Barry Bowman – Victoria’s morning
Mayor
Born in Wadena Sask.
Barry has written dozens of satirical
spins, starting almost 40 years ago as a 17-year-old deejay at CFSL in Weyburn,
Sask., by adapting Marty Robbins’s White Sports Coat during the province’s
historic doctor’s strike in 1962. Worked at CKOS TV, Yorkton, CFQC and
CFMC, Saskatoon, and CKCK, Regina.
Victoria CFAX 1968 to 1996, CJVI
1996-2000
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Testing by Bucket Poll
For a creative approach to the public
survey consider the method used by C-FAX radio in Victoria, British Columbia on
the day of Canada’s constitutional referendum. “C-FAX morning personality Barry
Bowman did his show while suspended in a bucket attached to a huge crane, over
the main north-south traffic artery in downtown Victoria. As drivers approached
the area they saw large signs saying: ‘Honk Once for Yes’ and “Honk Twice for
No.’ C-FAX personnel on the ground using the type of hand-held counters that
are popular at tourist attractions and sporting events kept track of the
‘votes’.” This method accurately predicted the actual vote in British
Columbia.
In 1996 Barry made the move from C-FAX to what was then CJVI across the street
where he stayed for nearly four years until a format change to HOT 103 FM in
2000 (now JACK-FM)
Anyone missing Barry’s voice should
listen carefully to some commercials still airing on CFAX and other stations
around the country. Also for 12 years it was Barry’s recorded tones on BC
Ferries dispatching passengers to the lower car decks.
Today, Barry is busy with his new
acting career and Bowman Productions, producing his own commercials, voice
work, and imaging from his studio in Brentwood Bay. He’s also just launched a
new e-book Barry Bowman’s Guide to Public Speaking: One Helluva Speech. His
websites are www.bowmanproductions.com
and www.helluvaspeech.com