Whiteoaks Communications Group has completed its acquisition of four radio stations from Bell Media, expanding its footprint across Hamilton and Niagara.
As of Monday, 97.7 HTZ FM (CHTZ-FM) and 610 CKTB St. Catharines are part of the Whiteoaks group of stations, alongside newly-rebranded Hamilton stations, Legend 102.9 (CKLH-FM, which formerly carried Bell’s Bounce branding), and Dream 105.7 (CHRE-FM, previously a MOVE Radio station).
Legend 102.9 will deliver an Adult Hits format, featuring “an iconic mix of songs that have stood the test of time,” according to a Whiteoaks announcement. “It’s a format that celebrates the best of the best — tracks that defined generations and still hit today. With handpicked playlists, trusted announcers, great stories, and local insight, it’s a station full of personality and grounded in the city’s rhythm. Without question: “Legends Play Here.””
Dream 105.7 will maintain an Adult Contemporary format, playing a mix of modern pop and upbeat favourites.
Whiteoaks will maintain heritage brand news/talk station 610 CKTB and Active Rock format 97.7 HTZ-FM, promising a renewed focus on “better playlists, deeper cuts, and a sound that hits harder. The same big personalities are still behind the mic, now with more freedom to bring their passion and perspective. From the tracks that shaped rock to the sounds pushing it forward, every song earns its spot. HTZ Nation, get ready — we’re raising the bar for rock radio.”
“This is a milestone moment for local radio in Ontario,” the Whiteoaks announcement continued. “With two trusted stations joining our family and two all-new brands hitting the airwaves, we’re not just growing — we’re building momentum for something bigger. It’s a meaningful step forward for Whiteoaks, but more than that, it’s a recommitment to the listeners who count on and love radio.”
“We’re proud to welcome the passionate teams behind these stations into our company. Their talent, insight, and connection to the community are what make these signals matter, and we’re here to support them with the freedom and focus to do their best work.”
Whiteoaks President Matt Caine, Station Manager Hollie Taylor, and then-Bell Media Regional PD Lisa Vinc, who has now joined Whiteoaks, were on Broadcast Dialogue – The Podcast earlier this year to talk about the ownership transition. Listen here:
