CHLY Radio has been the voice of community radio in Nanaimo for 14 years.
The station is celebrating its anniversary during an open house Monday (Oct. 5).
“It’s a huge and gratifying feeling with the history of community radio,” said Bob Simpson, CHLY station manager.
He said the radio has a different set of challenges than commercial radio, which includes raising money to continue operation and managing more than 100 volunteers.
CHLY, 101.7 FM, is run by the Radio Malaspina Society, which consists of Vancouver Island University students and community members.
“What is important with community radio is that it gives many people the opportunity to have a voice on radio – that never would have had the opportunity to,” said Simpson. “We deliver a complete alternative source of programming to a lot of people.”
He said thanks to the efforts of people in the community, the station has stayed on the air.
The open house is noon to 4 p.m., at Lois Lane near the China Steps. Attendees can meet radio personalities, have a slice of cake, learn about the station and talk about the radio station’s direction. The event is also a kickoff for CHLY’s annual fall fund drive.
reporter2@nanaimobulletin.com