How campus-community radio builds connections with voices behind the scenes
Sailee Shringarpure, a Mt. A alumna, now spends her days in the Wallace-McCain Student Centre (WMSC) giving back to the community which welcomed her as a student. Shringarpure graduated from the Mt. A in 2024 with a BSc and now works as a station manager at Tantramar’s independent campus-community radio station, CHMA, broadcasting on 106.9 FM from the the third floor of the WMSC. In an interview with The Argosy, Shringarpure shares that working at CHMA over the years has allowed her to get in touch with the community of Tantramar “at all levels,” connecting with Mt. A students, community members, and listeners from all over.
Shringarpure began her CHMA journey in the summer of 2022 while working as an student media intern, a position offered at the station annually. Shringarpure explained “the safe, creative environment here motivated me to keep going,” leading her to become a student staff member in the 2022-23 academic year. Although Shringarpure took a brief break from CHMA in the summer of 2023, Shringarpure returned to working at CHMA during the fall. In the summer of 2024, she assumed the role of station manager, a position she still holds to this day. As Station Manager, Shringarpure is the main connection point between Mt. A students and CHMA, helping them navigate CHMA’s resources and have them involved. Shringarpure says getting involved at CHMA can take many forms, “starting a podcast, hosting their own radio show, or exploring other digital media platforms with CHMA’s support.” Shringarpure also represents CHMA at the University, attending open houses, clubs and societies fairs, and the annual international orientation welcome fair. Outside of Mt.A, she promotes CHMA at the Sackville Farmers’ Market, Moonlight Madness, and Canada Day celebrations. Shringarpure assures, “even if we don’t attract a big crowd, being there sparks curiosity about who we are.”
Shringarpure explained the reason she initially joined the CHMA team was her interest in non-profits, community engagement, and the performing arts. She also appreciates the continued opportunity to build her leadership and communication skills. Shringarpure affirmed the power of the radio, “it’s not just local [because] CHMA’s online accessibility makes it global.” CHMA gives a voice to the local community to share their interests at a global level. Shringarpure also mentioned CHMA’s community calendar, which allows the broader community to have a one-stop location to find and share local events within Tantramar.
When asked about recruitment, Shringarpure said “when people seem shy about joining or hosting a show, we approach them in a friendly, supportive way.” Those who are interested are never pressured to go live on air and may prerecord, which allows multiple takes. “Our goal is to make everyone feel comfortable exploring radio at their own pace, [and] many who were initially nervous end up loving it once they try.”
Shringarpure says “the most rewarding part of my job is when people recognize CHMA or say they’ve heard my voice on the radio.” For example, CHMA receives calls from the community mentioning their favourite shows, hosts, and why they love CHMA. “It’s the small voices of encouragement that make us want to keep doing things,” she said. But it is not just the positive comments that are important, Shringarpure mentioned calls from the community help the CHMA team stay updated on its happenings, “that kind of feedback keeps us connected and reminds us that people are listening, even though our station space feels tucked away on campus.”
Shringarpure says CHMA “is like a second home,” appreciating how the station’s work environment “encourages growth and learning without judgement.” When asked what the community should know about CHMA, Shringarpure replied, “broadcasting can sound scary, but we’re always happy to welcome community members and students in any capacity. Our doors are always open on weekdays from about 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and we’re always ready to help anyone find their place at CHMA.” Although the office may close at 5 p.m., CHMA is airing constantly, available to those within Sackville to tune in directly at 106.9 FM and reaching those further at chmafm.com.