by Myron Love
DAUPHIN, Man. – After eight years in a row as a bridesmaid, CKDM country radio music director and DJ Bruce Leperre finally got to step into the winner’s circle at this year’s 2005 Canadian Country Music Awards gala on Sunday, September 11, in Calgary.
Leperre (right, with Curb recording artist Lisa Brokop) was named both on-air personality and music director of the year for a small market. It was also the fifth time that he had been nominated for his on-air work.
"After so many nominations and no wins, I wasn’t going to go to Calgary this year," he says. "I changed my mind when I got the call from Calgary that I won. While losing is no fun, it’s even worse being alone when you know you won."
CKDM is based in Dauphin which is located about 180 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg. The station, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2001, serves an area with a population of about 100,000.
"CKDM is the primary source for information radio and entertainment for this area." Leperre says. Dauphin is also home to Countryfest and has become the centre of Manitoba’s country music scene thanks in large part to Leperre’s efforts.
Originally from a tiny community near Dauphin, Leperre began his broadcasting career at CKDM in 1979. After some time away, he returned to the station in 1990 and has been there ever since.
"I love being here," he says. "I have had the pleasure of meeting prominent artists and a lot of great people in the business."
Leperre has also won the Manitoba Country Music Association Radio Personality of the Year award for the last two times.
Myron Love is a Winnipeg-based freelance writer.
