Erin Community Radio is cutting costs to increase its chances for survival.
The station has struggled for a number of years, and was given some life over the past year thanks to the help of Centre Wellington Community Radio in terms of management support.
“The business community in the Town of Erin continues to have a few struggles; the smaller business community there simply can’t provide consistent advertising support for the station,” Erin Radio board of directors chairman Larry Peters said in a recent press release.
“This reduces the potential revenue for the community radio station,” said Peters.
As a way to reduce costs immediately, the station has initiated a plan that will see the station stay on the air.
Internet technology allows the station to continue providing service in Erin, with a remote studio setup at the home of Erin Community Radio founder Jay Mowat.
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 at 92.9 in Fergus.
He said the board looked at various options for the station branded as the Headwaters Mix 88.1.
“As one option we applied to the CRTC for a repeater transmitter on 89.1 MHz in Orangeville. 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. The challenge is, that these decisions through the CRTC process can often take up to a year,” said Peters.
“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.”
Peters concluded, “Pending the outcome of the CRTC decision, the board of directors of Erin Radio will announce further decisions.”
For information contact Peters at info@mix881.com.
