Radio & Podcast News – Corus to abandon talk on FM in Calgary

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 Jan. 2023 on former Classic Rock station Q107 (CFGQ-FM), simulcasting 770 CHQR. 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. A Corus spokesperson told Broadcast Dialogue they “were not able to monetize QR on both AM and FM, the way we had hoped.” Read more here.

Pattison Media has pulled the plug on the NOW! radio format in Vancouver and revived 102.7 The Peak, the alt rock station NOW! replaced two years ago. In conjunction with the format flip, The Peak was moved over from CKPK-FM to HD2 in July 2022. In the last PPM release prior to its move to HD Radio, The Peak earned a 3.0 share, 12+, but performed well with women 25-54, achieving a 6.1 share.  While The Peak initially maintained some of its announcers, including morning show hosts Jeremy Baker and Charis Hogg, they were laid off after six months as the HD Radio experiment was slow to gain traction. Read more here.

Local Radio Lab has entered into an agreement with Vista Radio to purchase CJFB-FM Bolton, ON, pending CRTC approval. Since 2021, the station has been branded as Moose FM, playing a Classic Hits/Variety format. Local Radio Lab President Chris Grossman says their goal is to increase local news content for the community of Bolton, utilizing the resources of the company’s stations in the surrounding communities of Orangeville, Milton and Alliston.

The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) has announced the winners of the 12th Annual CMAOntario Awards, presented by Slaight Music, which took place June 2 in Mississauga. KX 94.7 Hamilton was named Radio Station of the Year (Large Market), while the Medium Market honour went to Hot Country 93.9 Brantford. The Small Market winner was Pure Country 106 Orillia. Find the full list of winners here.

The Pro Bono Group has unveiled the first two PSAs in its latest campaign, “The Pro Radio Project.” Mike Occomore and Larry MacInnis, founding members of the charitable endeavour that has produced radio spots over the last few decades in support of causes from Feed Ontario to the Stephen Lewis Foundation, said the group of creative and production professionals had been musing for awhile on how to support the radio industry itself in economically challenged times. The campaign’s initial spots are targeted at potential radio advertisers, with “First Time Mom” and “Just Moved Here” conveying that radio is where prospective customers are. Read more here.

Bob Mackowycz’s family has set up a memorial fund in memory of the legendary radio personality and programmer who passed away May 29. Mackowycz’s family is directing donations to The Unison Fund, a registered charity that provides mental health counselling and emergency financial support to music workers in times of hardship. Longtime family friend George Stroumboulopoulos, who worked under Mackowycz at The Fan 590, made a special appearance at Radiodays North America last week to pay tribute to the industry veteran and read a statement from the family. Read more here.

CFAX 1070 and Virgin Radio 107.3 (CHBE-FM) Victoria and CTV News Vancouver Island are moving operations to a new studio in Esquimalt Town Square. The stations currently occupy a three-storey building in downtown Victoria at 1420 Broad Street. CFAX 1070 and Virgin Radio Program Director Brad Challoner says the move “to Esquimalt ignites our creativity and commitment to the capital region as a whole, with greater accessibility within the community.” The move is expected to be complete by early 2025.  

Pod Summit YYC has launched The PodSummit Podcast Pitch Competition, designed to help address discoverability by providing podcasters with a platform to showcase their ideas, receive constructive feedback, and gain exposure among peers and industry leaders. After an initial submission and selection phase, a group of podcasters will advance and have the opportunity to present a 5-minute podcast pitch, LIVE at PodSummit YYC, to a panel of judges, from CBC Podcasts, Canadaland, and The Sonar Network. The submission deadline is Aug. 1.

LISTEN: Heather Furr is the Director of Digital for the Bob & Sheri Show, heard on 70 radio affiliates. Furr is on the latest Sound Off Podcast, talking about the challenges faced by young people in the radio industry, including limited opportunities for growth and development, lack of competitive pay, and the need for radio to adapt to changing times. She also talks about the importance of adapting to industry trends, the significance of social media in creating a sense of community and connection with audiences, and the importance of building a strong online presence for radio stations.