Bell cuts bring changes at Hamilton station

Oakville-based Whiteoaks Communications Group poised to acquire Bounce FM, three others

The new owner of Hamilton’s 102.9 Bounce FM and three Niagara-based radio stations says no job losses or format changes are envisioned once ownership transfers from Bell Canada Enterprises (BCE) to Oakvillebased Whiteoaks Communications Group.

BCE has announced plans to sell 45 radio stations, including Bounce FM, as part of a broader shakeup of the national media landscape.

The radio station sell-off plan was part of a wider announcement on Thursday impacting Bell media radio and TV outlets across the country.

Along with Bounce Radio, also known as CKLH-FM, Whiteoaks is acquiring Niagara-based radio stations CHTZ-FM (97.7 HTZ-FM), CHRE (Move 105.7) and CKTB (NewsTalk 610).

The acquisitions are subject to Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) approval.

In an interview with Metroland, Whiteoaks president Matt Caine said no changes to formats or staffing are anticipated at the radio stations, both in the short term and following CRTC approval.

“Everyone is going to be offered the same employment. We’re really excited about adding these stations to our broadcast company,” Caine said.

The Caine family has a broadcasting history spanning nearly seven decades in the Golden Horseshoe.

“My grandparents met in Hamilton when they worked at CKOC,” Caine noted. “Our family knew the original station owners of most of the stations that we’re acquiring, so we are beyond excited to have this opportunity.”

Caine said listeners won’t notice any changes to the talk or music formats of the four stations following the ownership change. Currently known for its emphasis on religious and multicultural programming, Whiteoaks operates AM radio stations JOY Radio (CJYE), CJMR 1320, and Faith Strong Today Media.

Caine said Whiteoaks’ current stations are profitable and he sees a strong future for radio, given that the medium is available to almost everyone.

“How many forms of media are free? That’s probably a very short list, that includes radio,” he said.

While the radio station formats are expected to remain the same, Caine said the Bellbranded Bounce 102.9 and Move 105.7 will receive new branding following CRTC approval. The 97.7 HTZ-FM and NewsTalk 610 monikers are expected to remain in place.