April 2010 Press Release

April 2010 – Going on air at Hastings and Main in April 1975, Vancouver Co-operative Radio has been broadcasting community-driven radio for the people, by the people for 35 years.

Co-op Radio (CFRO) is the only member-owned independent radio station in Vancouver and one of the longest running non-commercial radio stations in Canada.  Its ground-breaking co-operative model has been studied across the country, and spawned counterparts in Nelson BC and Gabriola Island.

Moving just 220 metres down Hastings to its Columbia street address in 2002, Co-op Radio hasn’t changed its no-advertising, people-first policies.  The station still relies on membership donations  -- over 65% of operating revenue.

With long-established connections to the local arts and cultural communities, in-depth public affairs programming, and over 15 languages of broadcast, Co-op Radio maintains an important distinction from both corporate-sponsored mainstream media and niche-oriented social media.  Co-op Radio’s founders, early broadcasters and members reflect over three decades of Vancouver’s civic and public figures, artists and activists.

Listeners and supporters are invited to celebrate 35 years of alternative, non-corporate radio with a variety of events hosted by programmers, volunteers, and community partners in the month of April, including the spring membership drive from April 9th to 23rd.

In recognition of the 35th birthday, April 15th 2010 will be proclaimed “Vancouver Co-operative Radio Day in Vancouver”.  There will be a celebration and gathering of Co-op Radio pioneers on April 15th at the station, and Control Room A will be dedicated to long-time volunteer, staff and board member Peter Royce, who passed away in late 2009.

For more details about events, please visit www.coopradio.org

Vancouver Co-operative Radio, CFRO, 102.7FM is a non-commercial, co-operatively-owned, listener-supported, community radio station. Located in the heart of Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, Co-op Radio is a voice for the voiceless that strives to provide a space for under-represented and marginalized communities. Co-op Radio aims to increase community participation by encouraging examination of the social and political concerns of the geographic and cultural communities of BC.