Claudie Deveau and President Normand Poirier at the 2008 General Annual Meeting of Radio CKJM

After having gone through a difficult financial situation a few years ago, Cooperative Radio-Cheticamp has successfully surmounted its precarious financial problems. The past two years have demonstrated an increase in profits and a promising future for this Acadian community radio station. At the Annual General Meeting on Sunday January 13, we learned that over the past year, CKJM has generated a net profit of $9 746.

During the last fiscal year, CKJM has concentrated its efforts towards implementing the strategic plan commissioned in 2006. This plan described four main revenue generating activities:advertising sales, Studio Marcel Doucet , CKJM’s website and fundraising. The plan also proposed a marketing plan and increasing broadcast coverage by installing a transmitter in Pomquet.

It is also believed that advertising sales could generate even more significant revenues within the existing broadcast territory with appropriate efforts. National advertising purchased by the federal government, which had declined considerably during the sponsorship scandal, is increasing again and this is very encouraging,” said Angus LeFort, general director of CKJM.

Over the past year, CKJM has worked towards the installation of a transmitter for the Pomquet area . The $136 000 project includes the new tower and transmitter, updating equipment in the main studio and the main transmitter in Cheticamp, and installing generators in case of power outages. “The project has been proceeding smoothly and could greatly benefit CKJM, not only financially , but also culturally ,” announced Normand Poirier, president of CKJM.

Members also learned that Studio Marcel Doucet is not been used to its full potential. Radio-Chéticamp has identified several interesting possibilities for this professional recording studio. In 2007, an analysis demonstrated great potential for radio shows rebroadcasted in Scotland and other radio networks. CKJM has also developed an expertise in e-sales of musical recordings which indicates the potential for e-sales of other items such as hooked rugs, a typical Acadian product particular to Chéticamp and area.

In order to better serve its listening audience, management has determined that coverage and improvement of local and provincial news is necessary if CKJM is to fully accomplish its mission in the community. “Over the course of the next year, we should make efforts to support our existng volunteers, offer training sessions and recruit other volunteer radio hosts,” mentioned Angus LeFort.

Here is CJKM’s new board of directors: Normand Poirier, Claudie Deveau, Lucie Maillet, Isidore Gallant, André Roach, Bruno Bourgeois, Roger Larade, Marie-Hélène Chiasson, Michelle Chiasson, Evelyne Noël, Yvon Doucet and Marie-Claire Doucet.