Youth centre gets the gift of radio
The new Clearview Youth Centre is receiving the gift of radio this holiday season.
Sandra Green and her son Ayden are donating Clearview Community Radio CKAW 90.1 FM to the youth.
Green had been looking for a home for the radio. “It’s an absolute perfect fit,” she said.
“The only reason that I wanted to be in radio was for the youth component… It’s a great opportunity for youth to have a voice in this community. I always envisioned a platform to tell their own stories and learn technical skills.”
As part of the deal, the youth centre will get all the equipment for recording and broadcasting, including the broadcast tower. Green said she will be available through the transition to help the youth centre get set up and to provide some initial training but after that, she will step back. The radio station was a family project and since Ayden is heading off to college in January (to study computer technology at Fanshaw College), Green said her heart isn’t in it anymore.
The radio station launched last year, broadcasting online at first and then becoming fully licensed through the CRTC and eventually hitting the airwaves. Also last year, CKAW received approval to record and broadcast Clearview Township council meetings.
The details of the transfer have yet to be worked out. The youth centre just opened its doors last week. During the official announcement at the grand opening, Green said she hopes to see youth recording council meetings and doing interviews in the community. Because it is a non-commercial community radio, there are specific obligations to fulfill. Programming must include a certain amount of community-led programs, spoken word and Canadian content. The radio station has no advertising but can accept donations, membership fees and sponsorship under certain rules.
