Over the next three years, 94.1 CJOC and the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization are working together to celebrate radio through an amateur radio club collaboration.
The collaboration coincides with CJOC’s 100th anniversary and reflects a joint commitment to preserving and strengthening radio’s role in southern Alberta. This is said to include revitalizing the newly named CJOC Radio Room and working with the organizations amateur radio club.
Vista Radio regional manager Sheldon Button said the partnership is designed to honour radio’s past while inspiring future generations of broadcasters and communicators.
“As CJOC celebrates 100 years on the air, we’re thrilled to launch this three-year partnership,” Button said. “We are excited to champion the Amateur Radio Club and celebrate Lethbridge’s enduring radio legacy.”
Under the agreement, CJOC is expected to provide extensive on-air, digital and community promotion that will help boost visibility for the club.
On May 30, the LSCO will be holding a grand opening Ribbon Cutting ceremony at 10 am to celebrate the launch of the CJOC Amateur Radio Club. This will be held in conjunction with the Amateur Radio Flea Market with the Southern Alberta Amateur Radio Club (SAARC) that is taking place from 9:30 am to 1 pm.
LSCO Executive Director Kaitlynn Weaver said amateur radio remains both a nostalgic and practical tool for connection, calling it a “nostalgic and historical art form.”
“It is beneficial to this day, keeping people connected and engaged,” Weaver said.
“We are honoured to be the beneficiary of CJOC’s generosity and their support as a strong community connector.”
The partnership also includes educational outreach and mentorship opportunities aimed at sparking interest in broadcasting and technical skills among seniors, adults and youth.
According to LSCO, the club is estimated to have 13 active members and is expected to grow through the partnership with CJOC.
Approximately 200 people are reported to visit the LSCO daily, many of whom fall within CJOC’s core audience of adults aged 35 and older.
