HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2004-11-24, Page 3Wednesday, November 24, 2004
Exeter Times–Advocate
3
Farm groups concerned about farm director's dismissal
By Mary Simmons
TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF
WINGHAM — The recent dismissal of CKNX Radio
farm director John Beardsley has sparked some strong
feelings among local farm groups.
According to a Huron County Federation of
Agriculture press release, it became known Nov. 10 that
Beardsley would no longer be broadcasting farm news
to listeners in the area.
"This man could not be more respected by his peers,
and by the farmers of Ontario, and by those like myself
in other provinces who are fortunate enough to know of
his work," says Wendy Holm, a B.C. agrologist who
recently spoke at the Huron County Federation of
Agriculture annual meeting. "John is one of the finest
farm journalists in Canada and the loss of his voice on
CKNX does not serve the interests of farmers and their
communities."
"Members of the farm community have been contact-
ing us about the dismissal, and are not pleased," Huron
County Federation of Agriculture president Nick Whyte
said. "His method of reporting, his desire for being on
the farmers' side and ensuring our message was not
taken out of context, is what we like about John."
Regional farm leaders called for a meeting with CKNX
management to discuss the dismissal.
On Nov. 17, Whyte, along with Bruce Federation presi-
dent Robert Emerson, Bruce Local National Farmers
Union member Grant Robertson, Perth Federation pres-
ident Bob Martin, Paul Wettlaufer of the Grey
Federation and Vic Roland of the CKNX Farm Advisory
Board met with CKNX managers John Weese and Ray
Baynton.
The group presented the following four principles:
• the agricultural community in the listening area have
always been supportive of CKNX Radio;
• the agricultural community supports the farm focus
of CKNX radio and wishes to see it continued;
• the agricultural community has been more than
pleased with John Beardsley as farm director on CKNX
radio;
• the agricultural community would like to see John
Beardsley reinstated as farm director at CKNX radio.
"We were grateful for the opportunity to hear their
concerns about our farm broadcasting commitment and
I believe we all profited with a better understanding of
each other's position," Weese said.
Wettlaufer says he is still concerned about the future
of the farm focus at CKNX.
"With John's dismissal, I asked if this meant the
demise of the farm department. They assured us that is
not the intent, but I'm not sure," he said.
Weese said management at CKNX Radio empathizes
The Ausable River is a bit cleaner thanks to some local volunteers.Terry O'Rourke
(left), Eamon O'Rourke and Dave MacLeod retrieved garbage from the Ausable River
and floodplain along the MacNaughton - Morrison Trail Saturday morning.The group
recovered signs, a fridge, a tire, bottles and cans. (photo/submitted)
POLICE BRIEFS
Property
stolen
SOUTH HURON —
Huron OPP were contact-
ed Nov. 5 shortly before 2
p.m. about two break-ins
that occurred to site trail-
ers at T.W. Johnstone Ltd.
A representative of the
company reported that
overnight Oct. 23-24 a
site trailer was forced
open on Mollard Line. A
5000 -watt Honda Genset
generator, a new chain-
saw and a three-inch
Honda Gas pump were
stolen. On Nov. 3 another
work trailer was entered
on B -Line. A two-inch,
three-inch and four -inch
Honda gas pump was
stolen.
The break-ins have cost
the company $14,300 in
stolen property. If you
have information on these
crimes please call the
local OPP or Crime
Stoppers at 1-800-222-
8477(TIPS).
with the challenges the farm community is facing.
"It's been a rough go for them considering the B.S.E.
and border issue. Commodity prices have provided little
confidence in the future of the independent farmer. As a
business, we have also been negatively impacted," he
said. Weese said he understands why people think a
change hi programming could threaten the level of ser-
vice since other radio stations have marginalized their
farm coverage in the recent past.
"We haven't and we will not," he said.
"At a time when farm families in midwestern Ontario
have their backs against the wall in so many sectors,
actions that seem to curtail the strength of the voice of
agriculture are very worrying and demand a public
response from CKNX Radio," Robertson said.
Weese said he wants to assure the public CKNX recog-
nizes the important role farm broadcasting plays in its
relationship with its agricultural partners and it is pre-
pared to serve them at a level that is "equal to or
greater than what they've come to expect from us."
While the general manager did not comment on
whether he would consider reinstating Beardsley, he
said a new farm director will be hired within a few
weeks.
"This individual will be uniquely qualified by their
career experience, education and personal background
to confidently serve the agriculture community in a
comprehensive and trusted method," Weese said.
The Huron County Federation of Agriculture encour-
ages anyone with concerns about the dismissal of
Beardsley as farm director and the possibility that the
station will no longer have a farm focus to contact the
management at CKNX radio at 357-1310 or Blackburn
Communication, which owns the station, at 679-8680.
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12 NOON SAT. NOV. 27, 2004
PRIZES FOR FLOATS
MEMBERS OF PRECIOUS BLOOD CHURCH WILL COLLECT FOOD ITEMS
FOR SOUTH HURON CHRISTMAS BUREAU ALONG THE PARADE ROUTE.
LIONS CHRISTMAS PARTY
after Parade at DOWNTOWN PARKETTE - 1:30 pm
COME AND MEET SANTA & ELVES
COME AND MEET GRIMACE, HAMBURGLAR, & BIRDIE
• Free Candy Bags-McDonalds Treats and
Refreshments
• Free Skating at South Huron Rec Centre 1:00-3:00 pm
with the
HARTMANS
EVERYONE WELCOME
Refreshments
Provided by
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