A group of students from the College of the North Atlantic’s Business Program in Grand Falls-Windsor were recruited to research and do  a strategic plan on the idea of forming a not for profit radio station.  The result was a plan that outlined a three step stage process to move the idea along.    At the first meeting the name “The Valley” was selected because the station was based in the Exploits Valley and would help promote the businesses and people of the “Valley”.   In February 2017 the first step in the strategic plan was put in place.

The first stage was to find a suitable location, renovate the space and get the equipment needed.   This was accomplished with the Valley Radio team approaching the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor and asking them to donate space in the Excite Center which they agreed to do.   With the dedicated hard work from the Public Works Department with the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor,  a section of the cafeteria was converted into two offices for the new station.  One would be the studio and the other an administrative area and work space.  Now the group had new volunteers with expertise in computer and sound technology, and they oversaw the installation and renovation of the site.   With donations of equipment from G.L.A. Audio Visual, computers from the College of the North Atlantic, desks from Hockey NL, furniture from DPSI and also items from the volunteers themselves, the site took shape as the technical crew began the detailed installation of internet cabling, phones, and of course the audio equipment needed to put the station on the air.

The second stage involved putting the station on the internet and being an on line station and building a music library.  It also included the development of the different shows which meant that staff would have to be trained.  This time frame would help establish the station and give the volunteers time to become familiar with equipment and become skilled in all areas of the operation of a station.  It was at this time that Valley Radio registered with and paid for its membership in SOCAN.   The station began test broadcasting in August of 2017.

The third stage of the plan is to apply to the Canadian Radio and Television Broadcasting Corporation (CRTC) for a license to operate a radio station with an FM Transmitter for the Central Newfoundland area.    This stage is very detailed as the process is a long one and of course a site, funding, and installation of the transmitter is critical.   The staff at Valley Radio is now working on this process.

The music and shows on Valley Radio are not meant to be genre specific nor pigeonholed in specific eras.  The main criteria  is that it must be good music!   Also, the station would play and promote local Newfoundland artists of all genres who do not get the opportunity to get airplay on other stations.

On Valley Radio you will hear music from the classic rock greats like Genesis, Deep Purple, Chicago, The Eagles and of course classic country greats like George Strait, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and others.   While we respect the classic greats, the listener will hear the greats from today such as country stars Keith Urban, Luke Combs, and Blake Shelton and rock greats such as Shinedown, Weezer, and Kaleo.   However, great care will be taken to promote current Newfoundland acts such as Cory Tetford, Barry Canning, Gregg Bolger, Steve Lawrence, Masterless  Men and Sevenview.

However, a radio station is only as good as the people who are willing to volunteer, listen and support it.  We ask that people listen and if they have constructive criticism, we ask them to contact the station with their ideas and views.