PENTICTON/KAMLOOPS – The Jim Pattison Broadcast Group has agreed to buy another British Columbia radio station.
If all is approved, Pattison will acquire country station CIGV-FM (GIANT FM) in Penticton, from Great Valleys Radio Ltd. The purchase price was not disclosed.
“This is a very important acquisition for our Broadcast Group as we have worked closely with the Robinson family over the past few months to reach and sign an agreement to purchase the Great Valleys Radio assets”, said Rick Arnish, president of The Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.
“I knew Mr. Ralph Robinson, the founder of Great Valleys Radio, for many, many years and appreciate the work that his sons, James and Scott, along with their mother Jean, have accomplished in carrying on the legacy and vision of Mr. Robinson’s hard work and committed efforts to establish an independent station in Penticton. Mr. Robinson was a true pioneer in Canada’s radio industry.
“We are great believers in the growth prospects of CIGV-FM and upon receiving CRTC approval, will expand our presence into the south Okanagan which will complement our radio stations located in Kelowna and Vernon (the latter pending CRTC approval due later this year), along with our other market-leading stations throughout B.C. We look forward to building on the legacy created by Great Valleys Radio," Arnish added.
The station is the Okanagan’s only independent radio station and has a team of long-term, dedicated and enthusiastic employees who will be offered continuing employment with the station by The Jim Pattison Broadcast Group, added the press release.
“I would like to thank Mr. Arnish for his kind words about Great Valleys Radio and, in particular, my father," said James Robinson, president, Great Valleys. "I congratulate The Jim Pattison Broadcast Group on acquiring Great Valleys Radio Ltd.; their success in the acquisition was due in no small part to the courteous, respectful, fair and open minded manner in which negotiations were conducted.”
