Evanov Communications’ Arise Christian Radio AM 1380 (CKPC-AM) in Brantford, ON is going off the air, effective today.
CKPC-AM had been broadcasting a Christian Contemporary music format since September 2020 when Evanov moved its former Country format to sister station CFWC-FM, with an eye toward making the station more competitive and maximizing profitability on the FM band.
This is the second AM station the company has shuttered in the last three years, with CHRF 980 AM Montreal, the company’s only French-language station, going dark in June 2020.
“Like other broadcasters, Evanov Communications is at a junction that has been brought about by competitive forces, economic conditions and the residual effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are assessing the ongoing impact of these factors on our business, and are adjusting, realigning, and reinventing ourselves where necessary,” said Allison Worone, General Counsel at Evanov, in a statement provided to Broadcast Dialogue. “Evanov Communications continues to be a strong, independent broadcaster and remains committed to the future of radio in Canada. By refocusing our financial and human resources, we will be in an even better position to thrive and grow in a changing media landscape.”
Some of AM 1380’s programming like Back to the Bible, Bill Gaither’s Homecoming Radio, and Insight For Living will continue to be available to listeners elsewhere.
CKPC-AM first signed on as an amateur station, broadcasting at just five watts from founder Wallace Russ’ home in December 1923, initially licensed to Preston, ON. After being purchased by Cyrus Dolph, the station was eventually moved to Brantford in 1933.
Dolph’s daughter, Florence Buchanan, took over Telephone City Broadcast in 1951, becoming the first Canadian woman to own and operate a radio station. Her son Richard (R.D.) Buchanan acquired the company in 1972. Evanov purchased CKPC-AM and FM following his death.
Among CKPC’s triumphs over the years was breaking the story of the rescue of six American diplomats during the Iran hostage crisis in 1980. Prime Minister Joe Clark received the news while appearing live on a station talk show.
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