Radio & Podcast News – CRTC approves Neeti P. Ray’s bid for Toronto’s G98.7

The CRTC has approved the sale of Toronto’s G98.7 (CKFG-FM) to Neeti P. Ray following the station’s receivership and a subsequent bidding process last fall. Ray is a multicultural broadcaster, who owns and operates CINA-FM Windsor and CINA 1650 AM Mississauga, among other stations. Specializing in programming for the Caribbean and African community, the commission has previously found G98.7 in serious non-compliance in reference to musical selections, amount of spoken word programming including news, and other licence requirements.

Blackgold Broadcasting has announced the launch date for its new radio station in central Alberta. 89.7 FM The One (CKPA-FM) will officially sign on Monday, Sept. 27 with its Country “90s to now” format, joining sister stations 93.1 FM The One (CJLD-FM) Leduc and 88.1 FM The One (CKSS-FM) Stony Plain and Parkland County. Testing of the 89.7 FM frequency is underway in anticipation of the launch.

FEATURE: David Bray writes about the Radio Connects’ spearheaded initiative that’s resulted in radioCount being named the new audience measurement provider for 22 markets across the country. Bray believes the development bodes well for buyers, advertisers and broadcasters with the future starting to look much brighter for radio measurement. Read more here.

Audible has announced the launch of an unlimited listening catalogue for Audible.ca members. For no additional cost, members now receive unlimited access to the Plus Catalogue of over 12,000 titles, featuring thousands of classic and contemporary audiobooks as well as Audible Originals. As part of the Plus Catalogue, members can listen to Oracle, developed by Canadian thriller author Andrew Pyper and performed by actor Joshua Jackson in the role of an FBI psychic who helps solve abductions and homicides. Also on offer is Highly Legal, starring director, actor and comedian Jay Baruchel, which takes listeners on a deep dive into the legalization of cannabis in Canada. Over 500 Frenc­h titles from Quebec are part of the catalogue, including Habiter: Les univers de Sarah-Jeanne Labrosse and the audiobook series Ti-Guy La Puck with Pier-Luc Funk.

Pacific Content sound engineer Robyn Edgar explores the pitfalls of over-editing your podcast dialogue in her latest blog post for the branded audio studio, sharing four steps to consider so your audience can hear what you’re saying with your podcast, not how it’s made.

LISTEN: Canadian Broadcast Industry Hall of Famers Brother Jake Edwards and Gerry Forbes are on Broadcast Dialogue – The Podcast talking about their foray into podcast as part of the Dean Blundell podcast network where they aim to revive the edgy style they built their careers on without the limitations of terrestrial radio. The mega duo talk about where radio has been, where it’s headed, and why they’re betting on podcasting.

LISTEN: On the latest Sound Off Podcast, Catherine O’Brien of Branch Out Programs in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who turned in her career as a tax preparer for one in podcasting. She talk about doing branded podcasting well and shares some success stories from her company, including Smidgen, which you will adore if you love southern cooking.