This week's episode features the host of Edmonton's CISN Country 103.9 morning show, Chris Scheetz, who was recently named one of the On-Air Personalities Of The Year (Large Market) at the 2017 Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards. Chris tells us about why Edmonton continues to be the leader among radio-driven charitable initiatives, we delve into his decision to not pursue a position in management, and we his relationship with family and his co-workers.
Chris Scheetz couldn't be more country. He spent his early years working on the family farm in Thorsby, Alberta listening to CISN country 103.9 while driving a tractor. When it came to radio, he was hooked. By1989, he was working overnights at CISN country 103.9 and the rest is history.
Chris has been apart of some remarkable promotions, assembled quickly out of need and urgency. He recounts the time he spent days living in a tractor to raise $103,000 for farmers in Alberta. He supported beef farmers with a cross-border BBQ when their product was sanctioned by the U.S. government, and CISN Country 103.9 is involved with annual charity drives for the Stollery Children's Hospital and 630 CHED's Santa's Anonymous. It is a point we have touched on in the past, and that's the great work Edmonton radio does for its community. When we asked Chris why, he cited Edmonton's long history of community spirit where it's "expected", and the competitive nature of the Edmonton radio market.
We have done other episodes with Yukon Jack, Marty Forbes, and Terry Evans; all use their radio standing to further their community.