Broadcasting Corporation of Newfoundland History and Legacy

The Broadcasting Corporation of Newfoundland (BCN) was the government-owned public radio service of the dominion of Newfoundland. Operating during a pivotal era of political transition, the BCN served as a primary source of information, education, and entertainment for the island's population. Following Newfoundland's admission as a province of Canada in 1949, the BCN was absorbed into the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), and its infrastructure remains a cornerstone of public broadcasting in the region today.

History and Establishment

Founded in 1939 by the Commission of Government, the BCN began its operations by acquiring the Dominion Broadcasting Company, the owner of VONF (1195 kHz) in St. John's. Shortly after, the corporation acquired two transmitters at Mount Pearl that had been built during World War I as Royal Navy HMS Wireless Station (BZM) for North Atlantic communications. The BCN's studios were centrally located on the sixth floor of the Hotel Newfoundland in St. John's.

For the duration of its existence, the BCN was managed by William Fenton Galgay, who had previously founded Dominion Broadcasting in 1932. Other notable broadcasters associated with the network included Aubrey MacDonald (known as Aubry Mac) and musician Robert MacLeod.

Programming and Social Impact

The BCN's programming was a blend of commercial, educational, and entertainment content. It played a crucial role during the Great Depression and World War II, providing vital news coverage, including Winston Churchill's speeches and the 1939 Royal Visit. The network also served as a tool for wartime propaganda and recruitment for the armed forces.

Notable Programs

• The Barrelman: Hosted by future Newfoundland Premier Joey Smallwood, this program blended information and history with island folklore.
• Gerald S. Doyle News Bulletin: This show interspersed family and community news about islanders with serious journalism.

The BCN also aimed to use radio as a tool for social improvement and education, aligning with the Commission of Government's agenda to prepare the country for return to responsible government. Its content included a mix of classical and popular music, dramatic theatre, and features on local artists and teachers.

Expansion and Transition to Canada

In 1943, the BCN expanded its reach by opening a second station, VOWN in Corner Brook. After the war, it acquired VORG in Gander, which had previously been operated by the wartime Canadian military base. The network provided extensive coverage of the 1946-1948 Newfoundland National Convention, though the commercial-free nature of these broadcasts led to a loss of advertising revenue that hindered programming improvements.

One of the BCN's final acts was covering the referendums of June and July 1948 regarding the dominion's future. Following the decision to join the Canadian Confederation, the BCN's facilities and staff were transferred to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) on April 1, 1949. The stations were renamed as follows:

• VONF became CBN
• VORG became CBG
• VOWN became CBY

Facilities and Infrastructure

The BCN also operated shortwave relays, including VONG and VONH (which later became CBNX and then CKZN). Its headquarters were located on the 6th floor of the Hotel Newfoundland from 1939 to 1949.