CKEX-FM

On October 17, the CRTC approved the application by Harvard Broadcasting Inc. for a broadcasting licence to operate a new FM radio station to serve Red Deer. Harvard proposed to offer a Mainstream Adult Contemporary format targeted to adults between the ages of 25 and 54. Harvard stated that its station’s format would consist of music from a broad range of artists and include more classic hits from older eras (early 70’s, 80’s and early 90’s). The Commission considered that approval of Harvard’s application would allow it to realize efficiencies and maximize synergies among its stations in Alberta and Saskatchewan and consequently better enable it to achieve its objective of providing a service that is locally and regionally reflective. Harvard’s proposed station would also provide significant local reflection and add to the diversity of news voices in Red Deer by introducing a new radio news voice to the market. All of the programming would be local and live-to-air. In each broadcast week, 16 hours and 21 minutes would be devoted to spoken word programming, including 3 hours and 45 minutes of pure news (80% local), 1 hour and 15 minutes of weather and traffic, 1 hour and 15 minutes of sports, and 8 hours and 24 minutes of announcer talk. The application by Harvard proposing the use of the frequency 100.7 MHz was technically mutually exclusive with the applications by L.A. Radio and Touch Canada, which proposed the use of the same frequency. The Commission considered that the service proposed by Harvard would make better use of that frequency than would the services proposed by L.A. Radio and Touch Canada. In light of the comments received at the public hearing, the Commission noted that alternative frequencies had been identified as being capable of serving the Red Deer radio market. Accordingly, L.A. Radio and Touch Canada were required to consider using alternative frequencies to operate their proposed services. Harvard would use an average effective radiated power of 54,000 watts on 100.7 MHz. The licence would expire 31 August 2015.

Daryl Holien was named general manager and program director for the yet to be launched Harvard radio station in Red Deer. He had been program director at Harvard Regina. Kim Fjellner was named named general sales manager. She had been sales supervisor at the now defunct CHCA-TV.

CKRI-FM “The River” signed on August 3 at 6:00 a.m. with I got a Feeling by Black Eyed Peas and an Adult Contemporary format. CKRI-FM was Red Deer’s seventh radio station. On-air line-up: Vinnie Taylor and Whitney Graves (mornings), Cam Webb (mid-days), Pat Staron (afternoon drive) Josh McLean (evenings and weekends). Studios and offices were located at 3617 50th Avenue in Red Deer.

Nicki Sampson became Marketing & Promotions Manager at 100.7FM The River.

Broadcast Engineer Chris Terpsma, the Chief Engineer at Vista Broadcasting, move to become responsible for technical operations at Harvard’s new stations in Edmonton and Red Deer.

Christian Hall, in addition to his responsibilities as Program Director/Operations Manager at X92.9, became Program Manager for the Harvard Alberta Radio cluster.

It was announced that Meg Tucker would join 100.7fm The River (CKRI) as morning show co-host as of August 1.

The CRTC approved the change to the effective control of Harvard Broadcasting Inc. from Frederick W. Hill to Paul J. Hill following the death of Frederick W. Hill in July 2008. Harvard was the licensee of radio stations and the parent company of two other licensees of radio stations in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Mike Alan joined 100.7 The River as afternoon drive host. He arrived in Red Deer January 30 and was on the air February 6.

Kim Fjellner became the new General Sales Manager at Lite 95.7/Hot 107 July 1. She moved from her GSM position at sister Harvard station 100.7 fm The River Red Deer.

Travis Kuschminder succeeded Nicki Sampson as 100.7FM The River Red Deer’s Marketing & Promotions Manager. Previously, Kuschminder was Afternoon Drive Host/Music Director at Newcap Radio Lloydminster.

Harvard Broadcasting launched its fourth CRUZ station – 100.7 CRUZ fm Red Deer.

In January, CKRI changed format from Classic Hits/Variety Hits as Cruz FM to Alternative Rock as X 100.7.

In February, CKRI-FM became CKEX-FM.