MONTREAL – Cogeco Diffusion shut down its Sherbrooke-based radio station CJTS-FM Tuesday at noon after failing to find a buyer. The move puts a dozen employees out of work, the company confirmed to Cartt.ca.
After approving its acquisition of Corus’ Quebec radio stations last April, the CRTC told Cogeco to divest of three of the stations in keeping with its common ownership policy which limits the number of stations in one market owned by the same company. Cogeco sold off two of its four Quebec City area stations last week to Leclerc Communication Inc., as Cartt.ca reported.
Cogeco said in a statement that it had not received an offer for CJTS-FM that met the criteria set forth with the trustee and approved by the CRTC, and that was filed within the prescribed timeframe. The sales process has been handled by trustee Fernand Bélisle who has controlled and overseen the day-to-day management of these three stations since February 1st.
“Cogeco Diffusion regrets having to proceed with the closing of the station, in particular with respect to CJTS-FM employees who worked so hard until the end”, reads the statement. “Cogeco Diffusion wishes to thank station employees, announcers and listeners for placing their trust in us over the years.”
Cogeco Diffusion also owns Rythme FM and CKOI FM in Sherbrooke, in addition to 11 other stations in the province.
