The X celebrates 30-years on air

Fanshawe radio station throws a birthday party

Originally 106.9 FM, Fanshawe College radio is now known to its listeners as “The X” and has grown with the times since becoming Canada's first campus instructional CRTC radio station in 1978.

“It was a vision,” said Robert W. Collins, Broadcast Educator of the year and Co-coordinator and Professor of Broadcast Journalism, Radio Broadcasting and MTP Programs at Fanshawe College and Western University.

“Former Chair of CRTC was very helpful by taking his first ever application for a college FM radio station through the bureaucracy to get approval.”

The station first flipped its switch back on October 31, 1978 at exactly 2:30 pm, while “Hotel California” by the Eagles playing in the background.

“Our tower is on top of D Building on campus. Our coverage area consists of 3,000 watts that go from Lake Erie to Lake Huron and Woodstock,” Collins said.

M Building in the School of Contemporary Media at Fanshawe College will be hosting a 30th birthday bash for “The X,” while also dedicating a teaching studio in memory of long time Radio Professor at Fanshawe College Barry P. Sarazin.

Fanshawe College recognizes the enormous contribution that Sarazin brought to the college.

According to the Broadcasting — Radio program at the college, Sarazin will have a new teaching studio dedicated on his behalf.

The Barry P. Sarazin Radio Broadcasting Teaching Studio will surely continue to provide opportunities for students interested in pursuing a career in radio broadcasting.

“The studio is currently used by students interested in pursuing a career in radio broadcasting and we hope to put new equipment in soon,” said Collins.

The party is going to be a great hit as 30-years of radio at Fanshawe College will be recognized.

“We have put a call out around the world. Alumni will either respond to us by mp3, voicemail, email or they are going to be here in person,” Collins said. “But it's going to be a surprise just who exactly walks through the door. We are optimistic that Alumni will get back to us.”

If you are interested in making an online donation towards the Broadcasting-Radio program in support of the Barry P. Sarazin Radio Broadcasting Teaching Studio, please access the Fanshawe College Foundation pledge form at Donate to Fanshawe.

If you have any stories about Sarazin, or if you have any memories of going live to air on 106.9 FM or perhaps have old air checks (mp3) do not be shy and email them to 30thanniversary@1069fm.ca or send a voicemail message that can be used on the air at 519. 453-2810 at extension 106. Please leave your name, years you attended the college and a favourite story about Sarazin or being on air. Then you can have the opportunity to watch or listen to the fun at www.1069fm.ca or www.stellarradio.ca. There will also be a live broadcast from the centre in M1003.

List of festivities for the October 31st celebration for “The X” can be found at www.fanshawemedia.com/CIXX30th.html.