Concordia’s CJLO and the NDG Community Council unite to amplify local voices

CJLO, Concordia’s volunteer-run radio station, has teamed up with the NDG Community Council to produce a hyperlocal radio show called What’s happening in NDG?

The community council has been working to improve Notre-Dame-de-Grâce residents’ quality of life by bringing people together around pressing neighbourhood issues since 1942.

Hosted by Concordia student volunteers, the radio show is designed to contribute to the council’s mission: to create a sense of belonging and respond to issues facing the residents of the vibrant community. The show features local events and services, from the annual PorchFest music festival to food security organizations like the NDG Food Depot.

Julie Cormier, assistant director at the NDG Community Council, highlights the significance of radio as a medium to foster social connection and reach the diverse residents that the organization serves: “Radio is a super easy tool for them, especially since we don't have a newspaper in NDG anymore.”

This accessible approach is crucial for residents who may feel isolated or lack internet access or literacy skills.

CJLO's program director, Cam McIntyre, emphasizes the station's commitment to serving the community: “We’re a service-based community radio station, and there’s no more on-the-nose, service-based community organization than the NDG Community Council.”

Producing the radio show has been transformative for both organizations.

“It’s been extremely rewarding. I really feel like I’m a small part of a system that provides support for people in the community,” McIntyre says.

Susan Edey, Concordia’s senior director of community engagement, shares McIntyre’s enthusiasm for the project.

“This collaboration is a great example of the many ways Concordia partners with the community,” Edey notes. “By combining Concordia- and community-based expertise, we’re able to create a positive impact for both our institution and the diverse communities across Montreal.”

Tune into What’s Happening in NDG? every Thursday morning from 11 a.m. to noon on CJLO 1690 AM. The station broadcasts from the Loyola Campus and can be heard across the island of Montreal.

Meet the people who are part of this community-engaged radio show.

Learn more about community engagement at Concordia.