In a podcast published on Broadcast Dialogue, Whiteoaks owner Matt Caine was extremely non-committal about when his company officially takes over his latest acquisitions - CKTB, CHRE, CHTZ and Hamilton's CKLH.

"No comment," he said when asked outright about the takeover date. He went on to explain that there are equipment issues and new systems that have to be put into place and they're still waiting for a date when all of it will arrive and be operational. He also makes reference to "new transmitters" where necessary - although he pointedly did not say which stations might be getting those. 

When asked about keeping the formats, Caine was firm. "Absolutely" he vowed, promising "the music and the formats will be enhanced." Whatever that means.

He notes he started listening to HitzFM when he was a teenager and still loves the music they play. He did admit they would have to be rebranded by surrendering the Bell monikers (Bounce and Move), but there does not seem to be any immediate hurry to alter what's already working there. 

Caine also added that unlike with some takeovers, they're actually looking to fill major positions, with as many as 9 openings. Three of the jobs are for on-air announcers. (You can see all of them and hear the podcast here.) They did not address the prospect of firing anyone, but they made it sound like a mass layoff was not in their plans, the usual M.O. of giants like Bell and Rogers when they get their hands on new broadcast properties. 

The new owner also admitted "challenges" on AM, but says he plans to put the AM (i.e. CKTB) along with perhaps CJYE on an HD signal on their new FMs, to help spread their reach and improve the signal quality. And he wants to expand their online listening availability, as well. But he did not say which FMs might take the signals.  

Caine concludes that Whiteoaks is more like one of the old time owners, who care about stations and don't see radio as just a cash register. 

The one thing that's clear is that, when it comes to these stations, there will be a new sheriff in town soon. How he will wield that power remains to be seen - and heard.