CHES-FM, branded as Erin Radio 91.7 is an English-language community radio station based in the town of Erin, Ontario, Canada.

Overview

The station serves the town of Erin as well as outlying communities. The station features regular news updates, and community events. Music formats include rock, pop, folk, roots, country, bluegrass, jazz, R&B, blues, and oldies. The station also focuses on the airplay of independent local, regional and national Canadian music, with the goal of promoting new talent in Canada.

History

The concept of "Erin Radio" was given a kickstart after the hydro blackout in August 2003. The mayor and council arranged to have a local company provide free bottled water to Erin residents, but there was no way to get the word out. Phone systems were down, home radios and televisions were off and there was no emergency communications system in the town. If Erin Radio had been operating at the time with a diesel generator, emergency information could have been broadcast to those with car or transistor radios.