Orangeville with a weak signal. Peters said previously “a better signal in Orangeville would allow the station to build the revenue base necessary for survival.”
The non-profit station, started in 2006, has been struggling with low revenue due to lack of advertising by Erin businesses. In May they closed the Erin studio, and while production has been temporarily moved to the facilities of Centre Wellington Community Radio in Fergus, the signal is still transmitted from the Erin Water Tower.
The CRTC received an intervention in support of Erin Radio from the National Campus and Community Radio Association. It also received interventions in opposition from Dufferin Communications Inc. (CIDC-FM Orangeville), My Broadcasting Corporation, which has approval to launch a new commercial FM radio station in Orangeville, and Bayshore Broadcasting Corporation (CFDC Shelburne).
CHES argued that Erin does not have a sufficient advertising base to support a radio station, and that its mandate includes providing service outside its core area. It said a non-commercial community radio service is needed in the Orangeville market.
In 2010 the CRTC approved an increase in effective radiated power (ERP) for Erin from 50 watts to a maximum of 250 watts and in 2013 allowed it to increase to a maximum of 1,250 watts. The CRTC noted that power increases for the Erin signal have been intended to improve its local coverage, not to increase its territory.
“Although Erin Radio stated that the current proposal aims to address reception issues within Orangeville, the Commission is of the view that it would increase the station’s coverage to encompass the town, which it was not licensed to serve,” the decision says.
“The licensee has not demonstrated a compelling technical need for the proposed transmitter. Whether the station is in a position to improve its financial situation as a result of having improved its signal remains to be seen.”
May 28, 2014
Erin Radio to continue without studio
As published in The Erin Advocate
A shortfall in advertising revenue is forcing Erin Community Radio to close its local studio, but the station will continue to broadcast on FM 88.1 from The Grand FM in Fergus.
“The business community in the Town of Erin continues to have a few struggles – it simply can’t provide consistent advertising support for the station,” said Larry Peters, Chair of the Board of Directors.CHES-FM 88.1, branded as the Headwaters New Mix, applied to the Canadian Radio-Television Communications Commission (CRTC) last December to operate a new FM transmitter in Orangeville, which would repeat its programming at 89.1 MHz, with 50 watts of power.
“Since we serve portions of the Headwaters area now, a transmitter with a better signal in Orangeville would allow the station to build the revenue base necessary for survival,” said Peters.
Morning show host Erin Montgomery has been offered a position at The Grand, co-hosting and doing news on the morning team with Kelly Warehouse and Mark Paine.
“I will be bringing ‘a little piece of heaven’ to Fergus,” said Montgomery. “I will miss our studio – I loved when people stopped by to chat and bring me stories and news. I will also miss riding my bike to work.”
The station signal will continue both at FM 88.1 and on-line at Mix881.com. To reduce costs, they will send the signal to the transmitter on the Erin water tower over the internet from Fergus instead of using Bell lines.
During the painting of the water tower planned for June, their transmission power will have to be reduced. Downtown Erin will still get a strong signal, but other listeners will probably receive interference from INDIE 88.1 in Toronto, said Peters. On-line streaming will not be affected.
In 2012, Erin Radio turned over control of the station to the operators of Centre Wellington Community Radio in Fergus. They provided new management and investment in a new studio on Thompson Crescent, but that facility will now close in the next few days.
“Internet technology allows us to continue providing service in Erin, with a remote studio setup at the home of Erin Community Radio Founder Jay Mowat,” said Peters. “Local residents will be able to produce their programs for inclusion in the weekly schedule from a small studio starting in July. Administration, local news, and the radio automation system will happen on a temporary basis from a studio setup within the facilities of the Grand @ 92.9 in Fergus.
“This will stop the bleeding and give the Board of Directors time to evaluate the future of Erin Radio, and await the decision of the CRTC. This will allow us to continue to be in compliance with our license requirements; however we will have very few expenses to keep the lights on.”
Permission for the Orangeville transmitter is being opposed at the CRTC by Dufferin Communications (CIDC-FM) and by Bayshore Broadcasting (CFDC Shelburne). They argue that the Orangeville market is already adequately served, and that the new transmitter is an attempt to expand the Erin territory beyond its mandate.
Erin Radio has defended its application, saying it will provide a needed non-commercial community service in the Orangeville market. It is supported by the National Campus and Community Radio Association.
The Erin plan is also opposed by My Broadcasting Corporation, which has been working for over two years to establish a new radio station in Orangeville.
A shortfall in advertising revenue is forcing Erin Community Radio to close its local studio, but the station will continue to broadcast on FM 88.1 from The Grand FM in Fergus.
“The business community in the Town of Erin continues to have a few struggles – it simply can’t provide consistent advertising support for the station,” said Larry Peters, Chair of the Board of Directors.CHES-FM 88.1, branded as the Headwaters New Mix, applied to the Canadian Radio-Television Communications Commission (CRTC) last December to operate a new FM transmitter in Orangeville, which would repeat its programming at 89.1 MHz, with 50 watts of power.
“Since we serve portions of the Headwaters area now, a transmitter with a better signal in Orangeville would allow the station to build the revenue base necessary for survival,” said Peters.
Morning show host Erin Montgomery has been offered a position at The Grand, co-hosting and doing news on the morning team with Kelly Warehouse and Mark Paine.
“I will be bringing ‘a little piece of heaven’ to Fergus,” said Montgomery. “I will miss our studio – I loved when people stopped by to chat and bring me stories and news. I will also miss riding my bike to work.”
The station signal will continue both at FM 88.1 and on-line at Mix881.com. To reduce costs, they will send the signal to the transmitter on the Erin water tower over the internet from Fergus instead of using Bell lines.
During the painting of the water tower planned for June, their transmission power will have to be reduced. Downtown Erin will still get a strong signal, but other listeners will probably receive interference from INDIE 88.1 in Toronto, said Peters. On-line streaming will not be affected.
In 2012, Erin Radio turned over control of the station to the operators of Centre Wellington Community Radio in Fergus. They provided new management and investment in a new studio on Thompson Crescent, but that facility will now close in the next few days.
“Internet technology allows us to continue providing service in Erin, with a remote studio setup at the home of Erin Community Radio Founder Jay Mowat,” said Peters. “Local residents will be able to produce their programs for inclusion in the weekly schedule from a small studio starting in July. Administration, local news, and the radio automation system will happen on a temporary basis from a studio setup within the facilities of the Grand @ 92.9 in Fergus.
“This will stop the bleeding and give the Board of Directors time to evaluate the future of Erin Radio, and await the decision of the CRTC. This will allow us to continue to be in compliance with our license requirements; however we will have very few expenses to keep the lights on.”
Permission for the Orangeville transmitter is being opposed at the CRTC by Dufferin Communications (CIDC-FM) and by Bayshore Broadcasting (CFDC Shelburne). They argue that the Orangeville market is already adequately served, and that the new transmitter is an attempt to expand the Erin territory beyond its mandate.
Erin Radio has defended its application, saying it will provide a needed non-commercial community service in the Orangeville market. It is supported by the National Campus and Community Radio Association.
The Erin plan is also opposed by My Broadcasting Corporation, which has been working for over two years to establish a new radio station in Orangeville.
December 11, 2013
Erin Radio to pay Town debt with air time
The Town has agreed that MIX 88.1 (CHES FM - Erin Radio) can pay rent for using the water tower, as well as pay off a $7,000 debt, with radio air time that the Town could use to promote economic development or other initiatives.
Station officials Vic Folliott and Scott Jensen came as a delegation to Town Council on December 4, the day before the station increased its transmission power from 250 watts to 1,250 watts.
“The station has struggled to maintain service,” said Folliott. The Town had provided a $10,000 grant, plus a $10,000 loan to help the station upgrade service in 2010, and $3,000 has been repaid.
Councillor Barb Tocher said that since it appears the station will not be able to repay the loan in a regular manner in the near future, the Town should take the opportunity to get something of value.
Mayor Lou Maieron had reservations about the “contra” trade, saying it may not be in the best interests of taxpayers, especially since there is no plan on how to use the air time. He also asked how many people are listening, but that is not known, since it would be very expensive to hire a firm to do that research.
Council approved the deal, subject to a report on options for air time use that staff will prepare. They also accepted a $1,872 air time package to cover rental of space on the Erin water tower, where the radio transmitter and antenna are located.
The Town could use radio time to get information to the public quickly in emergencies such as power failures, road closures or disruption of services.
The Town’s combined bank of 30-second commercials would total 86 per week, or 4,472 over a whole year. They could donate the slots to community groups or advertise Town events.
The main interest is in promoting economic growth, but the use of the air time for that will not be determined until there is an economic development committee or a staff person is hired to lead the initiative.
April 17, 2013
Mix 881 Radio celebrates new format, new home
As published in The Erin Advocate
Erin’s radio station had a party last week to officially celebrate its move to modern digital studios on Thompson Crescent.
Mix 881, formerly known as Erin Radio and Main Street Radio, had a major reorganization last fall. It continues to broadcast a mix of popular music, special interest shows and local information as CHES FM 88.1, but is now managed by a group that also operates the community station Grand 92.9 in Fergus.
The music mix has been altered to appeal to a wider range of listeners, and they now have modern software to create commercials and organize their on-air schedule. They are still a non-profit group, and have opportunities for volunteers both on and off the air.
Mix 881, which promotes itself as Headwaters Radio, currently broadcasts with 250 watts from its transmitter on the Erin water tower, but has applied to upgrade to 1,000 watts. Their coverage now extends from Orangeville and Caledon to the eastern side of Guelph, and they are hoping to improve reception and expand their reach.
To listen on-line or get more information, go to their website (still under construction) at www.mix881.com or call 519-833-9300.
Erin’s radio station had a party last week to officially celebrate its move to modern digital studios on Thompson Crescent.
Mix 881, formerly known as Erin Radio and Main Street Radio, had a major reorganization last fall. It continues to broadcast a mix of popular music, special interest shows and local information as CHES FM 88.1, but is now managed by a group that also operates the community station Grand 92.9 in Fergus.
The music mix has been altered to appeal to a wider range of listeners, and they now have modern software to create commercials and organize their on-air schedule. They are still a non-profit group, and have opportunities for volunteers both on and off the air.
Mix 881, which promotes itself as Headwaters Radio, currently broadcasts with 250 watts from its transmitter on the Erin water tower, but has applied to upgrade to 1,000 watts. Their coverage now extends from Orangeville and Caledon to the eastern side of Guelph, and they are hoping to improve reception and expand their reach.
To listen on-line or get more information, go to their website (still under construction) at www.mix881.com or call 519-833-9300.
 |
| Cutting the cake at the Mix 881 opening celebration are (left to right) Mayor Lou Maieron, MPP Ted Arnott, Board President Larry Peters, Councillor John Brennan, Station & Sales Manager Vic Folliott, Director David MacDonald; (in front) Afternoon Host Ronia Michael and Morning Host Erin Montgomery. |
October 24, 2012
Erin Radio under new management
As published in The Erin Advocate
As a result of a bleak financial outlook and technical problems, Erin Community Radio Inc. has turned over control of its station to the operators of similar ventures in Fergus and Hanover.
Main Street Radio (formerly Erin Radio) will continue to broadcast at FM 88.1 from the village of Erin, with a focus on local affairs, but will be re-branded to provide better service to the community.
"Our music format will be changing slightly to better suit a wider audience," said Larry Peters, the new chairman. He a show host and Vice President at The Grand FM92.9, and Manager of COGECO Community Television, both in Fergus. "We also intend to move the studio to a larger wheelchair accessible facility with new furnishings, board room and some updated equipment."
The new proposed location is at 8 Thompson Cresent (near the medical centre) with more than $25,000 likely to be invested in a new studio, software and furniture. A rally/meeting will be held at that location tonight (Wednesday) at 7 pm.
Peters promised the new board will build on Erin Radio's past achievements with "open communication and dialogue". The station went on the air in 2006, powered by volunteers, and has had strong support from the community, town council and the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The broadcast area now extends from Guelph to Orangeville.
"While the radio station has been able to weather the financial storm over the years through grants, advertising and fundraising, the past few years have been particularly difficult," said Ray Young, the former chairman, describing the previous situation as "bleak".
He said the board worked "strenuously and creatively over the past several months" and sought help from other parties with "the financial means, technical expertise and management capability to ensure the future."
He has resigned from the board, along with Station Manager Jay Mowat, Dave Currie, Rob Dodds and Mike Handley.
Staying on the board are Sales Coordinator David MacDonald and Volunteer Coordinator/Sales Rep Ronia Michael, while the new members are Peters, Vice Chairman Jerry Kooiman (Promotion Director in Fergus), Treasurer Scott Jensen (President in Fergus), Vic Folliott (Morning Personality/Sales Manager in Fergus) and Andy McBride (Station Manager in Hanover).
"We acknowledge the support of many Erin Radio team members, Town of Erin and Trillium for financial support," said Peters. "We truly appreciate everything you have done as a team. We intend to build the station as a viable business that can eventually afford to have paid staff members and invest all profits back to your community."
Community radio stations are non-profit corporations, with no shares that can be bought and sold. Andy McBride took over Hanover's failing community station in 2002 and has expanded it into a successful venture, which owns its own building. He is also known as Andy Mack, host of the internationally syndicated "The Sounds of Scotland Show".
Jensen will be Erin's new Program Director. He is currently the Manager of Media Technology for Research in Motion (RIM). He helped found the Fergus station in 2009, and previously worked with community radio station CKWR FM in Kitchener – taking it from revenues of $150,000 per year, to $650,000 per year during his term as President of the board.
"The Grand 92.9 and Bluewater Radio 91.3 have had tremendous success in Centre Wellington and Hanover," said Peters, who was Production Manager for CIDC FM in Orangeville, and also worked for CJOY and CKLA FM (now Magic 106) in Guelph. "We believe that Erin Community Radio Inc. can benefit from our learned successes in programming, sales, technology expertise, promotion and coordinated volunteer base."
He said the Erin station will continue to be a focal point for local talent, news, sports, traffic and community events.
"There will be some specialty programs shared amongst stations, but we will be using Erin local volunteers and mentoring them," said Kooiman. "We are hoping to earn the support of all members, volunteers, show hosts, sponsors, town council and advertisers."
Station founder Jay Mowat is "very positive" about the new arrangement.
"I think we've got a strategic and creative alliance now," he said. "They are prepared to put in new money, new energy, new equipment. The gear that the station has been using, which is really antiquated, is going to be improved a thousand-fold, and you'll hear the difference on-air. What will change is the technical sophistication of the organization, the energy that people are putting into it.
"When I started this little venture six years ago, it was with the intention of using my broadcasting background (CBC) to do actual radio programs. But I got really tied up in the administration of the organization." He's now thinking of pitching his own political interview show.
He would not disclose how much the station owes, but said it is not a huge debt, with current bills paid and nothing owing to the bank. There's about $7,000 owing to the Town of Erin, related to their new 250-watt transmitter (which was also funded by a $29,000 Trillium grant), and money to be repaid to some directors.
As a result of a bleak financial outlook and technical problems, Erin Community Radio Inc. has turned over control of its station to the operators of similar ventures in Fergus and Hanover.
Main Street Radio (formerly Erin Radio) will continue to broadcast at FM 88.1 from the village of Erin, with a focus on local affairs, but will be re-branded to provide better service to the community.
"Our music format will be changing slightly to better suit a wider audience," said Larry Peters, the new chairman. He a show host and Vice President at The Grand FM92.9, and Manager of COGECO Community Television, both in Fergus. "We also intend to move the studio to a larger wheelchair accessible facility with new furnishings, board room and some updated equipment."
The new proposed location is at 8 Thompson Cresent (near the medical centre) with more than $25,000 likely to be invested in a new studio, software and furniture. A rally/meeting will be held at that location tonight (Wednesday) at 7 pm.
Peters promised the new board will build on Erin Radio's past achievements with "open communication and dialogue". The station went on the air in 2006, powered by volunteers, and has had strong support from the community, town council and the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The broadcast area now extends from Guelph to Orangeville.
"While the radio station has been able to weather the financial storm over the years through grants, advertising and fundraising, the past few years have been particularly difficult," said Ray Young, the former chairman, describing the previous situation as "bleak".
He said the board worked "strenuously and creatively over the past several months" and sought help from other parties with "the financial means, technical expertise and management capability to ensure the future."
He has resigned from the board, along with Station Manager Jay Mowat, Dave Currie, Rob Dodds and Mike Handley.
Staying on the board are Sales Coordinator David MacDonald and Volunteer Coordinator/Sales Rep Ronia Michael, while the new members are Peters, Vice Chairman Jerry Kooiman (Promotion Director in Fergus), Treasurer Scott Jensen (President in Fergus), Vic Folliott (Morning Personality/Sales Manager in Fergus) and Andy McBride (Station Manager in Hanover).
"We acknowledge the support of many Erin Radio team members, Town of Erin and Trillium for financial support," said Peters. "We truly appreciate everything you have done as a team. We intend to build the station as a viable business that can eventually afford to have paid staff members and invest all profits back to your community."
Community radio stations are non-profit corporations, with no shares that can be bought and sold. Andy McBride took over Hanover's failing community station in 2002 and has expanded it into a successful venture, which owns its own building. He is also known as Andy Mack, host of the internationally syndicated "The Sounds of Scotland Show".
Jensen will be Erin's new Program Director. He is currently the Manager of Media Technology for Research in Motion (RIM). He helped found the Fergus station in 2009, and previously worked with community radio station CKWR FM in Kitchener – taking it from revenues of $150,000 per year, to $650,000 per year during his term as President of the board.
"The Grand 92.9 and Bluewater Radio 91.3 have had tremendous success in Centre Wellington and Hanover," said Peters, who was Production Manager for CIDC FM in Orangeville, and also worked for CJOY and CKLA FM (now Magic 106) in Guelph. "We believe that Erin Community Radio Inc. can benefit from our learned successes in programming, sales, technology expertise, promotion and coordinated volunteer base."
He said the Erin station will continue to be a focal point for local talent, news, sports, traffic and community events.
"There will be some specialty programs shared amongst stations, but we will be using Erin local volunteers and mentoring them," said Kooiman. "We are hoping to earn the support of all members, volunteers, show hosts, sponsors, town council and advertisers."
Station founder Jay Mowat is "very positive" about the new arrangement.
"I think we've got a strategic and creative alliance now," he said. "They are prepared to put in new money, new energy, new equipment. The gear that the station has been using, which is really antiquated, is going to be improved a thousand-fold, and you'll hear the difference on-air. What will change is the technical sophistication of the organization, the energy that people are putting into it.
"When I started this little venture six years ago, it was with the intention of using my broadcasting background (CBC) to do actual radio programs. But I got really tied up in the administration of the organization." He's now thinking of pitching his own political interview show.
He would not disclose how much the station owes, but said it is not a huge debt, with current bills paid and nothing owing to the bank. There's about $7,000 owing to the Town of Erin, related to their new 250-watt transmitter (which was also funded by a $29,000 Trillium grant), and money to be repaid to some directors.
April 20, 2011
Erin Radio boosts power with shift to 88.1 FM
As published in The Erin Advocate
Erin Radio has propelled itself into a new era, now broadcasting on 88.1 FM with 250 watts, and a new antenna atop the water tower that delivers its signal beyond the town borders.
Almost a year ago, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) approved an application from Erin Radio to boost its signal strength from 50 watts to 250 watts and change frequencies.
"With this move, we will get to the entire Town of Erin and a little bit beyond, so this is a big moment in our life," said Station Manager Jay Mowat, just after the new signal was activated on April 11. "We managed to find the one and only frequency that we can broadcast on, higher than 50 watts."
The station is now in a three-week test phase, during which they are simulcasting on both their old and new frequencies. Transmission on 101.5 FM will end in early May.
The jumble of equipment now decorating the Erin water tower consists of the new Bell transmitters, with the Erin Radio hardware attached above – saving the substantial cost of a new mast.
"This is the culmination of two and a half years of work on a lot of people's part. And we still have to pay for it," said Mowat. "We will spend over $30,000 in this move."
Erin Radio is selling rain barrels as a fundraiser, with Scotiabank of Orangeville matching funds dollar for dollar up to $5,000. The barrels are available for $50 at Credit River Motors on Main Street, on Saturdays from 10 am to 3 pm until May 7. The Town of Erin gave the station a $10,000 grant last year and a $10,000 loan to help buy the transmitter and antenna.
The signal is being directed mainly north-east and north-west as required by the CRTC, to avoid intruding on the signal of Ryerson University in Toronto, which also uses the 88.1 frequency. Erin Radio had to buy a special antenna to protect them – custom-built and shipped from Italy at a cost of $10,000.
By coincidence, late last week, Ryerson Radio was forced off the air by the CRTC due to problems in meeting licence conditions. It could be revived, or another station might get the Toronto-based frequency.
Regardless, the Erin Radio signal is weak south of 5 Sideroad, where initially it was blending with Ryerson's. The absence of Ryerson has not improved the reception.
The signal is strong and clear in Erin village, Hillsburgh, west into Eramosa and north to the townline of Orangeville. The headline on the station's website says, "Here we come into Headwaters!", since the signal will extend into Caledon and Dufferin County. People can also listen on the internet, at www.erinradio.ca.
"Our primary motivation was not to get into Orangeville," said Mowat. "If it was and we said that, the CRTC would have made us go through a major public hearing, because that's a whole new audience. All we wanted was to hit clearly the residents of the Town of Erin. People in Orangeville will hear us on a reduced signal, and we will go in and try to connect up with advertisers and community organizations."
Erin Radio is a volunteer-based, not-for-profit group that has been on the air since 2006, providing opportunities for local programming. They are also the official emergency broadcaster in the area. Operating until now at just 50 watts, the signal could only reach homes close to Erin village. As well, their original licence was conditional, meaning they could have been forced to give up their frequency to a commercial station.
That did not happen, but power on 101.5 FM could not be expanded without intruding on other stations in the crowded southern Ontario radio market. With approval to move to 88.1, they not only have 250 watts, but a permanent, protected status.
"We have to go out there and make sure everybody knows the kind of range of what we do. We need to do a lot more advertising based on our programming schedule," said Mowat, who eventually wants to provide podcasts of some shows. "Our whole focus as a station is local voices, local news, local music."
On weekdays, Erin Radio plays mainstream easy listening music, along with news, sports, weather, business, talk radio with the Motts, lunch hour oldies and a spotlight on local performers. Evenings and weekends are more specialized, with shows on various styles of music, plus comedy and selected topics.
"Now that we have the increased power and can be heard in a much larger area, we need a way of taking a look at what our marketing strategy should be and what kind of an audience we can get," said Mowat.
Erin Radio has received a $29,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to develop a five-year marketing plan, including a local audience survey to be conducted by Erin Research.
Erin Radio has propelled itself into a new era, now broadcasting on 88.1 FM with 250 watts, and a new antenna atop the water tower that delivers its signal beyond the town borders.
Almost a year ago, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) approved an application from Erin Radio to boost its signal strength from 50 watts to 250 watts and change frequencies.
"With this move, we will get to the entire Town of Erin and a little bit beyond, so this is a big moment in our life," said Station Manager Jay Mowat, just after the new signal was activated on April 11. "We managed to find the one and only frequency that we can broadcast on, higher than 50 watts."
The station is now in a three-week test phase, during which they are simulcasting on both their old and new frequencies. Transmission on 101.5 FM will end in early May.
The jumble of equipment now decorating the Erin water tower consists of the new Bell transmitters, with the Erin Radio hardware attached above – saving the substantial cost of a new mast.
"This is the culmination of two and a half years of work on a lot of people's part. And we still have to pay for it," said Mowat. "We will spend over $30,000 in this move."
Erin Radio is selling rain barrels as a fundraiser, with Scotiabank of Orangeville matching funds dollar for dollar up to $5,000. The barrels are available for $50 at Credit River Motors on Main Street, on Saturdays from 10 am to 3 pm until May 7. The Town of Erin gave the station a $10,000 grant last year and a $10,000 loan to help buy the transmitter and antenna.
The signal is being directed mainly north-east and north-west as required by the CRTC, to avoid intruding on the signal of Ryerson University in Toronto, which also uses the 88.1 frequency. Erin Radio had to buy a special antenna to protect them – custom-built and shipped from Italy at a cost of $10,000.
By coincidence, late last week, Ryerson Radio was forced off the air by the CRTC due to problems in meeting licence conditions. It could be revived, or another station might get the Toronto-based frequency.
Regardless, the Erin Radio signal is weak south of 5 Sideroad, where initially it was blending with Ryerson's. The absence of Ryerson has not improved the reception.
The signal is strong and clear in Erin village, Hillsburgh, west into Eramosa and north to the townline of Orangeville. The headline on the station's website says, "Here we come into Headwaters!", since the signal will extend into Caledon and Dufferin County. People can also listen on the internet, at www.erinradio.ca.
"Our primary motivation was not to get into Orangeville," said Mowat. "If it was and we said that, the CRTC would have made us go through a major public hearing, because that's a whole new audience. All we wanted was to hit clearly the residents of the Town of Erin. People in Orangeville will hear us on a reduced signal, and we will go in and try to connect up with advertisers and community organizations."
Erin Radio is a volunteer-based, not-for-profit group that has been on the air since 2006, providing opportunities for local programming. They are also the official emergency broadcaster in the area. Operating until now at just 50 watts, the signal could only reach homes close to Erin village. As well, their original licence was conditional, meaning they could have been forced to give up their frequency to a commercial station.
That did not happen, but power on 101.5 FM could not be expanded without intruding on other stations in the crowded southern Ontario radio market. With approval to move to 88.1, they not only have 250 watts, but a permanent, protected status.
"We have to go out there and make sure everybody knows the kind of range of what we do. We need to do a lot more advertising based on our programming schedule," said Mowat, who eventually wants to provide podcasts of some shows. "Our whole focus as a station is local voices, local news, local music."
On weekdays, Erin Radio plays mainstream easy listening music, along with news, sports, weather, business, talk radio with the Motts, lunch hour oldies and a spotlight on local performers. Evenings and weekends are more specialized, with shows on various styles of music, plus comedy and selected topics.
"Now that we have the increased power and can be heard in a much larger area, we need a way of taking a look at what our marketing strategy should be and what kind of an audience we can get," said Mowat.
Erin Radio has received a $29,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to develop a five-year marketing plan, including a local audience survey to be conducted by Erin Research.
May 26, 2010
Aaron Muir country CD celebrates family tradition
As published in The Erin Advocate
Whether it is a jamboree, a church event or Saturday night at the bar, Aaron Muir and the Muir Family Band have a versatile mix of country tunes to suit the occasion.
"We adapt to the venue and the crowd," said Aaron, who is releasing a self-titled CD next month. It seems there's a strain of country music in the family DNA. Aaron and his brother Brandon, who plays drums, were surrounded by music while they were growing up and have been performing since the mid-90s.
Their mom Donna, who sings harmony vocals on the CD, used to sing locally in a band with her brother Jeff Barry. She helped her sons produce the album, along with Bruce Ley, who did the recording at his studio in Mulmer, Ontario.
If you are at the 5th Annual Erin Rodeo, presented by the Erin Agricultural Society on June 5 and 6, you'll find the Muirs providing dance music for the cowboys and cowgirls. For more on the rodeo, go to www.erinrodeo.com.
The following weekend, everyone is welcome at the CD release party – Friday, June 11, upstairs at the Erin Legion, 8 pm - 1 am. Admission is free.
Aaron has picked music from some of his heroes, especially Dwight Yoakam, for the CD. I listened to Yoakam's recordings of songs like 1,000 Miles, Miner's Prayer, Two Doors Down and I Sang Dixie, and can tell you that Aaron's versions stand up very well in comparison.
His voice is engaging and confident. It is on the raunchy side for upbeat songs like Rockin' My Life Away (written by Mack Vickery and a hit for Jerry Lee Lewis), which has a nice boogie-woogie feel; and suitably mournful for songs like Crying Time (written by Buck Owens and a hit for Ray Charles). Vickery's The Fireman, a hit for George Straight, is a strong lead-off song for the CD.
Overall the music is professional and well-balanced – not bad, considering they treat it more as a hobby than a career. The mixing is uncluttered, so the instrumental solos come through pure and clean.
The project features Aaron Muir on guitar and vocals, Paul Holmes on bass guitar, Brandon Muir on drums and percussion, Gerry Companion on electric lead guitar, Mike Slauenwhite on fiddle, Bruce Ley on piano, organ and guitar, Doug Johnson on steel guitar and dobro, Kim Ratcliffe on acoustic guitar and Donna Muir on vocals. Also with the group is Mark Parrish on fiddle.
They are working in the tradition of the Bakersfield sound (or California country), which is strong on electric and steel guitar and has its roots in American honky-tonk. It is a contrast to the slicker production of the Nashville sound, which is known for string orchestration, and "New" country, which is more pop-rock oriented. A medley from Bakersfield star Buck Owens is the final track on the CD.
Donna hosts a show on Erin Radio called Country Grass, on Thursday evenings. If you miss the CD party and want to get a copy, call and leave her a message at 519-856-9159.
Whether it is a jamboree, a church event or Saturday night at the bar, Aaron Muir and the Muir Family Band have a versatile mix of country tunes to suit the occasion.
"We adapt to the venue and the crowd," said Aaron, who is releasing a self-titled CD next month. It seems there's a strain of country music in the family DNA. Aaron and his brother Brandon, who plays drums, were surrounded by music while they were growing up and have been performing since the mid-90s.
Their mom Donna, who sings harmony vocals on the CD, used to sing locally in a band with her brother Jeff Barry. She helped her sons produce the album, along with Bruce Ley, who did the recording at his studio in Mulmer, Ontario.
If you are at the 5th Annual Erin Rodeo, presented by the Erin Agricultural Society on June 5 and 6, you'll find the Muirs providing dance music for the cowboys and cowgirls. For more on the rodeo, go to www.erinrodeo.com.
The following weekend, everyone is welcome at the CD release party – Friday, June 11, upstairs at the Erin Legion, 8 pm - 1 am. Admission is free.
Aaron has picked music from some of his heroes, especially Dwight Yoakam, for the CD. I listened to Yoakam's recordings of songs like 1,000 Miles, Miner's Prayer, Two Doors Down and I Sang Dixie, and can tell you that Aaron's versions stand up very well in comparison.
His voice is engaging and confident. It is on the raunchy side for upbeat songs like Rockin' My Life Away (written by Mack Vickery and a hit for Jerry Lee Lewis), which has a nice boogie-woogie feel; and suitably mournful for songs like Crying Time (written by Buck Owens and a hit for Ray Charles). Vickery's The Fireman, a hit for George Straight, is a strong lead-off song for the CD.
Overall the music is professional and well-balanced – not bad, considering they treat it more as a hobby than a career. The mixing is uncluttered, so the instrumental solos come through pure and clean.
The project features Aaron Muir on guitar and vocals, Paul Holmes on bass guitar, Brandon Muir on drums and percussion, Gerry Companion on electric lead guitar, Mike Slauenwhite on fiddle, Bruce Ley on piano, organ and guitar, Doug Johnson on steel guitar and dobro, Kim Ratcliffe on acoustic guitar and Donna Muir on vocals. Also with the group is Mark Parrish on fiddle.
They are working in the tradition of the Bakersfield sound (or California country), which is strong on electric and steel guitar and has its roots in American honky-tonk. It is a contrast to the slicker production of the Nashville sound, which is known for string orchestration, and "New" country, which is more pop-rock oriented. A medley from Bakersfield star Buck Owens is the final track on the CD.
Donna hosts a show on Erin Radio called Country Grass, on Thursday evenings. If you miss the CD party and want to get a copy, call and leave her a message at 519-856-9159.
February 10, 2010
Nash makes a splash at downtown concert
As published in The Erin Advocate
People look at me kinda funny when I tell them I'm a fan of folk music. Sometimes I think it is a look of pity for an old fart whose musical tastes got stuck in the '60s, which is of course totally untrue. More often they just have no clear idea of what folk music is.
Mainstream radio stations will not play even the best of it, since they do not believe there is a large enough audience, and even CBC Radio 2, which is sympathetic, steers more towards pop on its morning and afternoon commuter shows.
Folk has been known for centuries in Europe as music of the lower classes, played with simple instruments and passed on by tradition. In North America it now encompasses a wide range of acoustic instruments, avoiding high-tech production and often giving emphasis to thoughtful lyrics.
It is actually the lack of clear boundaries that endears the genre to many fans, who are willing to go out of their way to hear today's top performers. It is a special pleasure when one of them comes to your own town.
Jory Nash has six albums to his credit, is well-known at many Toronto clubs, gets airplay on CBC, plays events like the Hillside Festival in Guelph and takes his show on the road across North America. He was the main act at a January 29 concert held at the Paul Morin Gallery, sponsored by Erin Radio.
Julian Petti from Palgrave started the evening off with some strong, rhythmic guitar, and bluesy finger picking on songs like, Leave the Light On. You can check him out on myspace.com and see his Echo Bay recording sessions in Algonquin Park on YouTube.
A lively instrumental set was provided by WhirlyGig, a dance/celtic band from the Guelph area, based at Celtic College (riversidecelticcollege.ca). With Irene Shelton on piano, Carolyn Buck on fiddle, Jakob McCauley on bodhran and Eva McCauley on mandolin, fiddle and concertina, we were treated to a wide variety of jigs, reels and even polkas. Unfortunately, with about 65 people in attendance, there was no room to dance.
Jory Nash is an independent who labels his style as a mix of folk, acoustic, country, jazz, pop, blues, soul and storytelling. He plays the guitar, piano and five-string banjo. His fingerpicking style is confident and precise, without being flowery or overbearing.
From the second he presents himself, you get an upbeat feeling. His sound is happy and friendly – even when singing about the recession in It Don't Add Up. And although he has plenty of good songs of his own, he recognizes the appeal of covering old standards, like the jazzy Fly Me To The Moon, or Smokey Robinson's Tracks of My Tears.
The audience was chatty as they sipped their wine and snacked on apple bread cheese from Spirit Tree Cidery in Caledon. But with a combination of funny stories, a light, soaring voice and a guitar style that was often spare and haunting, Nash ultimately had everyone's full attention. He had people laughing with Spaz Loves Weezie, singing along with My Girl, and thinking hard with Sam Cooke's A Change is Gonna Come.
It is always worth the effort to seek out talented performers who have not yet struck it rich with commercial hits. They are never just coasting, and are not stuck on one style. They are willing to play in small towns, and are working hard to provide good entertainment. This was an excellent event, and here's hoping Erin has many more like it.
Here are a few more websites to check in your spare time: myspace.com/jorynash; jorynash.com; and maplemusic.com.
People look at me kinda funny when I tell them I'm a fan of folk music. Sometimes I think it is a look of pity for an old fart whose musical tastes got stuck in the '60s, which is of course totally untrue. More often they just have no clear idea of what folk music is.
Mainstream radio stations will not play even the best of it, since they do not believe there is a large enough audience, and even CBC Radio 2, which is sympathetic, steers more towards pop on its morning and afternoon commuter shows.
Folk has been known for centuries in Europe as music of the lower classes, played with simple instruments and passed on by tradition. In North America it now encompasses a wide range of acoustic instruments, avoiding high-tech production and often giving emphasis to thoughtful lyrics.
It is actually the lack of clear boundaries that endears the genre to many fans, who are willing to go out of their way to hear today's top performers. It is a special pleasure when one of them comes to your own town.
Jory Nash has six albums to his credit, is well-known at many Toronto clubs, gets airplay on CBC, plays events like the Hillside Festival in Guelph and takes his show on the road across North America. He was the main act at a January 29 concert held at the Paul Morin Gallery, sponsored by Erin Radio.
Julian Petti from Palgrave started the evening off with some strong, rhythmic guitar, and bluesy finger picking on songs like, Leave the Light On. You can check him out on myspace.com and see his Echo Bay recording sessions in Algonquin Park on YouTube.
A lively instrumental set was provided by WhirlyGig, a dance/celtic band from the Guelph area, based at Celtic College (riversidecelticcollege.ca). With Irene Shelton on piano, Carolyn Buck on fiddle, Jakob McCauley on bodhran and Eva McCauley on mandolin, fiddle and concertina, we were treated to a wide variety of jigs, reels and even polkas. Unfortunately, with about 65 people in attendance, there was no room to dance.
Jory Nash is an independent who labels his style as a mix of folk, acoustic, country, jazz, pop, blues, soul and storytelling. He plays the guitar, piano and five-string banjo. His fingerpicking style is confident and precise, without being flowery or overbearing.
From the second he presents himself, you get an upbeat feeling. His sound is happy and friendly – even when singing about the recession in It Don't Add Up. And although he has plenty of good songs of his own, he recognizes the appeal of covering old standards, like the jazzy Fly Me To The Moon, or Smokey Robinson's Tracks of My Tears.
The audience was chatty as they sipped their wine and snacked on apple bread cheese from Spirit Tree Cidery in Caledon. But with a combination of funny stories, a light, soaring voice and a guitar style that was often spare and haunting, Nash ultimately had everyone's full attention. He had people laughing with Spaz Loves Weezie, singing along with My Girl, and thinking hard with Sam Cooke's A Change is Gonna Come.
It is always worth the effort to seek out talented performers who have not yet struck it rich with commercial hits. They are never just coasting, and are not stuck on one style. They are willing to play in small towns, and are working hard to provide good entertainment. This was an excellent event, and here's hoping Erin has many more like it.
Here are a few more websites to check in your spare time: myspace.com/jorynash; jorynash.com; and maplemusic.com.
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