Mel Cooper’s connection to AIMS goes back to the mid 50’s when his employer, Bill Ray, owner/operator of CKNW, Vancouver, was among the early AIMS members; likely the first from Canada. CKNW (New Westminster, BC, a suburb of Vancouver) was an independent station making a competitive stir in a major Canadian market.

Mel came to AIMS in his own right in the early 60’s when his boss, Bill Hughes (successor member to Bill Ray) was promoted, leaving Mel as the station’s member. Early contributions from CKNW via Mel were exceptional as its audience ratings and revenue grew to merit its logo, “Top Dog”!! Mel’s contributions to AIMS covered many areas as “NW” evolved its facility from a 5 kw to a 50 kw – housed in bright new studios in a converted supermarket. Mel hosted a Vancouver AIMS meeting where members could inspect the facility. Also on Mel’s expansion agenda was construction of a new FM station, a companion to “NW” initially featuring country music. Memorable of Mel’s CKNW staffing were details on “Webster”, the eccentric talk host who would never be photographed and who had to be kept away from fellow staff members, least he demoralize the operation. Housed in a distant hotel with his paycheck delivered by special messenger, “Webster’s” name and gruff manner later became a household word known across Canada.

While everything appeared great at the “NW” stations, Mel seized an opportunity to own his own station (circa 1970) when he announced purchase of a Victoria, BC station, CFAX 1070 (10 kw). Victoria, then a market of around 200,000, was too small to qualify for AIMS, which at that time accepted members only from markets of half a million or greater. Mel was quickly granted first-ever market population dispensation. CFAX, a slow moving, good music station, was soon converted to something much better. From initial studios above a hardware store, Mel and his able staff developed a news-talk format with talent recruited from some of Canada’s major markets. Mel was known to have claimed Victoria as “The Miami of Canada”. One talent recalled from many was the “Dobber”, a great sports personality from Montreal whose flair and work ethic later earned him a lifetime contract. Sadly, he is now deceased. CFAX 1070 became not only Victoria’s most listened to radio station, it also achieved countless awards and nationwide recognition.

Over the ensuing 30 years, Mel’s steadfast commitment to AIMS and the spirit of which it is embodied has never faltered and is arguably his greatest contribution. Despite an exceedingly busy schedule, Mel has made every single AIMS meeting for 40 years…enhanced with loads of CFAX, Seacoast Sound and, more recently, “Extreme”[1] presentations and tapes. A great presenter recognized throughout Canada, Mel encourages “out of the box” thinking – examples being his ever-changing themes of the CFAX yearly staff motivational meetings; a January hideaway weekend away from Victoria where staff (with spouses) gather to plan their forthcoming commitment to making CFAX an even better station in the years to come.

CFAX 1070, Seacoast Sound and even new Extreme, with Mel, his right hand, Terry Spence and their loyal staff, have certainly earned a most prominent place in the AIMS Hall of Fame, in recognition of 40+ years of outstanding contributions – the longest of any member.

[1]: CFAX’s innovative new FM sister station, featuring youth oriented music.