Radio / Television News

Jim Pattison Group buys western radio stations from Bell, Astral


KAMLOOPS, B.C. – The Jim Pattison Broadcast Group announced today it has acquired three FM radio stations owned by Bell Media and Astral located in Calgary and Winnipeg.

Pattison will purchase Bell Media’s Kool FM 101.5 (CKCE-FM) in Calgary, FAB 94.3 (CHIQ-FM) in Winnipeg, as well as Astral’s QX 104 (CFQX-FM) in Winnipeg, pending CRTC approvals.

“With the pending launch of our newest station CHPK-FM (95.3 The Peak) in Calgary, combining forces with KooL FM (Today & Back in the Day) and its great team will allow our group to have a very strong competitive FM radio combo in Alberta's fastest-growing city,” said Rick Arnish, chair of Jim Pattison Broadcast Group, about the announcement. “We’re also very excited about the opportunity to expand in western Canada and specifically into the Winnipeg radio market with two separate stations, QX 104 (Today's Country) and FAB 94.3 (Super Hits of the 60s & 70s).”

Pattison’s acquisition of these radio stations is a result of the proposed transaction to unite Astral and Bell Media. Astral and Bell are divesting certain radio stations to comply with the CRTC common ownership policy, which limits the number of stations a company can own in a single market.

"While a necessary outcome of our plan to join with Astral, the decision to sell these stations wasn't easy," said Bell Media president of radio and local TV Chris Gordon. “Each is a strong performer in its respective market, and they will undoubtedly strengthen Pattison’s growing portfolio of media assets.”

The Jim Pattison Broadcast Group is western Canada’s largest private broadcast group, currently operating 30 FM radio stations, as well as three conventional television stations, in British Columbia and Alberta.

Financial terms of the sale were not disclosed.

www.JPBroadcast.com