CKMB-FM

On May 5, the CRTC awarded a licence to Rock 95 Broadcasting (Barrie-Orillia) Ltd. for a new FM station in Barrie. Rock 95 owned CFJB-FM in the city. The new station would offer a Top 40 / Contemporary format and operate on 107.5 MHz with an effective radiated power of 26,000 watts.

CKMB Star 107.5 “The Best Music…A Better Variety” began broadcasting on January 22 with a 10,000 song marathon…commercial-free.

Studios and offices were co-located with CFJB at 400 Bayfield Street North, Suite 205.

On July 26, the CRTC approved the application by Rock 95 Broadcasting (Barrie – Orillia) Ltd. to effect a corporate reorganization through the transfer of 24,400 common shares of Rock 95, representing a 38.1% voting interest, from Robert Chapple to Glenridge Holdings Inc., Mr. Chapple’s personal holding company. Glenridge already held 3,182 common shares, representing 5% of the voting interest of Rock 95. As a result of this transaction, Glenridge would hold 27,582 common shares or a 43.1% voting interest of Rock 95. Effective control of Rock 95 remained with Doug Bingley through his personal holding company (1003161 Ontario Inc.)

On August 20, CKMB was authorized to move from 107.5 to 107.7 MHz and to move the transmitter 22 kilometres south of the existing site (to a location within the city limits). Average effective radiated power would remain unchanged at 17,000 watts. Maximum ERP would decrease from 50,000 to 30,000 watts.

The station had signal problems and had considered a number of solutions, including an in-fill transmitter on a second frequency. They had applied for such a move but the application was withdrawn because the regulators advised this was contrary to policy. CKMB also considered an on frequency repeater, phase locked to the main transmitter frequency. This was also ruled out.

On July 20, CKMB was authorized to increase average effective radiated power from 17,000 to 20,000 watts (maximum ERP would remain 50,000 watts), increase antenna height and relocate the transmitter.

Last year’s proposed change of frequency did not take place. Because of Nav Canada restrictions it was decided the best plan would be to remain on 107.5 MHz but move the antenna south to the CKVR Channel 3 tower. Antenna height would increase from 255 to 303.5 meteres. CKMB and sister station CFJB would move to this location and combine with Corus stations CIQB and CHAY to couple into a new master FM antenna.

CFJB-FM and CKMB-FM moved to new studios and offices on December 1. The new address was 431 Huronia Road, Unit 10, Barrie. 

Dan Blakeley, a CHUM Toronto news veteran of 28 years who then went to XM Canada and then part-time to 680News, took on the News Director position at 107.5 Kool FM as of December 7. 

Corus Radio’s new B101/CHAY Barrie/The Peak Collingwood Program Director was Deb James. She had been with the city’s 107.5 KOOL FM where she’d been morning show host for the past five and a half years.