Corus Entertainment is abandoning its unauthorized talk on FM experiment in Calgary, promising the launch of a new music station in the market by the end of July.
Corus debuted QR Calgary: Talk on FM in January 2023 on former Classic Rock station Q107 (CFGQ-FM), simulcasting 770 CHQR, a high ratings performer for the network.
At the time, Regional Program Director John Vos told Broadcast Dialogue that attracting a wider audience was the main motivator behind the decision.
Operating outside the bounds of current CRTC guidelines, the commission questioned whether the station was in compliance, prompting Corus to formally apply to amend the licence for CFGQ-FM to add an AM rebroadcasting transmitter, while revoking the licence for 770 CHQR.
The commission has now approved the broadcaster’s withdrawal of those applications.
“We can confirm that we were not able to monetize QR on both AM and FM, the way we had hoped,” a Corus spokesperson told Broadcast Dialogue. “We are committed to continuing to deliver the best news and talk content in Calgary on QR 770AM, and are focused on finding new audiences across streaming and other platforms. Broadcast of QR news and talk content on 107FM will cease by the end of July 2024, and we look forward to bringing a new music station to Calgary in the future.”
In the spring PPM ratings, 770 CHQR earned a 5.8% share A12+, but just .5% F25-54 and 1.0% M25-54. CFGQ-FM earned a 2.6% share A12+, 4.4% M18-34, 2.2% M25-54 and 2.0% F25-54.
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