A local radio station built by volunteers, powered by community support and sustained by a love of local broadcasting is preparing for one of its biggest weekends of the year.
Northumberland 89.7, Truly Local Radio, will host its annual Radiothon from June 12 to 14, combining an online auction, live music, community activities and fundraising efforts to help support the not-for-profit station’s operations.
Executive Director Larry Crook says the station continues to grow more than a decade after it first signed on.
Northumberland 89.7 began with a simple idea shared around a coffee table in Port Hope. Today, it serves listeners across Northumberland with local programming produced almost entirely by volunteers.
Crook says that’s what makes community radio unique.
The station currently operates with one full-time staff member and dozens of volunteer hosts, producers and contributors who donate their time to keep local programming on the air.
Radiothon 2026 serves as the station’s primary annual fundraiser.
The event will feature an online auction packed with donated items, gift cards and experiences from local businesses. Live music performances will take place throughout the weekend under a tent outside the station at 1000 Elgin Street West in Cobourg. A community barbecue is also planned for Sunday afternoon.
The station is also encouraging donations and Crook tells us they’re always on the lookout for more volunteers.
To learn more about Northumberland 89.7, visit: Northumberland 89.7 Truly Local Radio
To make a donation or participate in the Radiothon fundraiser, visit: Radiothon 2026 donation page
Additional event information is available through Northumberland 89.7’s Radiothon 2026 campaign.
(Written by: Joseph Goden with files from York Bell Smith)
