On-air testing for County radio station

On-air testing began this week for 99.3 County FM, a new radio station in Prince Edward County whose idea was born in 2011.

The station’s 2,000 watt transmitter and studio gear are in place. Station plans call for the airing of an “adult contemporary sound similar to the CBC of a few years ago.”  Evenings and weekends are to include specialty music and spoken word programs.

“Before a station gets final permission to go on the air, Industry Canada requires a period of testing to make sure that there are no interference problems with other nearby stations,” said Jim Johnston,  interim general manager. “During the testing period, the station will be broadcasting music and announcements, alternating with periods when we are off the air.

The official launch of the station is to be at the Regent Theatre on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 8 p.m. with a free concert.

99.3 COUNTY FM, as a non-profit organization plans to be on the air 24/7 focusing solely on the County population, capturing and discussing its unique issues, interests and activities.

Community radio stations are licensed by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to provide low power FM to serve local communities.

There are more than 120 such community stations licensed across Canada including Canoe FM in Haliburton County and Amherst Island Public Radio CJAI 92.1 FM.