#Media Issues
Target:
Toronto
Region:
Canada
Website:
takebackourradio.blogspot.com

CKLN 88.1 FM is a community radio station broadcasting from the Ryerson University downtown campus in Toronto, Canada. This campus and community radio station has been in operation since 1983.

For 25 years this alternative media outlet has served as a key point of dissemination of independent and grassroots news, views, music and culture in this diverse city. Within the past year many organizational and structural changes have taken place which have been non-inclusive, non-transparent and in violation of the governing by-laws.

In response, community members, volunteer staff and students came together and organized a Special General Meeting carried out on February 23, 2008 which resulted in the removal of the non-student members of the CKLN Board of Directors as well as the dismissal of their contested and controversial appointed managers Mike Phillips and Tony Barnes.

In retaliation for said meeting and member-led volunteer and community elections, about 25 CKLN volunteer programmers have been locked out of their programs since early May of 2008. Many of these dedicated and long standing volunteers received a one paragraph letter from Mike Phillips discharging them from the station stating that "their services were no longer needed".

The petition below is to Ms. Paula Boutis from Iler & Campbell, legal counsel for CKLN Inc., asking her to cease representation of the dismissed management and removed board members and to start fulfilling her duties on the side of the legitimately elected board members.

Attn. Ms Paula Boutis, Mr. Brian Iler, and Mr. Charles Campbell
Iler Campbell Barristers & Solicitors
890 Yonge Street, Suite 700
Toronto, ON M4W 3P4

Telephone: 416 598 0103 x 117
Fax: 416 598 3484
E-mail: pboutis@ilercampbell.com

Dear Ms. Boutis, Mr. Iler and Mr. Campbell:

I am adding my name to the following petition due to serious concerns about what is happening at CKLN 88.1 FM (Toronto, Canada).

I understand that you are the lawyers currently representing CKLN and that you have stated that the non-student members of the Board which were legitimately removed by a valid Special General Meeting carried out by eligible members of CKLN Inc. on February 23, 2008 are still valid representatives of the station.

I am a supporter (student/volunteer/donor/ally) of CKLN and I have heard that you have not provided a legal statement backing your position on this matter. CKLN is undergoing tremendous upheaval as a result of several actions being directed at volunteer programmers who participated at the Special General Meeting and have been outspoken in their opposition to the current state of chaos which governs this community radio station. I am disturbed and concerned over your performance as legal counsel secured by the monies which these programmers and their community and student allies helped gather during the most recent fundraising drive.

I understand you have a professional and legal obligation to represent the station through its Board of Directors but you are currently failing to perform this duty as you are providing advice and representation to individuals who were dismissed and removed from their leadership positions months ago in a legitimate manner and in accordance to the bylaws which govern CKLN and its membership.

I ask of you to stop representing those persons who are illegally controlling the space, equipment, finances and programming of CKLN (Josie Miner, Tony Barnes, Mike Phillips, Doug Barrett) and recognize the legitimately elected volunteer and community reps - Arnold Minors, Geoff MacDonald, Heather Douglas, Ron Nelson, Conrad Collaco - and the board which they have formed with backing and support of the membership of this beloved and well-respected community and campus radio station.

Sincerely,

The Take Back the Airwaves! Community Reclaim 88.1 FM! petition to Toronto was written by Take Back Our Radio committee and is in the category Media Issues at GoPetition.