Changes are coming for the Erin's radio station as it creates new links to The Grand 92.9.
A recent series of emails directed to the Wellington Advertiser along with volunteers, members, and interested parties outline recent happenings at the station.
Larry Peters, new board chairman of Erin Community Radio Inc. stated “Erin Community Radio Inc. has served the Erin and surrounding communities for the past six years with the help of many dedicated community-minded volunteers. We acknowledge the support of many Erin Radio members and Trillium for financial support.”
“Unfortunately, Erin Community Radio Inc. has been struggling with financial, software, equipment, technology and even volunteer issues.”
Peters said members of the past and current board of directors approached the directors of Centre Wellington Community Radio Inc. and Bluewater Community Radio Inc. with a proposal to assume responsibilities of the station with the promise to keep the station based in Erin.
“We believe that Erin Community Radio Inc. can benefit from our learned successes in programming, sales, technology expertise, promotion and coordinated volunteer base.”
The board of directors for Centre Wellington Community Radio Inc. and Bluewater Community Radio Inc. agreed to help with specific conditions related to governance due to financial commitments.
He said the plan includes rebranding the Erin station to better serve the community and remain as a focal point of local Erin News, Sports, traffic, community events and of course talent.
The music format will alter slightly to suit wider audiences.
The intent is also to move to a larger wheel chair accessible facility with new furnishings, board room and some updated equipment.
The new board members include Larry Peters, Jerry Kooiman, Scott Jensen, Vic Folliott, Andy McBride, Ronia Michael and Dave MacDonald.
“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.”
Former board member Ray Young offered the following additional information also via email.
“One of the cornerstone responsibilities of the board of directors of the radio station is to ensure the financial viability of the venture.”
He said that 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.
Young stated the board’s actions resulted in finding other parties interested in the long-term viability of the radio station and who have the financial means, technical expertise and management capability to ensure the future.
In order to take over the radio station’s operational expenses and eliminate current debt, the new parties will become the majority members of a new board of directors for Main Street Radio. That board is comprised of two members of the existing board plus four new members. Remaining are MacDonald and Michael. Dave Currie, Rob Dodds, Mike Handley, Jay Mowat and Ray Young have resigned in order to make room for the new group.
The new board will bring to Main Street Radio a beneficial and creative partnership with the Grand FM in Fergus.
$7,000 still owed to town
About $7,000 is still owing to the town of Erin related to its 250-watt transmitter.
Earlier this year, the station had asked council for an extension to its loan repayment deadline which was at the end of 2011. In early 2010, council loaned the station $10,000 and later extended that loan for an additional year. However, due to higher than anticipated antenna and installation costs, the power increase project cost the station about $10,000 more than expected. The station provided a $3,000 payment towards its loan to the town and asked for another extension – to Dec. 31, to pay the remaining $7,000. At the time, it was noted this is the second extension the not-for-profit station has requested on the same loan. Council approved the deadline extension to Dec. 31, 2012.
