RADIO/AUDIO/PODCAST:

Acadia Broadcasting has filed an application with the CRTC to acquire CIGO-FM Port Hawkesbury, NS, owned by MacEachern Broadcasting Limited. Chris Pearson, President of Acadia Broadcasting, says the company sees the acquisition of the Cape Breton station as a strong cultural fit. The acquisition would bring Acadia’s broadcast licences to 15.

Stingray has entered into an agreement to acquire 99.5 Drum FM (CHOO-FM) Drumheller from Golden West Broadcasting, pending CRTC approval. The deal is expected to close in mid-2019. Stingray already owns Real County-branded CKDQ-AM Drumheller with Ian Lurie, president of radio operations, saying in a press release that the acquisition would allow the company to pool “challenged” resources in the small market.

Stingray flipped its Classic Hits stations in Vancouver and Edmonton on Boxing Day. LG 104.3 (CHLG-FM) Vancouver and 96.3 Capital FM (CKRA-FM) Edmonton have been rebranded as 104.3 The Breeze and 96.3 The Breeze, respectively, playing “easy, relaxing, and familiar favourites.” Steve Jones, SVP Brands & Content, Radio, told Broadcast Dialogue, that the company has been watching the rise of The Breeze format in several U.S. markets over the past year and saw an opportunity in both Edmonton and Vancouver to fill a void. In Vancouver, the on-air staff remain intact, including Kelly Latremouille on mornings and Graham Hatch on afternoon drive. In Edmonton, Sean Burke will remain on the morning show, while Jake Taylor transitions from middays on the former Capital FM to sister station K97 (CIRK-FM). Jones said the station will be recruiting for afternoons.

Stingray has dropped its $120 million bid to acquire U.S.-based TV music platform Music Choice. Company CEO Eric Boyko said in a press release that Stingray’s recently announced distribution agreement with Altice USA, which will bring 50 Stingray Music audio channels and hundreds of music videos from its On-Demand catalog to Altice Optimum and Suddenlink subscribers, positions the company “to continue as the supplier of choice in the United States for curated B2B and direct-to-consumer services.”