OTTAWA – If you had any doubts about the economic growth of resource-rich Alberta, the number of new radio station applications for the relatively small towns of Fort McMurray and Grande Prairie Alberta should drive the point home.
After calling for applications in both communities, as reported by cartt.ca, the CRTC received 10 applications for new stations in each.
Judging from the applications (from newcomers as well as established radio companies), Grande Prairie seems to need a classic rock station (six mention this format) while Fort McMurray needs more AC.
The hearing is scheduled for June 19th.
Fort McMurray – part of the regional municipality of Wood Buffalo – has about 56,000 people and is situated about 440 kms north of Edmonton. It’s served now by two private radio stations, 93.3 CJOK (Country) and KYX 98 (Rock). Both are owned by OK Radio Group.
Grande Prairie, a town of about 37,000 people, 450 kms northwest of Edmonton (and about 750 from Fort MacMurray), is currently served by Pattison’s Big Country 93.1 and OK Radio’s 97.7 Sun FM.
