CKHY-FM

On October 7, the CRTC approved the application by HFX Broadcasting Inc. (Evanov Broadcasting) for a broadcasting licence to operate a new English-language commercial FM radio station in Halifax. The Commission denied the remaining applications (Acadia Broadcasting Ltd. and Frank Torres, on behalf of a corporation to be incorporated) for broadcasting licences to operate commercial radio stations in Halifax. Having considered all of the applications the Commission found that the proposal by HFX best met the needs of the Halifax radio market. In the Commission’s view, the proposal by HFX for a new Adult Album Alternative station blending Classic Rock, 70s Pop Rock and Modern Rock targeted to listeners between the ages of 35 and 64 (skewed to females 35-54) would enhance programming diversity and would address an underserved demographic in the market. The Commission also took into account HFX’s presence and experience as a broadcaster in the market, where it already operated CKHZ-FM Halifax. The Commission considered that approval of HFX’s application would contribute to the competitive state of the market, by providing the licensee with the synergies needed to compete with the existing two FM operations of CTV, MBS, Newcap and Rogers. HFX committed to devote 40% of its category 2 (Popular music) selections to Canadian selections in each broadcast week, which exceeded the regulatory minimum. HFX also committed to devote 10% of all musical selections in each broadcast week to musical selections drawn from category 3 (Special Interest Music). HFX committed to broadcast 126 hours of local programming and 17 hours and 19 minutes of spoken word programming per broadcast week, including 3 hours and 41 minutes of news. The new station would broadcast on 105.1 MHz with an average effective radiated power of 32,000 watts. The licence would expire 31 August 2016.

The new station began testing its signal in late August. Rob Johnson left Z103.5 for the soon to launch Live 105 in Halifax. After five years at Newcap Halifax and Fredericton, Jason “JD” Desrosiers joined the Evanov Radio Group in Halifax. He succeeded Angela Kelly as Promotions and Marketing Director and then became Assistant Program Director at ERG’s second Halifax station, expected to launch in the fall. CKHY-FM “Live 105” signed on the air at 1:05 p.m. on October 1, kicking things off with a countdown of the Top 105 Modern Rock songs. Regular programming got underway October 4 at 5:30 a.m. with The Morning Mob with Cub Carson and Floyd, Mid Day Meltdown with Christina (Fitzgerald), The Scotty Mars Show, and After Dark with AJ (Reynolds). On December 1, the CRTC approved the application by HFX Broadcasting Inc. relating to CKHY-FM Halifax in order to change the authorized contours of its transmitter by increasing the average effective radiated power from 32,000 to 100,000 watts (maximum ERP from 45,000 to 100,000 watts), by changing the antenna radiation pattern from directional to non-directional, by decreasing the effective height of antenna above average terrain from 224.5 to 185.1 meters, and by changing the antenna site. The Commission noted that CKHY-FM’s existing antenna site was owned by the CBC, and that the licensee wished to move the antenna to a site owned by CTVglobemedia Inc., from which it operated sister station CKHZ-FM.

Neil Spence joined Live 105 (CKHY) from 1019 The Giant (CHRK) in Sydney.

Jeff Cogswell was the new morning show host at LIVE 105…the Jeff & Floyd morning show. J.D. Desrosiers left his role as program director for Live 105 and Energy 103.5 Halifax and took on the role of brand manager for 106.9 The Bear in Ottawa.  Cub Carson moved back to Canada’s capital to become host of the 939 BOB FM morning show. He left mornings at Live 105 on February 10. Paul Evanov, Vice President of Evanov Radio Group, announced Gary Tredwell as the new Program Director for the company’s Halifax radio stations. Effective June 25, Tredwell would oversee day-to-day programming for CHR formatted CKHZ-FM (Energy 103.5) and modern rock CKHY-FM (Live 105). Most recently, Gary launched upstart 89.3 K-Rock (CIJK-FM) as Program Director with Newcap Broadcasting in Kentville. Jason JD Desrosiers became Brand Manager at 106.9 The BEAR Ottawa. He had been Promotions and Marketing Director/Assistant Program Director at Live 105/Energy 103.5 FM Halifax. Desrosiers had been with the Evanov stations since June, 2009. Gary Tredwell was the new Program Director at Evanov Radio Group’s Halifax cluster… CHR Energy 103.5 (CKHZ-FM) and Live 105 (CKHY-FM). Tredwell was most recently the PD at Newcap’s K-Rock (CIJK-FM) Kentville.

CKHY changed format from Modern Rock to Active Rock as Live 105.

In August, CKHY was rebranded to Rock 105.1. The station was still Active Rock, but shifted away from playing current, alternative, and would play more Gold tunes.

There were layoffs at Rock 105.1 following a rebrand and a subsequent poor fall ratings book. Casualties included morning man Scotty Mars; his co-host Ferne Wynnyck; General Sales Manager Ted Hyland; and creative writer Darryl Osborne.

In January, CKHY Rock 105.1 (Active Rock) became Jewel 105 (Soft Adult Contemporary).