OUT OF THIN AIR

calls, “This is CFCY, Charlottetown”, in a deep, melodious voice.

The Second World War interrupted his career. As a navigator in the Air Force, he dreamed of becoming a radio announcer. He was back after the war, becoming a newscaster and later Sales Manager. His sales ability was demonstrated in England when he persuaded Eve, his wife, to live on Prince Edward Island, a place she had never heard about. after knowing her for only ten days.

At least one person was influenced to become an announcer after hearing Charlie:

Manager, Radio Station CF C Y Memphis, Tenn. Charlottetown, PEI U.S.A. Dear Sir:

In Memphis yesterday, I saw a bumper sticker that brought back memories of thirty years ago. It said CF C Y 630 on the dial.

I was in the US. Air Force stationed in Newfoundland. My buddies and I used to listen to CF C Y. The best announcer I ever heard was a gentleman by the name of Charles MacArthur After hearing him I decided I would go into radio after the war. I hope to be able to tune you in again some day. Sincerely,

John M. Crowe

Many other young people who listened to CFCY were motivated to try out for an announcing job. There were summer replacement jobs for University students and many realized that the experience gained could lead them into other occupations or simply help pay for their edu— cation. George Hart, well before the fifties, was one I remember who worked in radio and later became a teacher at University in Montreal writing books on his specialty, history. Murray Fraser of Halifax and David MacDonald of Charlottetown started their careers at CFCY while going to college. Murray Fraser going into law and later becoming Dean

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