The Comox Valley's locally-grown radio station is looking to make the jump from online streaming to on-air broadcasting, and they need some help to do it.
The station, CVOX, started last year. But now, after creating some buzz in the community, the all-volunteer station is looking to make the jump to FM.
鈥淲e鈥檙e really proud of our ever-growing lineup of local shows,鈥� says society president Jamie Bowman. 鈥淏ut now we need to get on the FM dial in 2025, and that takes money.鈥�
The plan requires $50,000 to secure a CRTC community radio licence, to establish and equip a studio and to install an antenna and other broadcasting equipment. Before granting an on-air license, the CRTC and Industry Canada requires a series of specialized engineering studies. The Waverley Hotel has agreed to allow CVOX to broadcast from its rooftop, which is one of the highest points in the Comox Valley.
鈥淔rom there you can see the Coast Range mountains on the Mainland,鈥� says Jean Sarrazin, a retired CBC tech and executive. 鈥淭hat should reach the entire Comox Valley, once we have permission from the CRTC and Industry Canada to begin 鈥榦n the dial鈥� broadcasting.鈥�
CVOX streams 24/7 at CVOX.ca. Over the past year, it has produced a wide range of local, community-focused programming. The list of original CVOX programs highlights the diverse voices and cultures of the Comox Valley, including:
- Ancestral Echoes, featuring local M茅tis Elders interviewed by M茅tis youth. The series offers profound insights and helps preserve important cultural narratives.
- Home Grown Music of the Comox Valley, hosted by Sherri Smith, featuring local musicians.
- LJP's Trippy Hippie Show, an eclectic mix of psychedelic rock, jazz, and funk.
- CV Setlist, hosted by Jenn Geddes, previews music of upcoming live shows at the Waverley Hotel, Comox Lake Park, Cumberland Village Square, festivals and more.
- Death Wish Disco, hosted by seasoned DJ 9000ears, a UK transplant who calls the Comox Valley home, provides an energetic mix of music from across the dance music cosmos.
- Canadian Indie, curated by Pranatricks, a Comox indie rocker famous in his own right who syndicates the show to campus and community stations across Canada.
- Random Play, hosted by Doug Cox of MusicFest, features rare and not-so-rare recordings, mixed with stories and observations from his years in the business.
- Labour Beat, with veteran union activists Brian Charlton and Steve Harvey, interviews on local history and current-issue topics.
- Voices of the Valley, where host Chris Markevich鈥檚 interviews focus on social justice and environmental issues.
"Community radio has the power to connect, inform, and inspire,鈥� says Bowman. 鈥淭he Valley鈥檚 depth in culture and volunteerism has built the foundation of our station. But CVOX really needs to be on the FM band too."
鈥淭he 'Get on the Dial' campaign is a pivotal step in our journey to amplify local voices and enrich our cultural landscape,鈥� says Huggler. 鈥淲e're counting on the Valley's incredible community spirit to help us take CVOX to the next level 鈥� to the air."
Individuals, businesses, and organizations can become sponsors at cvox.ca/donate. Inquiries about donating equipment or about potential studio locations should be sent to info@cvox.ca.
