Jon Pole, president of myFM, addresses Tuesday's Renfrew Chamber of Commerce breakfast event audience.
It was an opportunity for a local business leader to share insight and take a look ahead at the local media landscape.
My Broadcasting Corporation president Jon Pole was the guest speaker at the recent Renfrew and Area Chamber of Commerce networking breakfast at the myFM Centre, telling the audience that his company is an example of just what can be done from small centres like Renfrew.
Flagship station myFM in Renfrew, marking its 20th anniversary this year, and its 22 counterparts in communities across the province, are here to stay, said Pole.
Along with stations and websites in Niagara, Kingston, Brockville, Peterborough, Cobourg, Exeter, Strathroy, St. Thomas and more, MBC is the only Canadian broadcaster in history that has been allowed to own a U.S. radio station – all done from a home base at the myFM Centre in Renfrew.
Pole said he’s been involved in radio since age 15 and seen many, many changes over the years – CDs, MTV, Neflix, Spotify, etc. – that prompted comments that radio was on its way out.
The history of radio is very interesting, he noted, with audiences steadily tuning in over the years, despite everything.
For 20 years, MBC has been surveying its audiences about why they listen to the radio.
The music, contests and promotions and announcers follow news, he noted.
And with community newspaper closures and media giants pulling out of small towns and rural areas, Pole sees a growing need.
Being open to change and operating on multiple platforms (thousands of readers access MBC’s websites every day) are key, said Pole. Another must – community involvement.
Media businesses that focus on being involved in their community are doing just great, said Pole, while ones that are not are struggling.
And hot on the heels of Saturday’s myFM Block Party, a community event at the myFM Centre that drew more than 1,000 people to the facility, helped raise funds for Hospice Renfrew, Renfrew Minor Hockey and saw one lucky community winner take home $10,000, Pole addressed the significance of the town’s newly expanded recreation centre, of which myFM is a sponsor.
While there’s no shortage of ongoing controversy regarding the project, said Pole, there will no doubt be benefits.
(Written by Sherry Haaima)
