TORONTO, Ontario, May 20, 2020 — Harrowsmith magazine is proud to announce the launch of Harrowsmith Radio, arriving at community and campus radio stations across three provinces (British Columbia, Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador) as of May 20, 2020 — with more stations coming on board over the next several months.
Harrowsmith is all about “Make. Grow. Sustain. Share.” And that’s exactly what community radio is about too, making this a perfect fit.
How are community and campus stations different from traditional media? For starters, they are not-for-profit organizations programmed by volunteers who are close to their communities and committed to the places where they live. The people on the air are largely the neighbours and friends of listeners — much like the community-centric environment of Harrowsmith magazine. As well, these stations provide content that is grassroots in nature and their perspectives on environmental issues, sustainability, food security, local music and community generate loyal and highly engaged listeners. And that’s exactly why they are such a good match for Harrowsmith Radio.
And, at a time when traditional media has remained static, community media is growing. According to the National Campus and Community Radio Association, an average of 3 to 5 new stations launch each year. The association’s study, conducted by Nanos Research in December 2017, also notes that on any given day an estimated 550,000 Canadians listen to campus and community radio. About 2% of Canadians listen daily, 5% listen regularly and 30% listen at least once a month.
Here are a few examples of what makes community radio so special:
- CKAR Radio (Hunters Bay Radio) in Huntsville, Ontario, started as an internet-only station, but became so popular that members of the community asked organizers to broadcast over the airwaves.
- Kootenay Co-op Radio broadcasts from Nelson, BC, reaching a community known for a self-sufficient spirit and a keen awareness of the need for ecological sustainability.
- The Voice of Bonne Bay will play our show from Norris Point, in the middle of Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland and Labrador.
In our first rollout of Harrowsmith Radio, listen for us on the airwaves in these locations:
British Columbia: Kamloops (CFBX 92.5 FM); Nanaimo (CHLY 101.7 FM); Nelson (CJLY 93.5 FM); Bella Coola (Nuxalk Radio 91.1 FM); Revelstoke (Stoke FM 92.5); Chetwynd (CHET-FM 94.5).
Ontario: Stouffville (Whistle FM 102.9); Belleville (CJLX-FM 93.1); Huntsville (CKAR-FM 88.7); Toronto (CKHC-FM 96.9); Hamilton (CFMU-FM 93.3); Waterloo (CKMS 102.7 FM).
Newfoundland and Labrador: Norris Point (VOBB – The Voice of Bonne Bay 95.9 and 98.1 FM).
This is just the beginning! As more stations discover what Harrowsmith Radio can bring to their airwaves, we’ll be heard by a growing audience in more and more communities across the country.
About Harrowsmith Magazine
For more than 40 years, Harrowsmith magazine has informed and delighted readers interested in sustainable living. Our print and digital content — including our popular Almanac edition — covers articles on a diverse array of topics including gardening, agriculture, cooking and recipes, environment, crafts, home décor, travel and more. Our community-focused readership is loyal and highly engaged and is found across Canada in both urban and rural areas. Visit us at harrowsmithmag.com.
More Information
We invite you to be part of this exciting new expansion, growing along with us and our radio audience.
Contact:
Yolanda Thornton, Publisher yolanda@moongate.ca
Wayne MacPhail, Host, Harrowsmith Radio wmacphail@gmail.com
