PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. – Vista Broadcast Group, a single-station operation until recently, is ramping up its operations with several purchases, the most recent of which is its agreement to purchase Cariboo Central Interior Radio Inc., which was announced this week.
The joint announcement was made by Terry Shepherd – president and managing director of CCIR Inc. and Margot Micallef, chair and CEO of Vista Broadcast Group. Terms of the sale, which is subject to CRTC approval, were not disclosed.
Vista Broadcast Group is the owner of CJSU-FM (SUN FM)in Duncan, British Columbia (on Vancouver Island) and recently announced that subject to CRTC approval, it has also acquired several other radio stations from Courtenay (CFCP-FM, owned by Coast Radio) Campbell River (CFWB-AM, CJGR-FM, Coast Radio) Powell River (CHQB-AM, Coast), Port Hardy (CFPA-FM, CFNI-AM, Coast), Castlegar (CKQR-FM, a BK Radio station), Nelson (CHNV-FM – BK Radio) and Grand Forks (CKGF-FM, BK).
Cariboo Central Interior Radio Inc. currently holds 11 CRTC licenses for AM and FM radio stations in British Columbia in the following cities: Prince George, Williams Lake, Quesnel, 100 Mile House, Smithers, Burns Lake and Vanderhoof.
In addition the company also has numerous repeaters serving the communities of Hazelton, Houston, Granisle, Fraser Lake and Fort St. James for a total of seven office locations and 18 transmitter sites.
Shepherd said in the release he plans to stay with the new company as the general manager of the Cariboo and Central Interior radio stations.
While Vista Broadcast Group is a new participant in the broadcast scene, the operating and management team has extensive experience in the communications industry (Micallef was Shaw Communications’ chief legal counsel for years).
“We are honored that the long time shareholders of CCIR Inc. have entrusted us to carry on their legacy in these communities”, she said. “We are absolutely committed to local broadcasting and look forward to working with Terry and his team.”
