Community stations expanding
By Steffanie Costigan - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on August 23, 2023.
A local media outlet, known for its Jess FM radio station and Jess TV television presence, is expanding.President of Jess TV and Jess FM, Jessie Parmar, talked to The Herald recently about his company’s initial expansion into TV and the progress Jess TV is experiencing currently.
“During the COVID time, many of our hosts, they didn’t want to come to the studio. And so that was the main reason we started venturing into TV. And now we are on Roku TV and NCG television network from Italy. And also, we are on Facebook, Instagram, we go live on Instagram, Facebook live, YouTube live, and our Jess FM.ca we go livestream,” said Parmar.
Parmar received on March 6, 2022 by command of the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal. The reward was presented to him by Shannon Phillips. Parmar said he has a goal of bringing the community together.
“We’re going to continue what we do; our goal is to be part of the community and, you know, and bring people together. This is what our goal is, and nothing more.”
The idea for Jess FM came up in 2016 and the station started in 2017. Parmar said the locals who are participating in his shows, along with hosts come from varying places in the world.
“Our ex-MLA, she’s already part of us, like she’s Maria Fitzpatrick, and she’s a part of this, and then I have Allan Friesen, who’s a businessperson from Lethbridge. I have professors Stephen Graham; he does a host, and his brother Jeffrey Graham.
“And then I have a host from Calgary. I have a host from Chicago, New Jersey. And then we have a host from Los Angeles. And then we have a host from Mexico City.”
Parmar said the community is involved with both Jess TV and with Jess FM and he has a goal of giving a platform to interested people.
“We have few other people interested to be part of Jess TV and Jess FM as a producer/host. Our goal is just to give a platform to the people who want to do something for that bit and at large like large could be Canada or an international united.”
Parmar recognized the team at Jess TV and thanked them and all the many loyal viewers enjoying Jess TV and Jess FM.
“They are the real backbone for Jess TV, and I like to say thank you.”
Jess TV can be watched and accessed at https://www.jessfm.ca, or you can watch Jess TV on Roku TV7, SSH101 and NCG television. The station features movies, live talk shows and interviews. 2
-1
