The Bear radio station in Barriere made history as it roared to life and took to the air waves for the first time last Thursday at precisely 10:31a.m.,on 93.1FM, playing a song by popular singer/songwriter Adele.
The driving force behind the station is local radio announcer Steve Shannon, North Thompson Radio Inc., and he says hitting the airwaves was a banner moment for the community, and for himself personally.
“Shortly after we went live I played the Joe Cocker song ‘I’ll Get By With A Little Help From My Friends’, and that’s exactly what made this all happen, thanks to people in the area such as; Lana Laskovic, Carl Woody, Marty Philibert, Mike Fennell, Jill Hayward, Wayne Broomfield, Colleen Hannigan, Kevin McMahon, and Bill Fowler. The station is just broadcasting to the immediate area on minimum power right now, but we are live 24/7, 365 days a year.”
Shannon noted that after a CRTC permit is received in the near future the station can ramp up to level two, “which will give us really good coverage”, and in approximately three to four months level four after the installation of a transmitter on a NT Valley mountain.
“Level four will let people hear The Bear from Heffley Creek to Blue River,” said Shannon.
The Bear will bring adult contemporary music to listeners, community announcements, live discussions, and more.
Shannon says he is encouraging local non-profits to drop off written information about their upcoming community events in the letter box at the radio station on Barriere Town Road next to the fire hall, or call him at 250-672-2059.
Tune in and listen to The Bear.
