Two broadcasting legends from southern Saskatchewan have been inducted into the Saskatchewan Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame, recognizing their remarkable careers and lasting contributions to the industry.
Penny Schreiner: A Voice of Shaunavon
Penny Schreiner, a well-known broadcaster from Shaunavon, has been honoured after a 43-year career at CJSN 1490. Schreiner, who retired in 2022, is remembered for her adaptability and commitment to her craft.
Her broadcasting journey began in Grade 11 with a radio program called Collegiate Comments on CJSN. In August 1979, she officially joined the station, which was then part of Frontier City Broadcasting, before it was acquired by Golden West in 1994.
Throughout her career, Schreiner took on various roles in sales, writing, and on-air broadcasting. Her hands-on approach even saw her braving a thunderstorm to replace a fuse at the transmitter, with her eight-year-old son by her side.
Schreiner’s on-air talent came naturally, and she became a trusted voice in southwest Saskatchewan. From interviewing notable figures such as Hayley Wickenheiser and Brad Wall to discovering emerging local talents like the Hunter Brothers, Schreiner made a significant impact on her community.
"It’s kind of bittersweet," Schreiner reflected on her induction. "You really want to still be on the air. I did it for so long... it means the world."
Despite her retirement, she remains humble about her influence, saying, "There’s so many people in Shaunavon or any community that make for a great place and tell the stories of the community. We’re just a part of it in the media."
Dave Funk: The Technological Pioneer
Joining Schreiner in the Hall of Fame is Dave Funk, a broadcast technologist with Golden West Broadcasting who has been with the company for 47 years. Funk began his career at CHRB in High River, Alberta, helping build the radio station from the ground up.
Since 1977, Funk has worked across Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba, eventually settling in Swift Current in 1990. Known for his technical expertise, Funk played a key role in adapting the broadcasting industry from analog to digital, ensuring stations could keep pace with rapidly advancing technology.
"The biggest transition was from analog audio where we used records, cassettes, and tapes, to the digital age where everything is on your screen," Funk explained. "When I started, there was no such thing as personal computers or laptops."
Funk's ability to learn on the job and share his knowledge with others solidified his reputation as a problem-solver and invaluable team member.
Both Schreiner and Funk have left lasting legacies in the world of broadcasting, making southern Saskatchewan proud with their Hall of Fame inductions. Their dedication, passion, and innovation have forever shaped the media landscape in the region.