On the Air is a series profiling some great local radio produced right here in Fredericton at CHSR FM 97.9. This week we turn our attention to, The Lunchbox, hosted by Mark The Encaffeinated One. The Lunchbox airs weekdays 12 – 1 p.m.
How long have you been hosting The Lunchbox?
I took over the hosting of the show in the fall of 2010. There have been a few other guest hosts from time to time (usually during my vacations), and I’ve stepped back a bit lately, but I’ve been the principal host since then. I suppose that makes it about 240 shows over a year.
Give us one sentence that would explain your show to new listeners.
The Lunchbox is a chance to celebrate the great things happening in the Greater Fredericton Area by interviewing the people doing them and reminding everyone about the upcoming events.
Describe the usual format of your program.
The format is pretty regular: open with the weather, play a great song from our Playbox (either local or new Canadian music), either an interview with a musician/artist/venue/
How would you describe CHSR’s role within the community?
CHSR is an independent voice by the community, and for the community. We give a chance for people in the community to learn how to do radio and share their passion with the rest of the community. We provide the community with an interested, local sounding board where they can see themselves reflected and get exposed to a wide variety of good, real radio programs, from brand new music from independent performers to programs talking about the niches that fascinate us, with an incredible range in between.
Name one other CHSR program you would recommend and why you feel other people should tune it in?
Gosh, I can only name one program? Tough choice! I really struggled to choose only one. I’d like to recommend Sessions@CHSR, and it’s cousin, Sessions@Night. The program features a recording in our Studio D with a touring or local band. It’s a mix of interview and performance, giving the listeners a great chance to really meet the band. It’s laid back and easygoing, and performers are encouraged to do variants of their songs, to play around and try new stuff out. We’ve gotten some really interesting interviews from that series and some incredible, unique performances. Sessions@CHSR airs every Thursday at 5 p.m., and Sessions@Night — which might contain more language or rougher music — airs on Friday night at 9 p.m.
You can also tune in to CHSR at 97.9 on your dial or stream it online at CHSRFM.CA
