Pattison Media has rebranded five more of its stations under Classic Hits banner “REWIND Radio.” Joining 106.7 Rewind Radio (CFDV-FM) Red Deer, which rebranded in December, are former “The Drive” stations 99.3 REWIND Radio (CKDV-FM) Prince George, BC; 102.9 REWIND Radio (CHDR-FM) Cranbrook, BC; and 99.1 REWIND Radio (CJDR-FM) Fernie, BC; as well as 98.9 REWIND Radio (CIKT–FM) Grande Prairie, AB (formerly Q99); and 94.5 REWIND Radio (CHBW-FM) Rocky Mountain House, AB (formerly B94). Focused on hits of the ’80s and ’90s and artists like Bon Jovi, Alanis Morrisette, AC/DC, Prince, Bryan Adams, and Queen, the stations will also play a range of Classic Hits from the ’70s through 2000s, including The Eagles, U2, and The Tragically Hip. The stations retain their local morning and afternoon drive shows, while Charlee Morgan is hosting middays across the brand and Carla Rider is heard weekday evenings. Dom Simard and Darren Shaben do double duty on mornings and afternoons, respectively, for both Cranbrook and Fernie.
Vista Radio has launched 102.7 Moose FM (CJFB-FM) in Bolton, ON, a community of about 30,000 northwest of Toronto that’s experiencing growth as more people choose to leave the city for small town living. Playing a “true” Variety format featuring high energy hits from the 1960s to today, this is the 19th Vista station in Ontario to carry the Moose FM brand. Vista has owned CJFB-FM since 2012 when it acquired what was a community/tourist information station that as a condition of licence was formerly required to played 70% CanCon selections. The rebrand sees CJFB-FM move down the dial from its former position at 105.5 MHz and get a power boost from 50 to 1,100 watts. Read more here.
The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) celebrated the talent and achievements of Ontario’s country music industry at the 9th Annual CMAOntario Awards with a drive-in award show at Ancaster Fairgrounds in Hamilton. This year’s Music Industry Person of the Year is Randy Owen, afternoon drive announcer at Country 107.3 (CJDL-FM) Tillsonburg, who celebrated 40 years in radio last year. Radio Station of the Year (Large Market) was claimed by Country 104 (CKDK-FM) Woodstock; Station of the Year (Medium Market) went to Cool 100.1 (CHCQ-FM) Belleville; while Pure Country 106 (CICX-FM) Orillia claimed the small market honour.
MILESTONE: Glen Woodcock celebrated 45 years of hosting The Big Band Show on the JAZZ.FM91 (CJRT-FM) airwaves last weekend. Consistently one of the station’s most-supported radio shows, Woodcock has hosted the weekly, five-hour Sunday night program since the first weekend of Sept. 1976. The Big Band Show has been on the air with the same host longer than any other current program on Toronto radio. Part of the program’s lasting appeal is in Woodcock’s own vast collection of LPs which he’s collected since his teenage years. Over the years, he’s met jazz greats like Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Ella Fitzgerald, and Mel Torme.
TSN 1050 (CHUM-AM) Toronto premiered Game Play on Sept. 7. Hosted by Matthew Cauz and airing daily from 1 – 4 p.m. ET, Game Play is billed as Canada’s first daily radio show focused on sports betting & fantasy.
CBC Podcasts has unveiled its fall slate featuring six all-new originals spanning true crime, politics, health, and an investigative trilogy exploring extremism in North America and around the world. The podcasts included in the “Red, White and Blue” trilogy examine three different strands of the radical right, including The Flamethrowers, hosted by Justin Ling, which tracks the rise of right wing radio in the U.S. from fringe preachers and conspiracy peddlers of the 1930s to today’s political firestorm. Read more here.
CBC Radio has introduced new podcast, The Q Interview, that features extended long-form conversations and commentary that doesn’t make it to air on the radio show. Hosted by Tom Power, the first three episodes are available to stream now on CBC Listen, with new episodes to drop weekly. Featured so far are Marvel star Simu Liu, musician/producer St. Vincent, and comedian Jerry Seinfeld.
Danielle Smith is the host of Fraser Forum, the first podcast from right-leaning think tank The Fraser Institute. The former leader of Alberta’s Official Opposition and the Wildrose Party, Smith departed Corus Entertainment’s 770 CHQR Calgary in February, saying that in a “hyper-sensitive social media environment” it had become increasingly difficult to express honest opinions. Fraser Forum promises to explore the economy, environment, health care, and government policy, among other topics.
Terry DiMonte and Ted Bird have dropped the first episode of their podcast, Standing By: The Terry & Ted Podcast. After 14 years apart professionally, the recently retired DiMonte reunites with his former CHOM counterpart and longtime friend. Bird currently helms mornings at CHSV Lite 106.7.
SiriusXM and SoundCloud have teamed up to launch SoundCloud Radio, a limited engagement hip-hop channel airing through Sept. 30 on the SXM App. On the heels of launching TikTok Radio, SoundCloud Radio features hip-hop hits and new tracks from artists who came up on SoundCloud like Megan Thee Stallion, Trippie Redd, Doja Cat, Lil Tecca, NLE Choppa, CJ, and emerging talent that hasn’t reached mainstream stardom. The station will be available thru Sept. 17 in-vehicle on SiriusXM channel 105.
SiriusXM and Coldplay have announced the return of Coldplay Radio ahead of the band’s ninth studio album Music Of The Spheres, scheduled for release Oct. 15. The channel showcases music from the band’s catalogue, including live performances, collaborations and musical influences. Coldplay Radio is available now through Monday, Nov. 1 on the SXM App and channel 105 via satellite radios Sept. 24-30. To celebrate the album release, Coldplay Radio will also take over channel 28, Oct.15-17.
LISTEN: On the latest Sound Off Podcast, Matt Cundill shares some radio notes as we enter September, “an exciting month that comes complete with the hopes and promise of a new year.” Listen on your favourite podcast app or here:
