Q1: You started Radio production and broadcasting since you were young and you're still going. What's your fascination with radio? How did it all begin?
SRN Mediaworks started in a basement with the curiosity of three children in Brampton, a northwestern suburb of Toronto. At the time, it was something very voyeuristic - though the word might not have been in my dictionary at the time. I've always felt it was a window into something interesting, and I am usually told that I am the storyteller type. Might as well open my big mouth and make use of it.
Q2: Do you have any other family or perhaps friends who have the same inspirations as you have? Or perhaps even run a radio station?
We're essentially family in every way - when we started, the morning show featured myself, my older sister Liz, and a cousin - Phil Liz and Lucy as we used to call it. This was a family-based operation from the start because we believe our audiences and viewers benefit the most from a "warm house" to put it in a phrase. Unfortunately, most of my family and friends are of the "artsy fartsy" type so sometimes there isn't as much devotion as there should be - but at least I keep it going because it's entertaining to operate from one view and beneficial to the community in another.
Q3: What do you think are the keys to a successful radio station or radio programmes?
This really depends on your definition of "successful"; operations in the past have cut out every single piece of its soul and replaced it with initiatives to profit - that's basically what broadcasting looks like in Canada with the ugliest glasses on. You can be the least original station and earn dollars like it was printed from an affordable home laser printer, then call that whole debacle "successful".
The key to SRN's success, and I have to keep repeating it over and over just to keep my sanity, is the grammatically incorrect phrase "Creating imagination". Our success depends on the quality programming we churn out regularly, the constant quality of independent music, and the fact that we care about who we broadcast to. As a family, we're not here to make money. We're here to listen and entertain you.
Q4: SRN has survived 10 long years. What have been your fondest memories over this time?
I'm not sure if it's my fondest memory of this decade, but it certainly was a memorable one: It was 2003, and I was broadcasting the morning programme with Liz and our producer Mike (who is now Head of Broadcasting). In the middle of the whole broadcast, Liz was fiddling with a tennis ball and it suddenly struck my ahem - "crown jewels" - which is a lot for a republican without the republican values.
I wailed in the middle of the whole broadcast and we probably got the highest ratings of the year from that summer morning.
Q5: What kind of music do you generally like?
No one would want to talk to me after they hear my answer to this question. I listen to mostly adult contemporary on my mp3 player, listen to a soft rock station on conventional radio, and even sang a Phil Collins cover in a short-lived band I formed back in high school.
Q6: What is the drive to continue with radio broadcasting and production?
Life. Life is so important to me and it's all around this otherwise bland, car-orientated community. It's the fact that SRN is determined to serve our community that really keeps us going.
Q7: Finally, is there anything you would like to say or thank to all the networked listeners?
Thank you for all of your support through the years, and I hope you do continue listening to "The Spirit of South York". If you haven't already done so - come on over. We love company.
Phil Hong, Thank you.
Thank you too Chris. Did my assistant give you that bribe that'll cover this interview?