On Jan. 18, the board of WhiStle Radio appointed an interim chair and board members following the departure of the station’s founder and chair Jim Priebe on Jan. 17.
“I think WhiStle Radio will be fine,” said interim chair Stephen Sword, noting that the station’s landlord had agreed to extend the current rental period until the end of February to give the board time to regroup and consider future funding strategies.
Peter Fraunberger, who handles media relations for WhiStle, said the station is alive and well and on the air, and the mood is upbeat. However, he would like to see more support from the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville to ensure its long-term viability.
“I’m a little disappointed that the town hasn’t embraced this idea of a radio station. Most of the smaller communities surrounding us have received about 99 per cent (of community radio station operating costs) from their town financially, or been offered a location.” Last year, WhiStle Radio asked for $10,000 and was given a one-time grant of $2,500.
“It’s a totally volunteer, non-profit organization,” said Mr. Fraunberger. “We’ve dipped into our own pockets to keep it running because we believe so strongly in it.”
A special fundraiser will be held Feb. 4 and Feb. 6 from 6:30 to 10 p.m. in the Stouffville Spirit lounge upstairs at the old Stouffville arena on Ninth Line North. Tickets are $5 and beer and wine will be available.
Bill Perrie, Canada’s ‘pub guy’, will host live broadcasts of his popular WhiStle Radio show, The Pub, from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. on both nights, and guests are invited to enjoy the Spirit in action following the show. Donations to WhiStle Radio will be gratefully accepted.
Listeners are encouraged to take out a $20 annual membership or to renew lapsed memberships by dropping into the studio at 6280 Main St. You can tune in to WhiStle Radio at CIWS 102.7 FM.