CKOV-FM

On December 9, the CRTC approved the application by Clear Sky Radio Inc. to operate an English-language commercial FM radio station in Strathmore. The station would operate at 104.5 MHz (channel 283B1) with an average effective radiated power of 2,800 watts (maximum ERP of 7,000 watts with an effective height of antenna above average terrain of 101.5 metres). It would offer a country music format targeting adults 18 to 54 years of age. All 126 hours of programming during the broadcast week would be local. Five hours and thirty-three minutes of spoken word programming per broadcast week would be devoted to news, 85% of which would be devoted to stories that are local and regional in scope. Clear Sky indicated that it would not solicit advertising in the Calgary market. By condition of licence, the station would devote at least 40% of all musical selections from content category 2 (Popular Music) to Canadian selections both during the broadcast week and between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday. The licence would expire August 31, 2021.

On January 22, the CRTC approved the application by 2044577 Alberta Ltd. for authority to acquire from Clear Sky Radio Ltd. the assets of the English-language commercial radio station CKOV-FM. 2044577 Alberta was jointly controlled by Mary McKinnon Mills and Paul Larsen. They each held 37.5% of the shares of 2044577 Alberta, through their respective trusts. Golden West Broadcasting Ltd. would hold the remaining 25% of shares. Clear Sky, the existing owner of CKOV-FM, was also jointly controlled by McKinnon Mills and Larsen.

In August, the CRTC gave CKOV approval to lower antenna height and relocate the transmitter.

CKOV began on-air testing in September and planned to officially launch on September 27 at 9 a.m.

On August 5, the CRTC approved the application by Golden West Broadcasting to take over all the assets of CKOV. Paul Larsen and Mary McKinnon Mills had owned 75% of the shares while Golden West had a 25% stake. Golden West would now hold 100% control.