Another Day, Another Series of Radio Stations

The alarm went off at 7:30am. I rolled over and snoozed some more. At 8:30, Steve was shaking me! “We’re gonna be late for the Newcap radio tour.” No, I will not miss a tour of a radio station! Never!

We taxied to the West Edmonton Mall, home of Newcap Broadcasting, where they have four stations under one roof. And it’s a big roof! We toured CFCW - a country/farming station; Capital-FM - a hybrid-classic hits station and the rocker - K97. Additionally, there was another station not owned by Newcap but living in their suite - HOT 107.

I’ve seen a lot of radio stations and recently toured some very modern stations where millions of dollars were sunk into studios and asthetics but this operation was not only spacous and functional but it's showpiece of colour and character, unlike any other, anywhere.

There, on-air at Capital-FM were morning guys Rob Christie and Audie Lynds - a legendary duo in Edmonton. Rob was one of my radio heroes in the mid-80s. In fact, a friend of mine living in Edmonton regularly recorded Rob on the air at CHED and sent me cassette tapes of his show so I could hear a flamethrowing radio pro in action! But, the morning show at Capital was over and he was long gone!

At 10am, Steve Moore was on-air, whom I listened to in the 70's when I grew up in Toronto. It was a surprise to see him! He's now 59 years old, looking healthy and having fun. I was encouraged to see Steve in action and actually, that quick verbal exchange was the highlight of the western radio tour. Thanks to our Newcap radio escort - Dean Thorpe.

I should have left my wallet in the car. Guy’s clothes stores are a magnet for my wallet and Steve did nothing to save my Visa from being abused at Coliseum! Ha! After Coliseum, I saw "Ascension". Oh my goodness - that was the name of the band I drummed for a couple of years ago with Charles, Nancy, Pauli, Ted and Adam. Hiliarious! Ascension at the West Edmonton Mall!

Next up, a visit to Sonic and the Bounce and then SHINE-FM - the Christian station in Edmonton where many of our friends work. Sales Manager Topher Braithwaite showed us around and introduced us to one of the on-air guys Jon Ramer. SHINE is probably “the” Christian radio station in Canada - and my first visit to their Edmonton facility.

A good day of radio surveillance. Then before we knew it we were pulling off our belts and shoes in the Edmonton airport and boarding the plane for Winnipeg, where we are now, catching up on emails, Facebook and - writing blogs. (Photo L-R Topher, Jon, me and Steve.)

Tomorrow - CHVN and IGNITE 107 - both Christian stations, and a flight home.