Ottawa, 2 November 2011

Gabriola Radio Society
Gabriola Island, British Columbia

Application 2010-1554-5, received 14 October 2010
Public hearing in the National Capital Region
18 July 2011

English-language community
FM radio station in Gabriola Island

The Commission approves an application for a broadcasting licence to operate an English-language community FM radio station in Gabriola Island, British Columbia.

MEDIA ADVISORY
November 12 2011

A small step for the CRTC, a giant leap for community radio on Gabriola Island

After more than a decade of drafting endless applications, holding dozens of public meetings, putting on fundraiser after fundraiser and negotiating with broadcasting industry giants, a small group of dedicated volunteers has finally succeeded in getting approval from the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission for Gabriola’s very own community run radio station, CKGI 98.7 FM.

“It’s almost unbelievable,” says Ken Zakreski, President of the Gabriola Radio Society. “All the hard work paid off at last. I want to thank everyone in the community, everyone who has donated time and money, and all the legal and technical experts who offered us their help, for their support.” Community is what will define CKGI, adds Zakreski. “CKGI has been created by Gabriolans, with immensely generous financial and in-kind support provided by local musicians and performers, as well as safety groups like the Gabriola Island Fire Trustees and by technical experts who support community radio.” Once CKGI is on the air, says Zakreski, the station will be showcasing local artists, broadcasting community notices and providing valuable up-to-the-minute information in emergency situations, among the services it will offer.

The hard work isn’t over for Zakreski and his fellow volunteers. CKGI has 18 months to establish the radio service, but Zakreski is confident that’s achievable. “The budget to get us up and running is $320,000, which will cover the cost of setting up a tower, studio and offices. Our estimated annual running costs will be $58,000.” CKGI is hoping to cover the running costs through a portion of property taxes following a referendum. If that doesn’t pan out, those sums will have to come from fundraising efforts and on-air advertising. “We’re planning our first big fundraiser of the year, on January 7 2012, entitled ‘You Turn Me On - I’m a Radio.’ We’re looking for musicians and performers willing to donate their efforts to the show, as well as volunteers to help work the show, by the way,” adds Zakreski.

CKGI also has to prepare for public hearings regarding the siting of its tower by Industry Canada, and finalize a suitable studio space. “We will be discussing all of this with Gabriolans as we go along, just as we have the whole way through,” says Zakreski. “After all, it’s going to be Gabriola’s community radio station, and we’d like as many people as possible to be part of it.”
In the meantime, CKGI invites everyone to join in the January 7 celebration of its hard-won right to broadcast through what Zakreski hopes will eventually become: “one of the finest community radio stations in Canada.”

-30-

The Shingle cover

Staff schedule – Tina will be providing Volunteer hours for

fundraiser – jan 7th

Bank stuff –

Server stuff – David has agreed to select a host and reply to Ken.

Bank package

Quorum

Minutes: meeting Thurs. Oct.6 th 2011, Artworks.

- Had visitor Kara sit in.
*She is a wonderful contact, involved in building community radio in
Burma and that area of the world.
*More info to follow as she is to send us more about herself and her
work. She is very involved, in many projects, all very interesting.
*She grew up on Gabriola and is proposing collaboration.
*Ken shared about our upcoming fund-raiser, our history and about CDs
we produce.
*introduce her to WINGS (Womens’ International News Gathering Service)
and Be The Media (CHLY)
*several of her cards were collected, we are sure to remain in touch!

-Haven
*donated hall for fundraiser
*Piano rental fee is $100
*Motion to write check for Haven piano rental fee carried

-AGM
*call AGM 30 days after CRTC announcement (reminder)

-John Hague
*added as signatory on all CCCU accounts

-MPAA
*re: reproduction rights for fundraiser CD

-Anna
*re: food service for fundraiser

-Angela at VFM
*Tina line up fundaraiser food budget with Angela (donation by VFM)
*$100

-CKGI website
*Tina needs log in stuff for web site.
*

-Marion V.
*re: transmitter for fundraiser

-Lance
*send copy for poster
*artwork: micro-phone, on air switch

-Aug 31st 2011 CCCU account balances
*CHQ: $1,378.39
*Building Fund: $64.06
*Project: $23.20

-Mitch Morgan
*finish up letter for performance fee waive

-Deposits
*no deposits
*donations to be collected (this weekend)

ADJOURN