TORONTO and CALGARY – It’s been a busy week for Canada’s radio industry.
After buying up BOB-FM (CHST-FM) earlier this week, Rogers Broadcasting also acquired Edmonton’s BOUNCE (CHBN-FM) from CTV’s CHUM Radio and Milestone Media Broadcasting.
"Rogers has been active in the Edmonton radio market for four years and we’re keen to expand our local presence," said Rogers radio CEO Paul Ski, in the announcement. "The acquisition of BOUNCE will strengthen Rogers’ position in this important young adult demographic and will allow us the opportunity to offer a more enhanced service to both our listeners and our advertisers."
Hit music station BOUNCE will join Rogers’ modern rock station SONiC and its ethnic radio station World FM. Rogers operates 13 radio stations throughout Alberta with operations in Calgary, Canmore, Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat.
Next up, CHUM Radio announced that it had reached an agreement with Milestone Radio to buy Toronto radio station The New Flow 93.5 FM (CFJX-FM).
The country’s first urban music station when it launched in 2001, FLOW has established itself in Toronto as a leader in delivering unique urban programming with a focus on discovering and promoting local artists.
“FLOW has done a great job carving out a niche in the Canadian radio landscape providing unique opportunities to artists, listeners and advertisers,” said CHUM Radio president Chris Gordon, in the announcement. “We value the contributions FLOW has made to promote and develop new Canadian artists, and we look forward to working with their team to grow the station and continue to service the community in Toronto.”
Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed, and both sales are subject to CRTC approval.
And Astral is gearing up to launch its fifth Virgin Radio station in Canada, this time in Calgary.
At noon on June 30th, VIBE 98-5 will evolve into the 98-5 Virgin Radio. The station will “retain its roots in the top 40 music format while kicking it up more than a few notches to deliver the true excitement and energy of the premium Virgin Radio brand”, the press release said.
“Our listeners love this station and we always strive to give them more to love. 98-5 Virgin Radio will have more opportunities for our clients and listeners to engage with us and experience radio in a fresh new way”, said operations manager Chad Martin, in the release.
