The Standard

Thursday, June 7, 2001

B-4

U.S. SYNDICATE PICKS UP McCONNELL'S X-ZONE SHOW

By Don Fraser

Program will continue on Brock's CFBU as well as on 15-station Liberty Works Radio Network

St. Catharines-based Xzone Radio Show has landed a US radio syndication deal with Maryland based Liberty Works Radio Network.

"This'll open up a whole venue that I could only hope for, and have worked seven years to get," said Rob McConnell, who produces and hosts the show, which features guests discussing all things paranormal. "I'm very happy about this development."

The X-Zone debuted in 1995, eventually finding a home at CKTB in St. Catharines, where it was broadcast live Saturday and Sunday nights. It was cancelled in February after a 2 1/2 year run. A month later, the show moved to Brock University campus and community station CFBU 103.7 where it is generally heard from Monday to Friday from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m.

Episodes feature alien encounters, conspiracy theories and mysterious phenomena. It has a cult following in the Golden Horseshoe as well as parts of the United States.

The X-Zone will begin its new syndication broadcasts via satellite July 2 with a reduced schedule. Bu July 7. it'll broadcast weekdays from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. with repeats on weekends. The all-talk network was 15 major affiliated US stations.

McConnell's show will continue to be produced and aired out of CFBU's studio.

Liberty Works program manager Maureen Duffy said there is a strong audience for X-Zone-style programming.

"We're moving to 24-hour programming and Rob's program gave us an excellent opportunity in that time slot," said Duffy.

McConnell said some Canadian stations have expressed interest in picking up the satellite feed.

Internet users can connect live through www.libertyworksradio.com and McConnell's site at www.xzone-radio.com.

The St. Catharines broadcaster said his format for Liberty Works won't change, except that he's adding a few new bars of O Canada to start each show.

"To a point, it can't be a personalized, local show anymore," said McConnell.

"Of course, I'm still going to advertise the hell out of St. Catharines and Niagara." [End]