Inter-Island Concerns On Collie Buddz Radio

During the Vibe 103.1 hearing by the Telecommunications Commission, the public was allowed to speak, with the only person to do so being R Scott Pearman, Chief Operating Officer of Inter-Island, the parent company of HOTT 107.5 and Magic 102 – who expressed his “concerns”

The hearing was held to determine whether to issue a licence to Harper Digital to start a new radio station Vibe 103.1. Harper Digital is owned by Bermudian reggae star Collie Buddz [real name Colin Harper], and his brother Matthew Harper.

Collie Buddz is already well known to the public as a recording artist, and is amongst Bermuda’s most successful artists throughout our history, having achieved numerous successes locally, and in various overseas markets.

Mr Pearman [pictured], alongside Glenn Blakeney, formed Inter-Island Communications Ltd, which launched HOTT 107.5 FM on July 5th, 2004. On February 28th, 2007 Inter-Island Communications Ltd. expanded, launching their second radio station; Magic 102.7 FM.

He stated that his partner, Minister Glenn Blakeney, was off the island and sends his apologies. He started off by commending Colin Harper on his “Collie Buddz” persona, and saying how successful his music, as well as other Harper Digital artists, had been on Hott 107. He said they had always had a good working relationship in the past.

Mr Pearman stated that he was not there to object and welcomes competition, but that he “questions the grounds” for a new licence to be issued and later on said he feels allowing more players into the market may be detrimental.

He gave numerous reasons, starting off with the economy, stating that when they got their licence in 2004, the economy was stronger.  He said the advertising budget is not growing, but contracting. He made further references to the limited advertising pool, and spoke on the need for sustainable business models, and the unwanted issue of the radio industry “cannibalizing” itself.

Mr Pearman also stated that in his opinion the Harper’s business plan did not show proof of financial ability to “construct or maintain” the business, said the financials declared were incomplete and questioned as to whether it was a bona-fide business.

He also stated that the business plan showing a concept to have a variety of music appeared to be a “classic trojan horse”, as looking at factors including Collie Buddz’s reggae background he felt he may transition to a mostly urban music lineup.

Mr Pearman then mentioned the possiblity of having Vibe 103 be limited to 25% urban programming, something the Harper Brothers spoke against later on, saying they disagreed with the concept. They mentioned that if their station is to be placed under that restriction, so should others, with Collie Buddz saying “I’m not a big fan of that idea”.

Mr Pearman then gave other reasons why he  had concerns over the Vibe 103.1 application, including technical factors.
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Colin Harper on left, Matthew Harper on right

At the end of the hearing there appeared to be no “hard feelings”, with Mr Pearman and the Harper Brothers speaking to each other in a very friendly manner.

You can view the report on the rest of the hearing here. The decision whether to grant the licence is expected to be made in the next coming weeks.

#BermudianMedia #CollieBuddz #HarperDigital #Vibe103

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