HomeLatest NewsVista Radio launches national fundraiser for...

Vista Radio launches national fundraiser for wildfire evacuees

In response to the devastating wildfires in the Northwest Territories, Vista Radio is partnering with the Salvation Army to help raise funds for evacuees.

The staff of Vista’s True North FM 101.1 (CJCD-FM) and MyTrueNorthNow.com in Yellowknife, as well as a rebroadcaster in Hay River, are among those who remain evacuated with a phased return hampered by an anticipated acceleration in wildfire activity along Highway 1 this weekend.

Vista Radio has set up a national fundraising initiative to raise funds that will go directly to assist residents when they return to their homes. As of today, every Vista property will be promoting the initiative on-air and online with a goal of $20,000.

Scott Armstrong, Director of Operations for Alberta and the Northwest Territories, told Broadcast Dialogue that the Salvation Army will ensure funds are used to help people with costs related to getting back into their homes that are typically not covered by government agencies, like re-stocking their pantries.

“In situations that are unprecedented like this one, you can never be certain what kind of financial support will be coming from the various levels of government, and whatever does come, it’s usually not enough,” said Armstrong. “We thought that we would do our part as a company, across our Vista stations, to give people the opportunity to help.”

True North FM has a base staff of seven, which have been working out of Vista’s Grande Prairie, AB operation since they were among the last to leave Yellowknife earlier this month. Armstrong said True North FM remains on-air with its staff working on a constant stream of adrenalin since flooding in Hay River this spring.

“We’ve been going at it since spring, between floods in Hay River and then fires, and now threatening Yellowknife…it’s been a marathon for the group there to continue to provide that essential service. It’s been a haul,” said Armstrong, who added that technology is allowing the station to function remotely with the exception of reporters being able to take their own photos for the news portal.

While the station boasts two dedicated news people, Armstrong said programming staff have also been contributing to keep up with the workflow, although everyone is anxious to get home.

“This disaster of course directly affects the team at True North FM and My True North Now.com” said Bryan Edwards, President of Vista Radio. “This is Yellowknife and Hay River’s community voice and news source, and we are with the community at this time. We’re proud the entire company and country are coming together to support this cause.”


Subscribe Now – Free!

Broadcast Dialogue has been required reading in the Canadian broadcast media for 30 years. When you subscribe, you join a community of connected professionals from media and broadcast related sectors from across the country.

The Weekly Briefing from Broadcast Dialogue is delivered exclusively to subscribers by email every Thursday. It’s your link to critical industry news, timely people moves, and excellent career advancement opportunities.

Let’s get started right now.

* indicates required

 

SUBSCRIBE NOW - IT'S FREE!

At Broadcast Dialogue®, we are committed to delivering industry-leading insights, news, and analysis directly to your inbox—completely free of charge.

By providing full / accurate information, you are helping us sustain Broadcast Dialogue® as a free resource. In return, we commit to delivering high-quality content that keeps you informed on the latest trends, technology, and news shaping the broadcast landscape—at no cost to you.

The Weekly Briefing from Broadcast Dialogue® is delivered exclusively to our subscribers by email every Thursday.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Your Subscription Information

Your Name
Your Email Address
Broadcast Dialogue uses this information to understand our audience and deliver relevant content.
Broadcast Dialogue uses this information to understand our audience and deliver relevant content.

Your Company Information

A Couple Of Questions

Do you consider yourself retired?
Are you seeking employment opportunities?

Connie Thiessen
Connie Thiessenhttps://broadcastdialogue.com
Connie has worked coast-to-coast as a reporter, editor, anchor and host at CKNW and News 1130 in Vancouver, News 95.7 and CBC in Halifax, and CFCW Edmonton, among other stations. With a passion for music, film and community service, she led News 95.7 to a 2013 Atlantic Journalism Award and regional RTDNA award for Best Radio Newscast. More recently, she was nominated for Music Journalist of the Year at Canadian Music Week 2019. To report a typo or error please email - corrections@broadcastdialogue.com

Latest News

RTDNA Canada announces Regional Lifetime Achievement Award recipients

RTDNA Canada has announced its 2024 Regional Lifetime Achievement Award recipients, presented to individuals who have distinguished themselves through outstanding service and continued excellence...

New Indigenous Storytellers Fellowship Program launched

Journalists for Human Rights (JHR), the Indigenous Journalists Association (IJA) and APTN News are launching the Growing Indigenous Storytellers Fellowship Program, supported by the...

Events / Conferences