Year in Review: Major changes for local radio

The decision was made to change the AM station’s format, as Saskatchewan’s New Beach Radio was launched May 17, 2019. The station features hits from the 1980s and ’90s, and features the beach as a state of mind when listening to tunes from those eras.

“We think this format will be loved by people of Saskatchewan, and we think the change will be a welcome change and a fresh new sound for our station,” General Manager Linda Rheaume said during the launch in May.

Morning show host Dave Baker told northeastNOW the format change to Saskatchewan’s New Beach Radio has been well-received since the flip seven months ago.

“Feedback on the music has been fantastic,” Baker said. “I think most people actually enjoy the mix and the music that we do play. A little bit of pushback, but you can expect that.”

Baker said the new music mix is right up his alley as well.

“I love this format so it’s almost like a treat for me to come in every day and find out what I’m going to play next that I haven’t been able to play before, so in that regard it’s been a lot of fun,” he said.

Baker thanked everyone for the feedback both good and bad, and said they continue to get better every day.

BILL WOOD HANGS UP HIS HEADPHONES

Another major change for radio listeners in the northeast was the departure of morning radio host and 105 CJVR program director Bill Wood.

He retired in September after a 46-year career.

Wood got his start at CKBI radio and television in Prince Albert in 1971, before making his way to CJVR in Melfort soon after.

During Wood’s time, CJVR moved from 1420 on the dial to 750, before flipping to FM in 2002.

Wood’s major focus during his time was staying on top of local information and events, something he believed was a key for any great broadcaster.

“For anybody getting into radio you’ve got to remember that what’s most important [are] the things happening in the community,” Wood said just prior to his retirement. “Somehow you’ve got to leave that phone on the desk somewhere and really come in and find out what people are doing.”

Wood said social media and other avenues are available to obtain that local information, but the mission remains the same.

“If you’re on top of what’s going on and what’s happening in northeastern Saskatchewan, or wherever you are working, you’ll be successful,” Wood said.

The former morning man remains busy in his retirement.

Wood told northeastNOW that he is “heavily involved at the Harry and Eve Vickar Shelter for the North East SPCA, Donor’s Choice, and Chase the Ace.”

He still occasionally makes special appearances on Saskatchewan’s New Beach Radio and 105 CJVR, during the radio internet auction and remote broadcasts.

Wood said he and his wife Maureen are not leaving Melfort, and don’t plan to.

Despite the many years as a morning show host, Wood said he no longer wakes up at 3:45 a.m. He said he now wakes up around 7 a.m., just in time for the morning school reports on 105 CJVR.

Taking over Bill’s morning shift was 20-year veteran Christy Beggs, who had worked for the Saskatoon Media Group since graduating radio school.

She had radio shows on both 600 CJWW and 92.9 the Bull during her time in Saskatoon.

by Cam Lee

Year in Review: Major changes for local radio

BILL WOOD HANGS UP HIS HEADPHONES

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