Acadia Broadcasting has signed a letter of intent to acquire Q104 (CKQV-FM) Vermillion Bay, ON, and its repeaters in Kenora, Dryden and Sioux Lookout, from Golden West Broadcasting.
First launched in 2004 by Norwesto Communications with a Hot Adult Contemporary format, the station – which now plays Classic Hits – provides continuous listening coverage along a four-hour stretch of the Trans-Canada (Highway 17) from Dinorwic to the Manitoba border.
Golden West has owned the station since acquiring Norwesto Communications in 2010. It also operates local news sites KenoraOnline and DrydenNow in the region.
“We have enjoyed serving Kenora with a community based radio service for the past 10 years,” said Elmer Hildebrand, CEO of Golden West Broadcasting, in a release. “During this time we improved CKQV’s radio service and also launched a community portal KenoraOnline. After 10 years of service in the area we are pleased to have reached a Purchase Agreement with Acadia and that pending CRTC approval, Acadia will continue to provide diversity of programming and local content.”
CKQV-FM is Golden West’s only radio station in Ontario.
Chris Pearson, President of Acadia Broadcasting, said the opportunity to acquire the station and its repeater transmitters, will increase Acadia’s localized presence in Northwestern Ontario where it already has five FM stations including CKDR-FM Dryden, CJRL-FM Kenora, CFOB-FM Fort Frances, and CJUK-FM and CKTG-FM Thunder Bay.
“We appreciate Golden West Broadcasting Ltd. providing Acadia with this opportunity in Northwestern Ontario. This will enhance our ability to serve these communities with local content,” added Pearson.
The sale is subject to approval by the CRTC.
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