WOODSTOCK, Ont. – Corus Entertainment has announced a technical overhaul of its Woodstock radio station, 103.9 The HAWK (CKDK-FM).
Over the next few months, new broadcasting equipment will be installed at the station’s on-air studio on Dundas Street in downtown Woodstock, “transforming the station into the most up-to-date commercial radio studio in Canada,” says the press release.
The station will be facing some additional competition on the FM dial soon, which may have played a part in the decision to upgrade. As reported by www.cartt.ca, two additional FM stations will soon be available in the region.
It’s a strengthening economic area and Corus’ news comes hot on the heels of several notices from leading manufacturers and retailers announcing plans to build in the Woodstock area. Toyota, Dofasco, First Gulf and Home Depot have all recently announced expansions in Woodstock, which sits just off Highway 401 between Kitchener-Waterloo and London.
The technical overhaul includes a complete replacement of the existing infrastructure with a new central equipment room, distribution and switching equipment, new office and on-air telephone systems, replacement of the existing computer network, as well as a completely rebuilt master control room with new audio console, microphones, computers and CD players, says the press release.
“Corus Radio is committed to being a leader in broadcast technology,” said John Hayes, president, Corus Radio. “We have an opportunity here to set the bar in terms of broadcasting standards, and we are pleased to make that move with our Woodstock station.”
“It’s an exciting time to be in Woodstock,” said Dave Farough, newly appointed general manager of Corus Radio’s London/Woodstock cluster, in the release. “Corus has long been a part of the Woodstock community and we are proud to contribute to this booming growth period with a substantial financial investment in our broadcast operations. This initiative will help us better serve the community with top-notch entertainment and information, and provide local businesses with an advertising vehicle to help them further grow the local economy. The HAWK welcomes the chance to grow with the city.”
Station improvements are expected to be complete by November 2005.
