Pattison Media has rebranded CKOV-FM Kelowna as OV 103-9, That ’70s station, as the company closed on the sale of the station on April 1.
Previously branded as 103.9 The Lake, the passion project of former Clear Sky Radio network owner Paul Larsen had been carrying a Gold-based Soft AC format since its launch in March 2021, targeted at a 45+ demo.
OV 103-9 pays homage to the legendary CKOV, the Okanagan Valley’s first radio station, dating back to 1931. Larsen was responsible for repatriating the CKOV heritage call letters back to the region.
The new format features ‘70s favourites from artists like Elton John, Chicago, ABBA, Eagles, and Fleetwood Mac, in addition to select hits from the ‘60s, including Simon & Garfunkel, The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys, and The Beatles. The station will also carry news on the hour.
Pattison says the changes follow extensive research and conversations with local listeners.
“Traditional radio serves a 25-54 age demo. We’ve built the NEW OV 103-9 to satisfy the over-50 demo in the Valley with music they remember,” said Karl Johnston, General Manager, in a company announcement. “OV 103-9 is a contemporary radio station that reflects this audience’s active lifestyle.”
“Listeners told us they wanted to hear big hits, a big music library, and hourly local news and community information; it’s like the radio this audience remembers,” added Corey Fischer, Program Director. “OV 103-9 has the news you need and music you remember – for the first time together on FM, online and streaming.”
OV 103-9 joins Pattison’s other properties in the market 104.7 The Lizard (CKLZ-FM), 103.1 Beach Radio (CKQQ-FM), and the Kelowna10 app.
The station’s new on-air lineup includes Toby Tannas, morning co-host on 103.1 Beach radio, in middays; 107.5 Beach Radio (CJIB-FM) Vernon personalities Jason Armstrong and Brian Martin; and The Lizard morning show co-host Ryan Connop. Leslie Stein, an alum of mornings on Stingray’s Z95.3 (CKZZ-FM) Vancouver and 107.7 Pulse FM (CISF-FM) Surrey, and Kelowna Content Director Glenn Hicks, are helming OV Mornings with Leslie & Glenn.
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