Vista Radio has entered into an agreement to purchase CAB-K Broadcasting, the owner and operator of Country 96.5 (CKLJ-FM) and Rock 104.5 (CKJX-FM) in Olds, AB and Country 106.5 (CKVG-FM) in Vegreville, AB.

Founded by Brian and Melanie Hepp in 2004 to establish Country 96.5, the first radio station serving the central Alberta community of Olds, CAB-K was awarded a second FM licence to establish Rock 104.5 in Olds in 2007. The company went on to launch Country 106.5 in Vegreville, east of Edmonton, in 2016.

“We are very excited to add these important and well managed stations to the Vista Family” said Bryan Edwards, President of Vista Radio, in a company announcement. “Our passion and commitment to local programming and local service is the cornerstone to our success and the reason why we can continue to grow. It’s also the reason why our company was a great match for the CAB-K markets. We both share the philosophy that only local media can serve a community best. We look forward to continuing what CAB -K has started and enhancing their services with our own.”

“After meeting with Vista Radio and reviewing their stations and business philosophy, we are confident our two companies are well matched.” said Brian Hepp, in the same announcement. “Vista shares with us our commitment to local service to every town and city from where they broadcast. The proposed acquisition of CKLJ, CKJX and CKVG by Vista Radio will not only continue our original goals for these stations and the communities of Olds and Vegreville, but we are convinced it will also strengthen them with added resources and opportunities.”

Subject to CRTC approval, the deal would see the number of Vista Radio stations grow to 51, spanning B.C., Alberta, Ontario and the Northwest Territories, in addition to the more than 30 local news portals the broadcaster operates.

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