REL-MAR McConnell Media Company

PLEASE MAKE YOUR DONATION TODAY

Donate securely through PayPal or Interact E- Transfer to donate@rel-mar.com

After CLICKING on our PayPal link, you will be brought directly to our Donation Page where you will see “Donate to 1622183 Ontario Incorporated” our Canadian Corporate Business Number” and make your Donation.

 

HELP KEEP AWARD-WINNING CANADIAN INDEPENDENT MEDIA BROADCASTING TO THE WORLD

 

Proudly based in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada—creating radio, television, publishing and original music for audiences everywhere.

 

For more than 36 years, Rob McConnell and the award-winning REL-MAR McConnell Media Company have remained committed to producing independent Canadian radio, television, publishing and original music.

Although we are proudly based in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, our work is created for everyone. Our broadcasts know no borders. Through terrestrial radio, online broadcasting, streaming platforms, digital publications and original music, we serve listeners, viewers and readers throughout Canada and in more than 170 countries around the world.

What we produce is Canadian—but the people we produce it for are worldwide.

Through the COVID-19 pandemic, the trials and tribulations surrounding both Trump administrations, serious personal health issues and hospitalizations, we have persevered. We have continued creating, broadcasting and serving our worldwide audience without abandoning our commitment to independent Canadian media.

Today, for the first time in our 36-year history, we must take the unprecedented step of asking our listeners, viewers, readers, business associates and friends around the world for financial support.

Why We Are Asking for Your Help

A significant portion of our business has traditionally come from the United States. However, the rising American cost of living, escalating business expenses and overwhelming healthcare costs have contributed to a major decrease in our US-based business.

We understand and respect the financial pressures facing American families, independent broadcasters, businesses and organizations. Many of the people and companies that have supported us are now facing serious financial challenges of their own.

The rapidly escalating trade war between Canada and the United States has made this already difficult situation considerably worse.

After bilateral negotiations collapsed, new US tariffs of 50% took effect on approximately $28 billion CAD—or nearly $20 billion USD—of Canadian products on Saturday, August 22, 2026. Prime Minister Mark Carney responded by announcing that Canada would match those tariffs dollar for dollar, with Canadian counter-tariffs scheduled to take effect on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. The countermeasures are expected to concentrate on sectors including steel, dairy, household appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and electronics.

President Donald Trump has now also threatened to raise US tariffs on Canadian cars, trucks, automotive parts and steel to 50%, beginning January 1, 2027. Such a measure would place enormous additional pressure on Canada’s integrated automotive industry, its workers, suppliers and communities—particularly here in Ontario.

This is no longer an ordinary trade disagreement between two longstanding allies. In our opinion, it has become a deliberate campaign of economic coercion directed against Canada, its industries, its workers and its sovereignty.

A tariff war cannot be equated with Russia’s brutal military invasion of Ukraine. There are no bombs, missiles or armies crossing our border. Nevertheless, we believe the underlying message of coercion is disturbingly familiar: use overwhelming power to pressure a sovereign country into surrendering its independence and accepting conditions it would never freely choose.

Canada will not surrender its sovereignty. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Canadians across this country have made it clear that we will not kneel before President Trump, abandon our independence or accept the insulting suggestion that our country should become the 51st state of the United States.

Canada is not for sale. Canada is not available for annexation. Canada will remain strong, proud, sovereign and free.

Families on Both Sides of the Border Are Paying the Price

Our concerns are not directed toward the American people. They are our friends, neighbours, listeners, viewers, business associates and, in many cases, members of our extended families.

The hardworking citizens of both countries are suffering because of this trade war.

Tariffs are paid initially by importers, but their costs are frequently passed along through higher prices. As a result, President Trump’s tariffs are not only damaging Canadian businesses and workers; they are also increasing costs for the very Americans to whom he promised financial relief.

Published estimates differ depending upon which tariffs and economic assumptions are included, but several analyses have placed the annual burden on an average American household in the thousands of dollars. One 2026 estimate placed the cost at approximately $2,512 USD per household, while other analyses have estimated costs exceeding $3,000 USD under broader tariff policies.

At approximately $3,000 USD per year, that would represent roughly $4,128 CAD, depending upon the exchange rate. That is money families can no longer use for groceries, housing, healthcare, transportation, education or other necessities.

No family—Canadian or American—wins a trade war.

The Direct Effect on REL-MAR

The economic uncertainty created by tariffs, retaliatory measures, disrupted supply chains and rising consumer costs has directly affected REL-MAR McConnell Media Company.

Our US-based customers and business associates have less money available for advertising, broadcasting, production and promotional services. At the same time, our own expenses for equipment, technology, licensing, hosting, streaming and international distribution continue to increase.

REL-MAR McConnell Media Company is actively seeking new partners throughout the international business community. However, the instability created by trade wars, international conflicts and unpredictable government actions continues to create obstacles for companies attempting to conduct business across borders.

Never before in our 36 years have we witnessed international economic chaos of this magnitude or faced circumstances that required us to make such a public appeal.

We do not make this request lightly. We are asking for your help because we sincerely believe that independent Canadian broadcasting, publishing and original music are worth preserving—and because we want to continue sharing our work with people everywhere.

What Your Donation Supports

Your donation supports:

• REL-MAR McConnell Media Company

• The ’X’ Zone Radio/TV Show

• The XZBN Broadcast Network

• The CANCOM Broadcast Network

• The ’X’ Chronicles Newspaper

• Our independent radio and television productions

• RAMMUSIC

Your contribution helps cover the continually rising costs of broadcasting, studio production, music recording, website hosting, streaming, international distribution, equipment, licensing and the many other essential services required to keep independent media operating.

Unlike large corporate media organizations, our productions depend on the dedication of a small team and the generosity of people who believe in our work. We do not have the vast financial resources or corporate backing available to multinational media companies.

What we do have is more than three decades of experience, an unwavering commitment to our audience and a genuine belief in the importance of independent media.

Your Support Reaches Around the World

Your generosity enables us to continue producing thought-provoking programs, introducing audiences to fascinating guests, supporting independent broadcasters, publishing important stories and creating meaningful original music.

A donation made today in Canada, the United States or anywhere else in the world helps a Canadian independent media company continue reaching people across countries, cultures and borders.

Every contribution—regardless of the amount—makes a genuine difference.

If our radio or television programs have informed you, if our guests have fascinated you, if our publications have opened your mind, or if our original music has entertained, inspired or comforted you, please consider supporting us with a donation through PayPal.

 

PLEASE MAKE YOUR DONATION TODAY

Donate securely through PayPal or Interact E- Transfer to donate@rel-mar.com

After CLICKING on our PayPal link, you will be brought directly to our Donation Page where you will see “Donate to 1622183 Ontario Incorporated” our Canadian Corporate Business Number” and make your Donation.

 

Together, we can keep independent Canadian radio, television, publishing and original music alive—and continue broadcasting it to the world.

From our home in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, to listeners, viewers, readers and friends everywhere, thank you for believing in and supporting:

REL-MAR McConnell Media Company
The ’X’ Zone Radio/TV Show
XZBN Broadcast Network
CANCOM Broadcast Network
The ’X’ Chronicles Newspaper
RAMMUSIC

With my deepest gratitude,

 

Rob McConnell
President and CEO
REL-MAR McConnell Media Company
St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada