A planned increase in the broadcast signal of campus community radio CJAMfm has the station redoubling efforts to attract donations during its 2012 pledge drive, which opens today.
The station has applied for a permit to quadruple its signal strength to more than 2,000 watts, which would allow listeners to tune in through Windsor-Detroit and beyond, says station manager Vern Smith.
“At this point, we are cautiously optimistic that we will be approved late this year, and be operating at 2,084 watts before next summer,” he says. “The cost of a power increase, however, is pegged at $49,000, so we need to beat the drums more than usual.”
Smith notes that the station boasts a unique programming mix, broadcasting in more than 10 languages with music in every genre and educational shows dedicated to social justice, local politics, labour issues, feminism and the LGBT community.
The pledge drive runs November 9 to 16 with a goal of raising $25,000. Donors are eligible for premiums like T-shirts and CDs, but Smith says he is hoping to provide listeners with a good reason to support this year’s campaign in particular: “so that our 125 voices may carry further.”