A talk show like Research Matters is just one example of how CJAM connects the university with the local community, according to Vern Smith.

“There are so many important research projects going on at the university and it’s critical for the people who fund them to have an understanding of how that work impacts their every day lives,” said Smith, the campus community radio station manager. “That’s really the whole point of Research Matters.”

A weekly show that airs every Thursday at 4:30 p.m. on CJAM 99.1 FM, Research Matters showcases the work being down by University of Windsor faculty and graduate students from a wide variety of disciplines right across campus. Each week host Steve Fields, a communications officer in the university’s department of public affairs and communications, is joined by a guest to talk about their research, scholarly and creative activity.

This week is pledge drive at CJAM and Fields will be joined by Smith to discuss the role community radio plays in informing people about the scholarly activity at the university, as well as the importance of obtaining financial support from its listeners to maintain its operating budget.

This year’s pledge drive runs November 9 to 16 with a goal of raising $25,000. The focus of this year’s efforts is on a signal boost for the station, which has applied for a permit to quadruple its signal strength to more than 2,000 watts.

“The cost of a power increase is pegged at $49,000, so we need to beat the drums more than usual,” said Smith. “Our audience is a very dedicated group, so we’re really relying on their generosity to help us expand our audience.”