The broadcasting executive, investor and programmer Don Shafer, CEO of Roundhouse Radio talks to Joseph Planta about the new radio station about to debut in Vancouver at 98.3 FM, about the process of building the business from the ground up, and the programming to debut in October 2015.

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, at TheCommentary.ca.

In a time when media outlets, both broadcast and print, are shutting down, and laying off staff in droves, there’s a glimmer of hope coming from the Railtown part of Vancouver. The folks at Roundhouse Radio on Alexander Street in Vancouver’s east side, are gearing up for their launch in a few weeks. It’s a brand new radio station, built from the ground up. A group of investors headed up by Roundhouse’s CEO Don Shafer, put together a proposal to launch a commercial radio station in Vancouver a couple of years ago. About a year ago, regulators approved its licence, and the proposed station intends to reflect the growing community on the east side of town and throughout the region. Mr. Shafer joins me now. I’ll get him to tell us about the genesis of the station, as well as what we the listener might come to expect as they sign on shortly. Don Shafer has had a lengthy career in broadcasting, whether it’s programming, marketing or managing stations across the country, including CFMI here in Vancouver, and later the WIC company; as well as stations for Bell Media, and the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group, among many others. www.roundhouseradio.com is the website, and the station will be heard at 98.3 FM. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Don Shafer; Mr. Shafer, good morning.

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