By Tempo staff
Brome-Mississquoi’s community radio station is comfortably settled in its new home atop England Hill. CIDI left its windowless basement studios on Knowlton Road in time for summer and now is enjoying its new digs at 99-1 Lakeside Road, corner Victoria Street. The move was needed to provide storefront access for the community and stage live radio events.
“Our move up the hill is yet another opportunity to be in your corner, literally,” said Shelley Mizener, President of Radio CIDI Brome-Mississquoi’s Board of Directors. “CIDI Community Radio would not be as successful at this stage of its history were it not for a dedicated board of directors and financial support from individuals, local businesses and government.”
Programming and services
The radio station offers a range of programming, including music, news and community information. Jim Ferrier’s Community Bulletin Board, which provides information on local events and activities. Announcements are broadcast free of charge for non-profit organizations. The station also runs features on Brome County’s history.
“CIDI has taken a leadership role in the community by ensuring inclusiveness, diversity, and equality in its programming,” said Joe Singerman, CIDI Board Secretary former radio & television broadcaster. “We are very fortunate to have a dynamic team at the studios, led by Station Manager Tony Mason. CIDI is being recognized as a cultural entity and designated as an ‘official ambassador’ of the Town of Brome Lake.”
Community engagement
CIDI holds fund-raising events to aid community groups like the local food bank. Community support continues at the Brome Fair and at Knowlton’s weekly market. It also has links with Theatre Lac Brome, the Brome Museum, Knowlton Academy’s breakfast and garden programs, and the Men’s Shed.
Music and shows
The music selection is eclectic — blues, jazz, rock and folk, including a popular show produced by Ralph “Bushey” Bushenbaum, one of the station’s original hosts. New programming this year includes a local rap music show and reggae show with singer-songwriter Mark Mahoney. Donald Finnegan hosts a weekly show promoting independent talent. The station helped promote blues singer Angel Forest, now an international performer. On the classical front, cellist Karen “Maestra” Kaderavek hosts Music of the World each week.
CIDI broadcasts on 99.1 FM and online at www.cidi991.com has a potential total audience of 375,000. Programming serves both anglophone and francophone communities.
CIDI was founded in 2003 by Dewey Durrell, who passed away in February.
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