By JOHN TAPLEY
Staff writer

     You won’t actually find ATFM Radio on the airwaves but the anti-bullying message it broadcasts to students is real enough.
On Tuesday last week, students at Harris Heights Public School gathered in the gym to tune in to the interactive educational program presented in the format of a “live” radio show hosted by Benny DL – the singing DJ.
The 45-minute, one person show, created and performed by Bruce Langford, features songs, videos, prerecorded callers and role playing about what bullying is and how to deal with it.
Langford, 44, a music teacher at New Sarum Public School near Aylmer, said he developed   the program last summer out of his 18 years of experience in the classroom and for his two-year-old son, Benjamin David Langford – the namesake for the character, Benny DL.
“I’ve seen a lot of bullying and situations like that,” he said, noting that his school isn’t any worse than others for that kind of behaviour. “It made me want to do something about it.”
After spending the summer writing the program, Langford, who lives near Mossley, sent out letters to schools about ATFM Radio. Since September, Langford and his sister-in-law, Jennifer Langford, who helps behind the scenes, have presented the program at more than 60 schools, mainly within the Thames Valley and Avon Maitland School Boards.
“I’ve found that we’ve been really well received,” said Langford who has gone to teaching part-time so he can continue to take the program on the road.
This spring, ATFM Radio will head to Ottawa where Langford, whose visit to Harris Heights was sponsored by the

school’s parent group and student council, will perform 10 shows over a four-day period.
The program, which Langford modifies according to the age of his audience, teaches children to first try ignoring a bully, then ask them to stop what they’re doing and to speak out by telling a teacher, parent or another adult. Having confidence and standing up for others is also part of the message.
Handing out prizes for audience participation, Langford also leaves a CD of his songs and follow up material for teachers at each school.
He says the radio show format of the program seems to grab students’ interest.
“It works,” said Langford. “The kids really think it’s a cool approach.”
He said many students believe he is really broadcasting from their school and come up to him after the show asking for the station’s telephone number.
While ATFM Radio is the first program Langford has written, he doesn’t plan on it being his last.
Enjoying the creative aspects of the work, especially writing songs, as
well as hearing how it impacts his audience, he said he is considering building a program around Canadian culture and identity.
“I think that’s something we always need to be working on and teaching,” he said.
He is also considering devoting his attention to educational programs full-time.
“I really enjoy doing it and I feel like I’m connecting with students so I’m really excited about doing more of it,” he said.
ATFM Radio received top marks from Harris Heights principal Mark Seaton.
“The whole presentation was great,” he said. “His energy and his ability to use music and videos and at the same time have a message of self respect and respect for others is extremely effective.”