NEWS RELEASE

HRM’s official emergency broadcaster gets signal boost

(Thursday, September 24, 2009) - HRM is getting an emergency radio boost this week. Halifax Information Radio is changing its FM frequency to 107.7 FM and increasing transmission power to improve its reach as HRM’s designated emergency broadcast service.

Under an Agreement passed by Halifax Regional Council, the station is prepared to remove all regular programming in an emergency or threatened emergency and carry audio reports and directives from HRM emergency agencies exclusively. The CRTC approved the power increase noting that the station’s mandate was to reach all segments of the HRM population during a crisis.

The switch from 97.9 FM to 107.7 FM was also approved by Industry Canada, and for the next three weeks the station is permitted to make its programming available on both frequencies in order to advise regular and new listeners of the change. At the same time, HRM and Nova Scotia Transportation works crews are replacing the 97.9 signage with larger, but simpler signs bearing only the word “Information” along with the new frequency.

Barry Manuel, Coordinator of HRM’s Emergency Management Organization says the increase in power is welcome.

“In any emergency the provision of relevant, timely information is crucial. This signal boost will mean residents throughout HRM will have a direct source of information they need to keep themselves and their families safe.”

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Contact:

Jack McGaw
Information Radio
(902) 406-5050

Shaune MacKinlay
Manager, Public Affairs
Halifax Regional Municipality
(902) 490-6531