There s no grumbling or griping. We practise ecumenism as well as preach it. Today, VOWR s signal beams out from a 10,000-watt transmitter and broadcasts 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with a mix of live and taped shows. As well as broadcasting worship from a wide variety of sanctuaries in the community including Anglican, Roman Catholic, Salvation Army and United Church services the station also serves as a cultural sanctuary. In a marketplace where some commercial radio stations peddle outrage and shock to pull in listeners, VOWR exudes good-natured civility and polite charm.
Announcers range from retired professional broadcasters to enthusiastic but talented amateurs.
For Frances Pike, who worked on VOWR fund-raisers in the 50s and began working as an announcer about four years ago, it s a family affair. Her husband, Henry Pike, has been a volunteer operator for about 35 years. Their daughter, Sandra, also volunteered as an announcer for several years, working alongside her father. The volunteers present an eclectic range of music, ranging on any given day from the military marches featured in On Parade, to the fiddles and accordions of the Newfoundland Folk Song hour, to the twang of the popular 800 Country show, to the smooth sounds of Matinee and the inspirational sounds of Music of the Masters or Hymns at Eventide. There s a gardening show, an interview program, chorale music and on Sundays, worship.