Volunteer
Why Volunteer at The Bay?
At The Bay, we do radio a little bit differently. Literally. For starters, we broadcast under a Community radio license, which is a totally different category of radio (as defined by the government) that has a different mandate and airs totally different programming from Commercial stations, which exist primarily to make profits for shareholders.
As a result, naturally, we’re a non-profit. We exist for one reason and one reason alone– to serve our community! The ways in which we do that are multi-faceted: we promote local musicians by playing their music and advertising their gigs, and we promote other community arts and culture initiatives too; we air talk programming that’s locally focused, and offers close-to-home perspectives on just about everything; we air music programming that elevates Canadian content and introduces listeners to artists they’ve never heard before; we donate advertising dollars to local businesses in need; we fundraise for local organizations, charities and community initiatives; and plenty more, too!
Needless to say, there’s a lot that goes into running the area’s only non-profit radio station. While we’re able to have a few part-time staff to help us with day-to-day operations, there’s a lot more that we wouldn’t be able to do without the help of volunteers. In fact, almost all of our programming is produced by volunteers– some who are behind the mic making the airwaves come alive, and others who are working hard behind the scenes to make it all work.
That’s why we need your help! We’ve had the privilege to make a real difference in Muskoka over the past 15 years through the power of radio, and we’d love to continue doing it for many more years to come. Whether you’re interested in being a part of the behind-the-scenes magic of radio, or just want to help make a difference in your community, we want you to join us in our mission.
Additionally, if you’re a high school student, volunteering with us is a great gig for two reasons: firstly, you can earn community service hours to count towards the 40 you need to graduate; and secondly, if a career in communications, marketing or broadcasting is something you might want to tackle in post-secondary and beyond, this is a great opportunity to get hands-on experience and make industry connections!
Sign up to volunteer today!
In addition to the following, we have immediate need for:
• guest contestants on "On This Day" - once a week on a specific day every week from 8.30am to 9am
• Host of Muskoka Middays, Noon - 2pm Monday to Friday
Sign up to volunteer today!
News Reader/Writer
Be the voice of the news!
|
“Am I A Good Fit?” |
|
News readers/writers leave their personal opinions at home and offer news stories in a balanced factual way, from local, and national sources that live up to journalistic standards. Having a natural and engaging voice that can be modulated to emphasize important points and maintain audience interest. Prioritizing accuracy and objectivity in reporting is crucial to maintaining credibility. Newsreaders should have a strong ethical compass, avoiding misinformation or taking advantage of sources. You’ll need to follow CRTC and company policy with regard to content and be aware of strict policies with regard to slander. |
|
Description |
|
News readers/writers put together the newscast for specific dayparts. You’ll keep up to date on current national and local news, and combine them into newscasts
|
|
What You’ll Learn |
|
You’ll learn how to record news and edit it on a variety of platforms.
|
|
Time Commitment |
|
A couple of hours a week on specific dayparts. |
Reporter
Keep your thumb on the beat of the community
|
“Am I A Good Fit?” |
|
A good reporter possesses strong communication, writing, and interviewing skills, along with a keen sense of curiosity, ethical integrity, and a commitment to accuracy and fairness. They are meticulous in verifying facts and details, ensuring that their reporting is accurate and free from errors. They have a strong understanding of journalism principles, media ethics, and the role of the media in society. |
|
Description |
|
Reporters cover a variety of beats, from local councils, to new and interesting events in the community.
|
|
What You’ll Learn |
|
How to write news stories from interviews or council meetings with an eye to being objective.
|
|
Time Commitment |
|
A few hours a week depending on the beat |
Commercial Writer/Producer
You work with our sales crew to help keep the lights on!
|
“Am I A Good Fit?” |
|
If you’re creative, organized, and a quick learner, this is a great opportunity to flex all of those muscles at once!
If you have experience with copywriting already, or using DAW software (Adobe Audition in particular), this is also a great opportunity to use those skills.
|
|
Description |
|
Commercial Writers and Producers are responsible for making advertising. You’ll be responsible for writing scripts, recording voices, and producing commercials digitally. |
|
What You’ll Learn |
|
You’ll get basic training on copywriting techniques, how to produce a commercial in Adobe Audition or Audacity, and other skills as necessary. |
|
Time Commitment |
|
A couple of hours per week – based on time of year |
Commercial Voice
Kickstart your career as a voiceover artist
|
“Am I A Good Fit?” |
|
If you’re a clear speaker, and genuinely positive, and can read the script with the appropriate emotional tone, conveying credibility and enthusiasm, then this is the job for you. We’ll provide the training and feedback to make you sound great on the air! You must be available to come in within a reasonable time when called. |
|
Description |
|
Commercial readers will voice a variety of spots and may be combined with a Commercial Producer |
|
What You’ll Learn |
|
Good mic technique. Learn how to promote a brand with varied delivery, confidence and conveying a belief in the product. |
|
Time Commitment |
|
A few minutes per week, based on demand. |
Talk Show/Podcast Host - Producer
Engage your audience on a topic that is interesting to you!
|
“Am I A Good Fit?” |
|
A great podcast host exhibits engaging charisma, understands their audience, fosters audience interaction, consistently delivers quality content, and potentially features interesting guests. You’ll need to follow CRTC and company policy with regard to content and be aware of strict policies with regard to slander. |
|
Description |
|
In a once a month feature, you’ll interview guests, produce the show for air and for podcast production. Each show is 22 minutes, allowing you to explore topics, and leave listeners wanting more.
|
|
What You’ll Learn |
|
You’ll learn how to record and edit your show for air and podcast
|
|
Time Commitment |
|
No more than a few hours a month. You’ll want to find guests, book them to do the show, record the show and edit it for broadcast. You’ll also want to promote your show on socials. |
Music Show Host
Nothing’s more fun than being a DJ
|
“Am I A Good Fit?” |
|
A great radio DJ possesses excellent communication and presentation skills, a natural ability to connect with the audience, and a good understanding of music. They should also be able to remain calm under pressure and think on their feet, along with being knowledgeable about music and current events. You’ll need to follow CRTC and company policy with regard to content and be aware of strict policies with regard to slander. |
|
Description |
|
We have limited opportunities for music shows: Daily – 12 Noon to 2pm Mon-Fri in a variety format Select 1 or 2 hour shows as available – format TBA
|
|
What You’ll Learn |
|
You’ll learn how to record your music show and learn good technique. Opportunities for doing your show live once proficiency is achieved. You will have the opportunity to record your show from outside the studio. |
|
Time Commitment |
|
A couple of hours a week depending on the show slot |
Bingo crew
Work with the team that supports the community
|
“Am I A Good Fit?” |
|
Bingo is a fun program that raises money for the community, and dealing with excited winners. You must be available on Monday nights on a rotating schedule. Ability to work with others and follow AGCO regulations. |
|
Description |
|
Bingo crew rotate weekly on Mondays, helping to raise money for great causes in the community.
|
|
What You’ll Learn |
|
Positions include phone answerer, “ball master” and back up caller, and bingo card assembler.
|
|
Time Commitment |
|
A couple of hours once or twice a week for most positions |
Bingo Bookkeeping
|
“Am I A Good Fit?” |
|
Must be available on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings. Ability to keep track of expenses, winner payouts and community payouts to various not for profits. Responsible to submit reports in a timely manner. |
|
Description |
|
The bingo bookkeeper will process winners cheques on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings each week. Process various weekly, monthly, and six month licence reports for the AGCO. Experience in accounting with Quickbooks an asset.
|
|
Time Commitment |
|
A couple of hours – once or twice a week. |
Website Content Creator
Help keep our website fresh and appealing
|
“Am I A Good Fit?” |
|
Being able to take direction, take direction and work without supervision. Able to come in on a regular basis, and/or work from home. |
|
Description |
|
Working with various programs, you’ll be responsible for creating professional looking graphics, uploading new stories, and more
|
|
What You’ll Learn |
|
How to write interesting content, create graphics, and generally maintain the website.
|
|
Time Commitment |
|
A couple of hours a week, once or twice a week. |
Events
-
HFA RADIO KIDSBe part of an exciting kid-led radio show for students in grades 6-8! Led by local radio producer, David Merleau, this hands-on program will guide them through...
at HFA Studio -
ENVIRONMENT CANADA'S David Phillips
ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE CANADA ,DAVID PHILLIPS - Climatologist and TV Personality PRESENTED BY THE ROTARY CLUB OF GRAVENHURST PROCEEDS GO TO THE GRAVE...
at Gravenhurst Opera House -
GOWANLawrence Gowan is a multi-talented musician and performer known for his electrifying live shows and soaring vocals. With a career spanning over five decades, Go...
at Algonquin Theatre -
Brit Floyd: Wish You Were Here 50th Anniversary TourBrit Floyd returns to the stage in 2025 with their biggest and most spectacular production to date, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s classic alb...
at Casino Rama -
Community Easter Egg Hunt
Community Easter Egg Hunt at Muskoka Heritage Place
at Muskoka Heritage Place -
HFA RADIO KIDS
Be part of an exciting kid-led radio show for students in grades 6-8! Led by local radio producer, David Merleau, this hands-on program will guide them through...
at HFA Studio
