CJBI-FM

On November 5, Radio Bell Island Inc. received CRTC approval to operate an English-language low-power community FM radio station in Bell Island. It would operate on frequency 93.9 MHz with an average ERP of 28 watts (non directional antenna with an EHAAT of 79.5 metres). The licence would expire August 31, 2019. The applicant indicated that for the first two years of operation, the station would broadcast 20 hours of programming each broadcast week from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Friday, and that it would subsequently increase this level. All of the station’s programming would be station-produced. Spoken word programming would consist of local information, news, weather, local folklore and history, call-in programs and contests. Fifty percent of the station’s musical programming would be devoted to local Folk and Folk-oriented music selections, with the remainder drawn from a variety of popular and specialty genres, including Pop, Rock and Dance, Country, acoustic, Easy Listening and World beat.

CJBI-FM signed on the air in January. It should be noted that the station had operated in the past with one-week special event licences in 2011 and earlier in 2012, using 100.1 MHz. It was organized through a partnership from the Town of Wabana, St. Michael’s Regional High, and the Rural Secretariat. In September of 2012, the provincial government provided Radio Bell Island Inc. with $15, 000 in aid to assist in equipment and start-up costs to establish CJBI as a full-time, local station.

On April 3, CJBI received CRTC approval to increase power from 31 to 50 watts. EHAAT would be lowered from 79.5 to 59.5 metres, and the transmitter would be relocated.