Operators of CHMR-FM, the campus radio station at Memorial University in St. John’s, are encountering financial challenges and navigating a shifting media environment, prompting the station to evolve for sustainability. Established in 1951 as the MUN Radio club, CHMR-FM transitioned to FM broadcasting at 93.5 in 1987 with approval from the CRTC.
Station manager Rhea Rollmann highlights the transition from radio-centric to a broader content mix including podcasts and videos, envisioning CHMR as a community access media lab. However, sustaining the station poses financial strains, with an annual deficit nearing $200,000 based on MUNSU’s financial audit for 2023-24.
Rollmann emphasizes the importance of diversifying funding sources to keep pace with technological advancements. Nathan Gillingham, MUNSU’s director of external affairs, acknowledges CHMR’s significance on campus and in the community amid financial and operational challenges linked to rising costs, aging infrastructure, and evolving audience preferences.
Rollmann stresses the value of local content production, noting the decline of local news outlets in the province. The National Campus and Community Radio Association’s survey indicates a surge in listenership since 2017, attributing it to a trend away from mainstream media towards alternative platforms like campus and community radio.
Andrew Connors, a MUN student and producer at CHMR, praises the station as a platform for honing broadcasting skills and suggests that the growing interest in podcasting could attract more students. Despite the prevalence of streaming services, Connors believes CHMR offers a valuable resource for aspiring podcasters.
As the media landscape evolves, CHMR is striving to adapt and engage with its audience through diverse content offerings, emphasizing the importance of community support for its continued operation.