In support of CJAM, University of Windsor’s campus radio station
Posted by Qrystal on March 7, 2009 at 16:33.
Category: Miscellany. Tags: .
CJAM is in trouble, and they have been asking their listeners to write to CRTC to express their support and love for CJAM. I was reminded of this today by @jodilicious, and also reminded that the deadline for expressing my concern is Monday… so I sat down and wrote the following letter immediately.
I love CJAM, and so I am writing to express my support for their application for protected status.
There aren’t enough good radio stations in the Windsor area, especially since (from my experience) CBC Radio 2 comes through so very poorly! But even where CBC Radio 2 is comparable to CJAM, it could never replace it. Student radio hosts tend to have a point of view completely different from all other radio hosts, formed both by the education they are receiving and the fact that they are younger and more aware of trends applicable to the new generations. This knowledge is evident in the music played, as well as the discussion made between songs, and also in talk radio shows.
CJAM showcases a phenomenal assortment of types of music, broadening what I would listen to normally. “Leave it to CJAM,” my friends and I say to each other when we hear something so completely unique, it could only be heard on CJAM. I love hearing music from different cultures, and even love that many of these shows are announced in the language associated with that culture. It helps me feel like a part of this great multicultural city (and world!) to be able to appreciate the cultures that make it up!
But even when the style of music isn’t unique or from another culture, it’s always interesting! Very often, CJAM showcases independent artists that don’t get played on other radio stations. Local bands know to bring their work to CJAM for a great chance at getting played. Sometimes the focus of a show is on a genre that isn’t well-known, or with an emphasis on women in music (I think this one is presented by students in Women’s Studies).
The talk radio shows on CJAM are really fascinating as well! I regularly listen to one where the hosts discuss politics in a very thought-provoking way, arguing intelligently over the ways of analysing a situation. Another show I enjoy discusses vegetarian living, and being conscious of what you eat.
I want to extend my support to other campus radio stations as well. When travelling, I always seek out the campus radio station in the Kitchener area (can’t remember what it is right now, but that’s besides the point). Why do I do this? It’s for all the same reasons I love CJAM. And if something negative happens to CJAM, it will negatively affect the future of all campus radio stations, and I really REALLY don’t want that to happen. If you know what’s good for radio, you won’t let this happen either!
So please, I implore you, on behalf of the hundreds or thousands of people who aren’t taking the time to write about their reasons for loving CJAM (and other campus radio stations), please take these words to heart. Please don’t make it difficult to find this kind of great broadcasting on the radio!
Sincerely,