| Haida Gwaii Radio Society |
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| Written by Pete Moore |
| 09 February 2017 |
The clan tournament was only the beginning
Luckily, for the first time ever, even those who were not in the gym could be a part of the atmosphere thanks to an audio live stream that broadcast the games all weekend. The idea for the stream came from volunteer James McGuire. Players from the tournament called the play by play and analysis with a professional flair. All of this was thanks to the newly formed Haida Gwaii Radio Society, which officially formed just a week prior to the event.
“We had met as a group on and off over the last two years, but found the momentum and desire in the last six months to actively move forward with the project,” says Ryan Barber. Barber has been spearheading the radio initiative, alongside a few other directors. The board of directors is intentionally small at this time to “bootstrap the process,” says Barber. The primary objective behind the Radio Society is to unite the communities across the island through a shared radio station. “I have always felt a lack of awareness about (and connection with) other communities on the islands and I believe radio is the right medium to bridge this gap,” says Barber. The clan tournament was an early example of this, as the stream allowed people all over Haida Gwaii (and beyond) to tune into the games as if they were right there in the GBRC. Although this was the society’s first big event, Barber assures that they will continue moving at full force. “The clan tournament was an absolute blast and we’re looking forward to more basketball games, and maybe a few softball games if we can find some enthusiastic announcers,” he says. The society has also begun broadcasting the monthly Haida Gwaii Coffee House in Queen Charlotte.
To make this happen, the Haida Gwaii Radio Society is going to need the support of the communities and enthusiastic volunteers. In order to create a station run by the people of Haida Gwaii, the society is always looking for more keeners to get involved. “We’re dreaming of getting some scheduled shows running: surf report from North Beach, weekly Haida language from SHIP, some evenings of music, mornings of yoga over the radio? Right now, the possibilities are endless.” If you’re interested in hearing or recording local radio on Haida Gwaii, please connect with the HGRS on Facebook, at haidagwaiiradio,org, or contact Director Ryan Barber directly:
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