Staff & Crew

ON AIR: WEEKDAY MORNINGS WITH BILL BRADLEY 6AM -9AM

A broadcast Veteran in Cape Breton for over 30 years. Bill’s passion for radio started in the late 80’s. Graduating from Memorial High in Sydney Mines from The Radio/TV program, he then went on to Graduate from Loyalist College of Applied Arts and Technology in Ontario with a Broadcasting Diploma. Bill is a proud member of our community and believes in giving back. In 2019  he was the Media Liaison for The Canadian Senior Little League Championship. Bill is very excited to be the newest member of the 89.7 Coast family.

 

 


ON AIR: PHIL THOMPSON ….WEEKDAYS 9AM -11AM

phil-thompson-coast-photo

Phil has been a well known broadcaster in the Cape Breton market for over 40 years starting at CJCB in 1976, working on The CAPE 949 and MAX 98.3FM as On Air afternoon Host and Promotions Director.  Joining the crew at the Coast 89.7 in September of 2016 as New Program Director and midday host.  Phil is very active in community work, Past President of the Sydney Sunrise Rotary Club, Sydney Ribfest and more.


ON AIR: BILL MACNEIL   WEEKDAYS 11AM-1PM

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Bill MacNeil is the General Manager of Coastal Community Radio Co-operative and Music Director for The Coast 89.7.  Through his dedication and follow through on the idea for a radio station that specializes in East Coast Music, The Coast 89.7 was born.
Bill is responsible for the overall management of the station. Outside of his management responsibilities, Bill can be heard on-air with Country Cafe weekdays 11am-1pm. He also takes an active role in the production of commercials and promos. Under his leadership, the station was named The Radio Station of the Year Award at the 2011 East Coast Music Awards and nominated for Radio Station of the Year at the 2011 Music Nova Scotia Awards. Bill has been a long time advocate for local musicians and believes in locally owned and operated radio for Cape Breton. Bill began his radio career with CKBW Bridgewater and was Operations Manager & Music Director with CKPE-FM Sydney until 1993 when he left radio to work in the Music Industry. He returned to radio in 2003 when Coastal Community Radio Cooperative was established.

Despite his many responsibilities at The Coast 89.7, Bill is a proud Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Sydney Sunrise.


 

ON AIR: WEEKDAY AFTERNOONS AND SUNDAY BRUNCH

Ron NevilleRon Neville
Ron Neville first caught the radio bug listening to local stations at around the age of 10, and later to international short wave stations as a teenager.

Ron, a native of Glace Bay, graduated from the Kingstec broadcasting course in Kentville, Nova Scotia in 1980, and joined the staff of CHER Radio in Sydney later that year. He left CHER in 1988 to pursue a university education in computers, always with a view to combining his dual interests of broadcasting and radio. His educational pursuits continued thru the 90s and his spark for radio was reignited in 1998 when he volunteered at CAPR radio at UCCB (now CBU), and later at Radio FreeECMA.

As an adamant supporter of community-based radio, Ron joined The Coast 89.7 in early 2006, performing production and on-air duties while it was still a special events station. With the launch of the 6,000-watt station he took on news duties from December 2007 until October 2008, when he returned to his first love, music announcing and commercial production.

 


On air/Creative – Jonathan Lewis

Jonathan Lewis On-Air host and Creative Director for the Coast 89.7
The Legend of Jonathan Lewis begins in ancient times, in a long-forgotten era known only as 1992. Since then, he has travelled, lived and explored all across Canada, forming himself into the attempt of a human being that graces the Coast airwaves whenever his schedule tells him to. Jonathan never saw himself working in radio, it just kinda happened. His background is a picture of Goku from Dragon Ball Z and he… what? Ohhhh, professional background, not my desktop background. That makes more sense…no, no I’ll leave it in, I’m too lazy to delete it. His professional background is in theatre, he has a BFA in fine arts specializing in theatre (acting) from Memorial University NFLD and he has done work with most of the theatre companies here in the CBRM.


On Air – Rhonda MacKenzie

Rhonda MacKenzie has worked behind the scenes and on-air at CJCB, 94.9 The Cape and MAX 98.3 for 13 years. 
 
A graduate of Riverview Rural High School, Rhonda went on to get a Bachelor of Arts Community Studies degree from UCCB (now CBU) as well as completing their Theatre Arts Certificate Program. She has been involved with theatre groups in high school and university, appearing on stage as well as working with the technical side.
 
Rhonda is happy to be a member of The Coast 89.7 family.

On Air – Scott Purdie

Scott Purdie does fill-in duty on-air as well as for on location broadcasts when called upon and has been involved with the Coast since its launch in 2007. Scott resides in Coxheath with his wife Melini and two children, Kaitlyn & Isaac. In his spare time, Scott is an assistant coach for his daughter’s hockey team and also plays hockey as a goaltender – or at least he tries to. Scott has also been involved with the Kidney Foundation of Canada as a volunteer having helped organize and fund-raise the annual Kidney Walk in Sydney. Scott’s favourite Cape Breton Island destinations include Kennington Cove, Ingonish, and Inverness.Scott is an avid music fan of all types of genres and the Host of Flashback Friday with 60’s at 6pm; 70’s at 7; 80’s at 8pm and 90’s at 9pm every Friday night. 

 


COAST 89.7 NEWS DEPARTMENT

MORNING NEWS : BOBBY NOCK

bobby-nock

Bobby Nock
As the News Director, Bobby Nock will get your day started by bringing you information that helps connect you to the community with all the latest in local news.

Bobby grew up in Whycocomagh before moving to Halifax to attend university where he earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Journalism degree.

After university, Bobby moved back to Cape Breton where he began working as a freelance journalist and has done work for both print media and as a broadcast journalist.

When he’s not working as a journalist, Bobby turns his hand to his first passion – art.  His work has been shown in venues across the Maritimes as well as New York City.  His current project is his second year-long Marathon of Art.  Beginning with the opening of the London Olympics, Bobby has produced a work of art everyday and posted the results on his website.


AFTERNOON AND EVENING NEWS

News Director, Dave DesveauxDave Desveaux
Dave Desveaux, a native of New Waterford leverages his experience and passion for research in The Coast 89.7 Newsroom where as the Weekday Newscaster. His foray into radio began with a research position at The Coast, which led to the production of a radio documentary on the music of the Mi’kmaq people. The program, entitled “First Nations, First Music” was co-produced with fellow Coast personality Ron Neville and released in early 2011.

A graduate of Breton Education Centre, Dave went on to get a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and Sociology from Cape Breton University, as well as a Master of Arts Degree in Sociology from Dalhousie University. He has worked as a teaching assistant at Dalhousie, and in various short-term customer service and research positions.


 
Bill MacCuish 
Dialogue Host & News Announcer
 

I’ve had the pleasure of working in radio news rooms here on the East Coast, Ontario, and the Northwest Territories.  At the Coast, you’ll hear me on Dialogue. It’s a weekly show featuring stories of interesting people, places and events. If you have any suggestions for a show or news tips, please contact me at maccuish@coastalradio.ca.  


Paul MacDougall – The Good Sentence

Paul MacDougall has been a contributor/interviewer for The Good Sentence segment on the station’s current affairs show Dialogue since 2014. Paul writes plays, short fiction, book reviews, newspaper and magazine articles and a monthly column for the Cape Breton Post, on local sports history topics. He is the author of the book ‘Distinction Earned, Cape Breton Boxing legends,’ has dabbled a bit in film and radio plays and bicycles as much as he can, anywhere he can. His day job is Senior Instructor in Health Sciences at CBU.

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Dave Wilson – NEWS

The Coast 89.7 Welcomes back Dave Wilson from Glace Bay to Weekend News

 

GORDON HEFFLER

Born in Halifax and in his sixties, Gordon has had an interest in radio since age 9.  After a career in computer servicing and then again at CHUM Radio as an engineer, Gordon, now retired, loves to share his vast home music library through his “Look For A Star” program heard Sunday Mornings at 6am.


 

Donnie Campbell – Host of Celtic Serenade

 

This is Cape Breton’s longest running  Celtic Radio program, now for over 45 years Celtic Serenade has been showcasing artists and delighting audiences across Cape Breton and around the World.  Join host Donnie Campbell Sunday evenings at 5pm-8pm for three hours of the very best in Celtic, Bluegrass, Folk and East Coast Music.

Now on The Coast 89.7 every Sunday 5pm – 8pm

Send an Email to Donnie now: celticserenade@bellaliant.ca

 

Celtic Serenade proudly presented by

mwzaumxd_meritmuffler

Merit Muffler; Wheel & Brake

Beach St. Sydney

 

 

 

Comments (16)

  • Avatar

    Greg Miller

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    I just want to let all the staff at the Coast that you do a great job. I do miss Gena DiFlavio. Gena’s voice on air made me smile.

    Reply

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    Vanessa

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    Hello, I’m a huge fan from North Carolina, US. I enjoy listening to your variety of music but especially Celtic and traditional on Celtic Serenade! We visited NS a few years ago. Great musicians there, especially at Red Shoe! Enjoyed meeting and hearing Chrissy Crowley, Dara Smith McDonald and Adam Young. Hope to visit again!

    Reply

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    The Mackie's

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    We listen to the Coast daily in the Ottawa Valley! We appreciate everything your station plays and what the djs share! We’re veryyyyyyyyyy happy to hear Alisha back on your programming!!!!!!!!! Ron, Bill and the rest are great too!!!!!!!!!!!! We have roots in Cape Breton and will be back to visit hopefully soon! Thank you!!!!!!! Maggy + Brad Mackie

    Reply

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    Larry Folk

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    Hi There. Just wanted to thank Bill MacNeil for downloading the new single Good For You. Hope it’s a fit For the folks of Syndey! Cheers, And Thank You. Larry Folk

    Reply

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    Val

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    Just want to drop a note to say the music being played this morning is great – thanks Ron .

    Reply

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    Peter moores

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    Good afternoon. Just dropping you a line to say “thank you” for allowing me to sit in with Phil Thompson and Bill MacNeil on Feb 16th. It was so interesting to learn about how much goes on behind the scenes. Thanks for making my 60th one to remember ! If you are ever in need of volunteers, Dorothy & I are willing and able.

    Reply

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    Graham Breeze

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    Hi Gena … so so pleased to hear you played one of our songs on your show yesterday … one of your avid listeners let me know she had heard it and was singing along to it at home. As you know, we are a UK acoustic duo, and we tour over there every year since 2007, when we were “adopted” by the folk of the Maritimes. Just wanted to say a thank you to you and your station for all the support we’ve had over the years, bless you all, best wishes Graham Breeze and Toby Wilson …. Breeze & Wilson

    Reply

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      Gena DiFlavio

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      Well hi! Thanks so much for your message, we’re big fans of yours here at The Coast. We play your music on a regular basis, and I personally love that song. I’m so glad our listeners enjoy it as much as we do! You should pop by the station the next time you’re out our way for a chat 🙂 Thanks again for your message, take care!
      ~Gena

      Reply

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    kay macdonald

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    Excellent radio station – like your variety of music listening always on in my kitchen!!!

    Reply

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    Rodney

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    Gena i think your the best love listening to you makes my day hearing your voice.

    Reply

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      Gena DiFlavio

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      Thanks so much, Rodney!! We appreciate your support! 🙂

      Reply

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    Jack cool

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    Fantastic music easy listening keep up the good work the coast 89.7 all the best from Jack

    Reply

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    Lexis Berkin

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    Dear Sir/ Madame,

      My name is Lexis Berkin and I’m a high school student from Ottawa, I’m working on a project for school about the music industry and I’m hoping you can help me out gathering some information. I was wondering what you prefer artists to do, send you hard copy CDs in the mail or high-quality Mp3s/ wave-files with album artwork via email. 

      I’m looking forward to your response! 

    Sincerely,
    Lexis Berkin 

    Reply

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      Gena DiFlavio

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      Hi Lexis.

      We actually prefer music submitted to us through DMDS, Digital Media Distribution System, although we do accept hard copy submissions as well as high quality mp3’s. Hope this helps!

      Reply

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    Sally

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    We were away for 2 weeks in sept.and oct. and since I came back I haven’t heard Alisha MacIntyre on your station (daytime). Is she not with you guys anymore? I realy enjoyed listening to her program in the morning. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Avatar

      Gena DiFlavio

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      Alysha indeed is no longer with us, she moved to Ontario in October. We miss her, too!

      Reply

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