ZFB Radio Marks 60 Years Of Broadcasting
ZFB Radio recently celebrated its diamond jubilee, having started broadcasting back on August 30, 1962.
A spokesperson said, “ZFB Radio recently celebrated its diamond jubilee, as the radio station began operations 60 years ago.
“The story of ZFB radio began at 6.00am on Monday, August 30th, 1962, in a small cottage on Berkeley Road across from the Northlands Primary School.
Al Seymour [photo courtesy of Ed Kelly]
“ZFB was launched by the former Capital Broadcasting Company, founded by Bermudian radio engineer Montague Sheppard.
“Mr. Sheppard had extensive experience with the Canadian Armed Forces as a radar operator and technician. He also worked for the Radio Company of America and The General Electric Company.
“The station operated with a small staff and quickly gained popularity. The station was recognized as an innovator in Bermuda’s small broadcasting market with community support. One of the station’s most notable accomplishments was broadcasting live coverage of a touring cricket match in Somerset just four days after it first went on air.
Lee Johnson [photo courtesy of Ed Kelly]
“The station was headed by manager Ron Evans, a very experienced radio production manager and announcer. Other notable names in the initial staff members included Al Seymour, Les Campbell, Lee Johnson, Cy Hall, Percy Paynter, Ira Phillip, Gary Kent-Smith, Bill Davis, Lee Harvey, Carol Amaritt], Marlene Burnes, Cal Simons, and Vincent Dyer.
“In 1965, the Capital Broadcasting Company ventured into television and launched ZFB – TV Channel 8, and in doing so, established Bermuda’s second television station.
George Smith [photo courtesy of Thomas Hall]
“In 1970, ZFB opened an FM station on 94.9mhz with an adult easy listening format.
“The Bermuda Broadcasting Company acquired Capital Broadcasting in 1982. Today the call letters ZFB represent TV 7 and Power 95 FM as part of the Bermuda Broadcasting Company network of stations.”
Read More About
Category: All, History, technology
