Missinipi Broadcasting Corporation facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Missinipi Broadcasting Corporation

Broadcast area	Northern Saskatchewan
Frequency	Varies by location
Branding	MBC Radio
Programming
Language(s)	English Cree Dënesųłiné
Format	First Nations community radio
History
First air date	1985; 40 years ago (1985)

Missinipi Broadcasting Corporation, also known as MBC Radio, is a special radio network in Canada. It serves First Nations and Métis communities in Saskatchewan. The main station for MBC Radio is CJLR-FM, located in La Ronge.

MBC Radio broadcasts to more than 70 communities across Saskatchewan. This includes big cities and smaller towns. You can also listen to MBC Radio online through its streaming audio feed. The current CEO of MBC is Deborah Charles. She is the first woman to lead an Indigenous radio network in Canada.

How MBC Radio Started

Early Radio for the North

Back in the 1960s, there was a government radio show called Northern News. It was broadcast from Prince Albert. This show was for people like fishermen and trappers in northern Saskatchewan. But it had problems. The signal was often weak, and it didn't reach everyone. Also, the show didn't have much content for Indigenous people.

In 1973, the government tried again. They started a new Northern News program in La Ronge. This show added more northern stories. It also included important content in Indigenous languages like Cree and Michif. However, this program ended in 1982 when the government department that ran it closed.

Later, in the late 1970s, CBC Radio also started a northern show called Keewatin Radio. This program had some northern stories. It was easier to hear because new FM transmitters were put in the north. But most of the stories were in English and came from Regina.

Creating MBC Radio

In 1983, the Canadian government launched a new program. It was called the Northern Native Broadcast Access Program (NNBAP). This program helped Indigenous people create and control their own communication services. It also aimed to protect and keep Indigenous languages alive.

In 1984, a group was formed to plan a new radio station. They asked people in northern Saskatchewan what they wanted to hear on the radio. The results helped them create MBC Radio. The first board of directors for MBC Radio was chosen in 1984. Robert Merasty became the first leader, or CEO.

MBC also started a training program in 1984. This program taught people basic radio skills. The very first MBC broadcast happened in February 1985. Tom Roberts was the host. At first, MBC mainly broadcast in English, with some Cree. Later, in 1986, they focused more on using Indigenous languages and improving the technical skills of their staff.

Growing and Improving

When MBC Radio first started, it relied on government funding. It also used CBC transmitters to send out its programs. But over time, MBC became more independent. This happened thanks to strategic planning by its second CEO, Nap Gardiner. Today, MBC mainly earns money from advertising and from bingo games broadcast on the radio.

Marty Ballentyne, MBC's third CEO, helped the corporation move into TV production in 1998. MBC became a big part of the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN). APTN is Canada's first TV network for Indigenous people. MBC has produced many TV shows for APTN. One show, Heartbeat Of The Earth, was about northern Indigenous peoples and their communities in Saskatchewan.

The Saskatchewan Association of Aboriginal Broadcasters (SAAB) was also started in 1996. MBC helped create this group. SAAB helps all Indigenous broadcast stations in Saskatchewan.

What MBC Radio Broadcasts

Today, MBC Radio broadcasts at least ten hours of Cree programming each week. It also broadcasts ten hours of Dënesųłiné programming weekly. MBC tries to use these languages in all its programs. This includes special shows, live event coverage, contests, and even commercials.

The station also broadcasts hockey games. You can listen to games involving the La Ronge Ice Wolves on MBC Radio.

MBC uses a special digital satellite system to send out its programs. This means it doesn't need ground systems. MBC also helps small, community-owned radio stations grow. It provides support and training to these stations when they need it.

MBC Radio Frequencies

See also

• List of radio stations in Saskatchewan