Evelyn M. Langille is an announcer and coordinator on the adult contemporary (Fox FM) and country radio station (CHOK). Born and raised in Toronto by her parents who immigrated to Canada from Jamaica, she is the only on-air personality (of colour) in the Sarnia—Lambton area. Additionally, Eve (preferred name) manages her own promotions company which runs the Bright’s Grove summer Farmer’s Market (among other seasonal markets). This March of 2025 marks Eve’s thirtieth anniversary in broadcast radio (Blackburn Media Inc.). It is not always easy navigating one’s way after completing higher education. Through diligence and an internal dedication to follow her passion, Eve successfully engineered her voice into the broadcasting world. Here is her life in radio.
What is your training and education?
I graduated from Humber College in broadcast journalism. I have been at Blackburn Media for three decades. Prior to this, I worked the night shift in Toronto at 97.3 (FM). I always held a passion for event planning, too. Marketing and PR interested me; however, it was not until the pandemic hit did I commence with seeking out further pursuits.
I ended up getting my certification as an event planner (Certified Event Planner). This gave me a broader background in knowing how to make events successful. I love to make money for charities because I enjoy giving back to communities. One’s time can be more valuable than money.
Can you tell me about your evolution into broadcasting?
I was a chatterbox in school—which frequently got me into trouble (Laughs). But I remember having a love of music, too, and think of my parent’s prescience for knowing my interests. Remembering that my parents were new Canadians, my father was proud that we were born in Canada—we were his little Canadians. Dad bought me a record player. This was my first start in communications. My sister and I used to practice doing commercials for Tide; I guess broadcasting was a childhood dream. In radio, you begin working in smaller communities—wet your feet—get experience—then move to a larger market.
Did you face challenges in perception as a black female announcer?
When you live in an area where there is little representation of one’s own culture, that culture does not get carried within one’s family. I regret not incorporating the Caribbean culture into our everyday lives. For example, I wish I paid more attention when my mother or grandmother was cooking. My family in Toronto are more immersed into the Caribbean culture. It is only now in Sarnia that there is an Afro-Caribbean Club. One challenge I encountered is that my looks did not match my voice. People did not know I was a woman of colour only hearing my voice. People commented that I speak well. There was a misconception at first glance of me that I would not be a good communicator.
I moved over to the country station, and when people met me, they were flummoxed I was not white. But individuals learn to acquire balanced perspectives. My father had a grade 8 education entering Canada, but he was a chief engineer upon retirement (Mom advanced her education, too). My parents were prime examples of hard work and integration.
What are your proudest achievements?
There are two answers to this question. If you take the first part of that question— my family. The second answer to the question—what am I most proud of in my field? I would say, during the challenges of COVID, I am most proud of going after something I have always been interested in.
Deciding to get certified as an even coordinator. Then, growing the business. There are different veins to it. Yes, there is the charitable aspect to it—giving back to the community. Eight years ago, I started the Bright’s Grove Market. It is a summer market that opens on Wednesdays. We began with seven vendors. It has flourished to at least thirty-two vendors. I am proud of this. My being in broadcasting for thirty-five years is an achievement, too.
Do you have advice for aspiring minds interested in broadcasting?
If you are going to get into the communications field, make sure your training will carry you to different opportunities. While studying the communications, journalism, print, and broadcasting
field—make sure those talents you are developing through your training do not become one-track. Be varied. Make sure you are having fun. You will never succeed in your job if you are not having fun.
Jason Waddle | Contributing Writer
