Pattison Media is expanding its WILD Country radio format into Southern Alberta and B.C.
WILD 95.3 (CKWD-FM) Calgary has carried the format since 2016, which Pattison launched to target a younger country audience, focused on playing current artists like Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Brett Kissel, and Dallas Smith. The station earned a 2.8 share, 12+, in the summer PPM ratings.
WILD 104.7 (CHBZ-FM) East Kootenay’s New Country in Cranbrook rebrands from Total Country B104; while WILD 95.5 (CHLB-FM) Lethbridge’s New Country and WILD 94.5 (CHAT-FM) Medicine Hat’s New Country were previously branded as Today’s Country.
The new WILD stations share some common hosts with Kim Johnston heard in middays across all three, originating from Medicine Hat. Nevin Sereda is also helming afternoons for both Cranbrook and Lethbridge.
“We’re still playing the same great Country songs with an emphasis on local hosts and local content and local news, but now we’re WILD! WILD about Country music, WILD about our local communities and WILD about our Country music fans, listeners and advertisers,” Pattison stated in its rebrand announcement.
“WILD as a brand name reflects the energy and fun that comes from today’s Country music from some of the biggest stars on the planet. The Country format is a ratings leader in western Canada and around North America attracting a generation of Country fans with a youthful approach playing the greats from yesterday including Garth Brooks and Shania Twain and today’s best Country…”
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