Rawlco Radio has announced it intends to acquire 92.9 The Bull (CKBL-FM) Saskatoon from Saskatoon Media Group.
The acquisition, which is pending CRTC approval, was made public the same day as Stingray Radio’s bid to buy Rawlco’s lone Alberta station C97.7 (CHUP-FM) Calgary.
92.9 The Bull, which currently carries a Country format, would join Rawlco’s three other stations in the Saskatoon market – C95 FM (CFMC-FM), which airs Hot AC; Active Rocker ROCK 102 FM (CJDJ-FM); and news/talk/sports station 650 CKOM (CKOM-AM), in addition to Regina signals Z99 FM (CIZL-FM), which also carries Hot AC; JACK 94.5 FM (CKCK-FM), which airs a mix of Classic Rock and Classic Hits; and CKOM sister station, 980 CJME (CJME-AM).
“We have three strong stations in Saskatoon and are delighted to add another,” said Rawlco Radio CEO Gordon Rawlinson, in a release. “This increases our ability to provide exceptional service to our clients and the public. For 78 years, Rawlco Radio has provided a ‘full service’ experience to Saskatchewan and we plan to continue doing this for a long time to come. In fact, we have been doubling down on Saskatchewan. We have invested significant financial resources in the hiring and retention of a large, experienced and highly talented staff, on and off the air. This allows us to provide extensive, thorough and entertaining local content; a dedicated commitment to local news and sports coverage; increased local community service and fundraisers, and professional and creative branding strategies to our local businesses.”
If approved, the transaction will leave Saskatoon Media Group with just two stations, 98COOL (CJMK-FM) which airs a Classic Hits format, and Country 600 CJWW. Saskatoon Media Group is owned by Golden West Broadcasting CEO Elmer Hildebrand, but its holdings are separately maintained.
