Corporate Vision Best Community Radio Station 2024 - Montreal Serving the Kahnawake territory in Quebec, K103.7FM is a non-profit radio station owned and operated by its local community. The station aims to bring information to Kahnawakero:non and their neighbours in the Montreal area through meaningful, culturally entertaining programming, all while promoting the Mohawk language. With more than 40 years of experience, the station is passionate about exceeding the expectations of its listeners, welcoming their feedback and suggestions. With communities in southeastern Canada and northern New York, the Mohawk people are an Iroquoian-speaking Indigenous population. The term ‘Kahnawakeró:non’ refers to a person identified as Mohawk and a member of the community of Kahnawake. The Mohawk language, also known as Kanien’keha, is an endangered Northern Iroquoian language spoken by around 3,500 people. In 1981, Mr. Conway Jocks and the Mohawk Radio Broadcasting system set out to establish K103.7FM. The goal was to create a radio station that would provide Kahnawakeró:non with a comprehensive source of information for current events and public communications, while promoting the Kanien’keha language and culture. Ultimately, it would serve as the “communication voice of the local Kanien’kehá:ka Raotitióhkwa Cultural Centre”. With a 50-watt transmitter, the station reached a much broader audience than originally intended, spanning across Montreal and along the south shore of the St. Lawrence. Today, K103.7FM broadcasts with a 250-watt transmitter, continuing to operate as an entirely non-profit organisation. The station has always stood out from mainstream radio for its unique music, playing tracks that span decades and encompass a broad range of genres. In November 2023, K103.7FM switched from an all-hits station to instead focus on classic oldies, which has received a tremendous response and almost doubled the size of its audience. K103.7FM also delivers a range of programmes, catering to the varied interests of its listeners. A popular feature is Radio Bingo, which has been a staple on the airwaves for decades and has provided extra financial support to its operations. Alongside this, each weekday, K103.7FM provides 17 news reports, from 6am to 6pm, bringing to listeners’ attention the latest local and national stories concerning aboriginal people. In everything it does, K103.7FM is driven by a dedication to promoting a better understanding of the Mohawk native identity, particularly within Kahnawake as well as the community at large. Whilst it primarily operates in English, the station occasionally features Mohawk language programming and incorporates educational initiatives for learning the language and culture. Over the years, the station has received a plethora of positive feedback for these sections, not only from the Mohawk community but also from many listeners in neighbouring communities who appreciate the cross-cultural education. Currently, Kahnawake is evolving, driven by increasing efforts to preserve the native language and culture. K103.7FM shares in the dream of making Kanien’keha fluent among all Kahnawakeró:non. However, it realises that, in order to foster a community that is fluent in its traditional language, it is necessary to deliver constant promotion, encouragement, and learning opportunities. For this reason, the station will continue to provide its local area with cultural education, working to make the Mohawk language thrive in the twentyfirst century. With a deep commitment to serving its community, K103.7FM maintains an organisational culture of pride and respect for the work it does. Its team work together to ensure that the station’s programming is worthy of its listeners’ attention. In hiring, it seeks individuals who are informative, talkative, and interested in radio. K103.7FM is proud to have been the launching pad for many of their careers, training them and empowering them to hone their skills until they are swept up by major market radio stations. For its outstanding work in providing its local communities with news, information, music, and cultural education, K103.7FM has been named Best Community Radio Station, Montreal, in the Canadian Business Awards 2024. This year, the station is proud to celebrate 43 years of providing uninterrupted service to its listeners, an achievement that it owes to the work of its dedicated staff members as well as the support of its community. In the future, K103.7FM remains committed to serving its community, and we wish it the best of luck in all its endeavours. Contact: Heather Bauersfeld Company: CKRK 103-7 FM Mohawk Radio Web Address: www.k1037.com
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