The London Knights are changing their radio dial address, ending a long-standing run with Corus Entertainment’s 980 CFPL and making a bold leap to FM.
Blackburn Media and Brand One Digital Marketing have inked an exclusive partnership securing the local radio and streaming media rights for the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) franchise. Starting this season, Classic Rock 98.1 FM (CKLO-FM) will serve as the primary broadcast home for the Knights, carrying all evening regular season and playoff games.
980 CFPL formerly held the local broadcast rights for the London Knights for eight seasons, beginning with the 2016–17 season and later signing a five-year extension in September 2022.
Beyond the move to FM, fans will retain a familiar presence in the broadcast booth as longtime play-by-play announcer Mike Stubbs joins Blackburn Media to continue calling Knights games while expanding his role to cover other local sports content.
“We are beyond excited to join forces with the London Knights, one of the premier franchises in the Canadian Hockey League,” said Jon Eisler, Operations Manager of Classic Rock 98.1 and Director of Sales for Blackburn Media. “Bringing the Knights to the FM dial will make games bigger, louder and clearer, giving fans a unique listening experience and is a natural fit with our Classic Rock audience.”
In addition to traditional FM radio, broadcasts will be available digitally via classicrock981.com, the iHeartRadio app, and a dedicated London Knights Radio app slated to launch in 2027. The agreement also includes live home pre-game shows broadcast from Classic Rock 98.1’s studios at Covent Garden Market in downtown London, along with podcasts, player interviews, and digital content.
The Knights front office praised the shift toward a locally-owned partner and the expansion into new digital avenues.
“The London Knights organization is proud to enter a new era of broadcast and digital media with Blackburn Media Inc.,” said Knights Vice President and General Manager Mark Hunter. “We are excited to work with a locally-owned company and to continue the great tradition of delivering London Knights hockey to our fans in London and the surrounding area. We are most excited that the voice of the London Knights Mike Stubbs will be a part of this new partnership ensuring that the best in the business will still be heard by our fans for years to come.”
Knights President and Head Coach Dale Hunter echoed that, emphasizing the benefits for the local fan base.
“Our city, surrounding communities and fans will benefit from this partnership the most,” added Hunter. “We are excited for the passion Blackburn Media Inc. brings to our team and the creative technology they are investing in to serve London Knights fans.”
The Kitchener Rangers have also found a new radio home on the FM band, announcing a partnership with FM 98.5 (CKWR-FM) and The Grand @ 101 (CICW-FM), following the closure of 570 NewsRadio (CKGL-AM) in Kitchener.
