CJOS-FM

On May 9, the CRTC approved the application by Larche Communications Inc. for a broadcasting licence to operate a new FM radio programming undertaking to serve Owen Sound. Competing applications by 2079966 Ontario Limited, Blackburn Radio Inc. and Evanov Communications Inc. were denied. Larche proposed to operate its station on 92.3 MHz (channel 222B) with an average effective radiated power of 20,000 watts. It would offer a Rock music format with a target audience of 35 to 49 years (core: male, 40-42). Canadian content (music): 35% category 2 per broadcast week and from 6:a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. The station would offer 126 hours of local programming per broadcast week. Spoken word programming per broadcast week: 12 hours, 30 minutes. News programming per broadcast week: 3 hours, 23 minutes (60% local). Hit material: 49.9% of music programming. The licence would expire 31 August 2014.

Rob Brignell joined CJOS-FM as general manager and general sales manager. He had been director of marketing for Bayshore Broadcasting and was also station manager for that company’s 98 & 104.9 The Beach, on Ontario’s west coast. 

Former Bayshore Broadcasting Port Elgin/Goderich Operations Manager Don Vail joined Owen Sound’s new station owned by Larche Communications (not yet on the air).

On June 9, the CRTC approved the application by Larche Communications Inc. to change the authorized contours of the English-language commercial station CJOS-FM Owen Sound by relocating the transmitter and decreasing the effective radiated power from 20,000 to 9,400 watts (non-directional antenna with an effective height of antenna above average terrain from 212 to 214 metres). The applicant stated that the proposed changes would provide more efficient coverage and result in short-and long-term cost savings. The Commission noted that the population served within the station’s 3mV/m contour would increase slightly from 48,530 to 49,400. The population served within its 0.5mV/m contour would increase from 121,583 to 128,000.

CJOS-FM “92.3 The Dock” signed on the air July 26 at 8:00 a.m. The husband and wife team of Bob Wallace and Diana Meder hosted the morning show. Both had been with Mix 106 Owen Sound. Wallace was the host while Meder was also News Director. Rob Brignell was General Manager and General Sales Manager. Don Vail was Program Director. Both had been with Bayshore Broadcasting. Other on-air staff: Don Vail (afternoons), Nicky Robertson (afternoon news), Kyle Gallagher (weekends) and Brittany Gerris (weekend news). Studios and offices were located at the corner of 9th Avenue and 8th Street East in Owen Sound. The Larche Communications-owned station was the first local broadcast competitor for Bayshore Broadcasting’s stations (CFOS/CIXK/CKYC). The Dock’s format was The Greatest Hits of All Time (‘60s through the ‘80s) and aimed at 35-54’s. Coincidentally, Bayshore was expected to soon launch a new station in Orillia, Larche’s backyard.

Matt Mise was named promotions director at 104.1 The Dock. He had held the same post at 92.3 The Dock in Owen Sound. He took over in Midland on March 1. Spenser Shaw joined 92.3 The Dock as promotion director after a 2 ½ year run with KICX 91.7 in Sudbury. 

Rob Brignell retired from his General Manager position at 92.3 The Dock. Brignell, who moved across the street in March, 2007, to the new Larche station, was an 11-year veteran of Bayshore Broadcasting.

Rick Ringer resigned as Operations Manager/midday host at Sunshine 89.1 in Orillia to become General Manager at 92.3 The Dock in Owen Sound.

Spenser Shaw moved laterally within Larche Communications from her promotions director position at 92.3 The Dock Owen Sound to KICX 106 Orillia. This was her second move within the company. Before Owen Sound she was an advertising specialist at KICX 91.7 Sudbury.

Bob Wallace (53) died September 17. He and his wife (Diana Meder) had hosted the CJOS morning show. Bob had also worked at CHAY Barrie, CIXK Owen Sound, and in Belleville radio.

On February 14, the CRTC approved the application by Bell Media Inc. to acquire CICZ-FM Midland, CICX-FM Orillia, CJOS-FM Owen Sound and CICS-FM Sudbury from Larche Communications Inc. The Commission considered the transaction to be in the public interest.