VERNON, BC – The Jim Pattison Broadcast Group has agreed to buy the FM radio station CKIZ-FM (KISS-FM) that services this community located north of Kelowna, BC from Rogers Broadcasting. Financial details of the transaction, which is still subject to CRTC approval, were not released.
“We are great believers in the growth of prospects of BC’s interior, especially in the Okanagan Valley,” said Jim Pattison Broadcast Group President Rick Arnish. “We consider this to be an important acquisition – one that expands our presence in the north Okanagan and will complement our two radio stations located in Kelowna and our other market-leading stations throughout BC.”
Station general manager Patrick Nicol will continue to lead the KISS team and all other staff will have the option of staying in their jobs under the new owner.
“The radio industry needs consolidation geographically to enable the industry to serve the needs of the community, listeners and clients,” said Gary Miles, CEO of Radio at Rogers Media. “With the advent of a call for [radio licence] applications in the Kelowna area, the landscape is changing.”
The Jim Pattison Broadcast Group operates 28 radio and three TV stations in Alberta and BC.
