By Kris Harris
Laurentian University's campus radio station is currently
undergoing some big changes, including the diversification of
its programming, the updating of its image, and a total
overhaul of the equipment in its two studios.
"We are coming into the 21st century at last," said Deborah
Frankel, general manager of CKLU.
The station has already completed the upgrade in its production
studio. All broadcasts will be temporarily airing from there
while they get to work on upgrading the equipment in the on-air
studio.
"Once this is accomplished, our signal will be stronger and a
lot clearer," Frankel said.
"Finally people can start listening at home and at the office."
The station is also planning to overhaul its appearance, which
is a little dated according to Frankel.
"Basically, CKLU is coming up with a whole fresh face," Frankel
said. "We're going to de-grunge the logo, create a new Web
site...we're trying to clean it up a bit and get ready to play
on a larger scale.
"It's time to take it to the next level."
The main goal of the changes is to connect with the community
at large. The station currently airs several shows with a
strong local flavour, including City Spins, a show dedicated to
featuring local musicians, and Lunch with the Trinnie, where
the host interviews a local member of each cultural group
represented by the flags on the Paris Street Bridge.
This spring, CKLU will be working with Science North to bring
eight weeks of science features to the radio with their series
entitled Sudbury Knows No Bounds. In this series, Laurentian
science graduate students will be bringing in popular Canadian
scientists and airing the interviews.
But local programming is not all that CKLU will be offering.
"I have a very international vision for this station," Frankel
said. "I'd like to see us sharing programming from all over the
world."
The station is now airing syndicated programs like the
environmental program The Green Majority, which originates from
the University of Toronto, as well as others. There is also a
show that airs in the Hindi language and one that airs in
Polish.
Frankel would love to see some of the great shows that are
locally produced become syndicated one day, so that the rest of
the world can get a glimpse into the Sudbury experience.
Next month, CKLU will also be hosting a different kind of
fund-raiser to help raise some money for their new equipment.
Speed Dating by Song will be held at the Howard Johnson Hotel
on Brady St. on Feb. 10.
"The idea is maybe you meet someone and then you've got a date
for Valentine's Day," Frankel said.
The event will be just like any speed-dating event, except the
participants are encouraged to bring their favourite music with
them to share with their prospective dates.
"It's an easy way to break the ice," Frankel said.
There will also be "date incentive" prizes, including movie
tickets to Rainbow Cinemas, and each participant will be
awarded a gift certificate to Respect Is Burning.
Tickets to the event are $10 for guys and $8 for girls and can
be purchased at Black Cat Too or at the door. For more
information, visit
www.cklu.ca
.