Buys CISL 650 from Newcap
VANCOUVER – Rogers announced Tuesday it has purchased CISL 650 from Newfoundland Capital Corporation – and that it will turn the AM station into an all-sports format, under the Sportsnet brand, this fall.
The station currently bills itself as “Vancouver’s Smooth and Easy favourites, along with engaging lifestyle talk radio for baby boomers.” Financial details of the purchase were not released and the purchase is subject to CRTC approval.
“We are excited to build upon our strong radio brands in the Vancouver market. With Vancouver being such a passionate sports town, there is a strong appetite for all-sports radio that delivers engaging conversation, wide-ranging opinion, and top-tier live sports content,” said Julie Adam, SVP Radio, Rogers Media, in the press release.
Sportsnet 650 will air Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Blue Jays games, plus the MLB post-season. Additional programming details and on-air personalities will be announced in the coming months.
Sportsnet 650 marks the third all-sports radio station for Sportsnet, alongside stations Sportsnet 590 The Fan in Toronto and Sportsnet 960 The Fan in Calgary.
"We are grateful for the contributions of CISL and its employees during their time as part of the Newcap family," said Rob Steele, Newcap’s president and CEO, in its release. "While we generally are acquirers, not sellers, we believe that this transaction is in the best interest of our shareholders. We remain committed to the Vancouver community through our two remaining FM stations, Z95.3 and LG 104.3.”
