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July 31, 2020 1:42 pm  #1


CFPS Port Elgin Gets Approval For Rebroadcaster

Bayshore Broadcasting's CFPS in Port Elgin has been approved for a rebroadcaster for Tobermory at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula. The new station will be the 10th for Bayshore and will be known as The Wave.  

Initially The Wave will be a rebroadcaster of CFPS Port Elgin but in the future they would like to see the Tobermory outlet to become a stand alone radio station. CRTC decision was on July 23rd.
https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2020/2020-232.htm  

 

July 31, 2020 3:50 pm  #2


Re: CFPS Port Elgin Gets Approval For Rebroadcaster

paterson1 wrote:

  in the future they would like to see the Tobermory outlet become a stand alone radio station 

They certainly would (to the extent that any of the nine others stand-alone).   It's a growing area, population-wise, and Bayshore has cleverly positioned itself to block future competition.     
 

 

July 31, 2020 4:56 pm  #3


Re: CFPS Port Elgin Gets Approval For Rebroadcaster

The new Tobermory rebroadcast station is going to be called The Wave but CFPS is called The Beach. Wonder if there is a name change planned for CFPS.  Northern Bruce Peninsula is growing but not quickly and there are other radio stations available from Owen Sound, and Wingham.   I am sure listeners will appreciate some local content from The Wave.  

Most of Bayshore stations are more or less stand alone.  Some of the smaller outlets like Goderich have some simulcasting but they are local during the day.  Evenings and weekends some simulcasting between their like formatted stations.

Blocking out future competition? Time will tell, both Port Elgin and Goderich have competing stations in town for these communities of only 7-8,000.  Northern Bruce has a permanent population of about 4,500. 

Last edited by paterson1 (July 31, 2020 5:14 pm)

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July 31, 2020 5:13 pm  #4


Re: CFPS Port Elgin Gets Approval For Rebroadcaster

It's been a number of years since I was up that way but at the time the one FM coming out of Owen Sound didn't quite reach Tobermory so even having a rebroadcaster  for that area would seem to be a step up for that community. Bayshore has long been a presence in and around Georgian Bay so they have as good a handle as anyone on what's needed in any one community. And yes, if the Tobermory rebroadaster plans to call itself The Wave, it sure would suggest a name change is in the offing for the station it will be rebroadcasting. That and the fact that Bayshore seems to have rebranded all its former Beach stations in recent years also bodes well for a name change in Port Elgin. .

 

July 31, 2020 9:09 pm  #5


Re: CFPS Port Elgin Gets Approval For Rebroadcaster

It is interesting that CFPS Port Elgin originally started on 1490 AM as a rebroadcaster of CFOS 560 Owen Sound.

Starting at 250 watts and increasing to 1KW. If I recall correctly this took place in the early 70's as an agreement with CHYM 1490 Kitchener. CHYM (now CKGL) moved from 1490 to 570 vacating the frequency for CFPS.

Despite being only 25 miles or less from the Owen Sound transmitter, the 560 signal was not all that strong in Port Elgin due to its directional pattern protecting (then) WHND from Monroe Michigan. Hence the opportunity for the rebroadcaster.

Over time Port Elgin grew enough to support its own station and CFPS took on its own identity. Eventually it transitioned to FM.

Again if i remember correctly, as part of the 'deal' CFOS 560 got a power increase to 7.5 KW day / 1 KW night (different pattern) to offset the anticipated adjacent channel interference from CHYM. Others may have more details about this. Feel free to correct any errors here.

I think Bayshore does a decent job running its radio stations and providing opportunities for those beginning their broadcast careers. I congratulate them on recognizing this opportunity to serve Tobermory and wish them success.

 

 

August 1, 2020 1:49 pm  #6


Re: CFPS Port Elgin Gets Approval For Rebroadcaster

They likely selected Port Elgin since both communities are in Bruce County and small towns so likely better for common regional news coverage.  Bayshore usually does a good job as far as local news is concerned.  Owen Sound being the largest community is also in Grey County and Owen Sound radio tends to focus more on the city and Grey County. 

CFPS The Beach already covers most of Bruce County and the repeater will fill in the very top of the Bruce Peninsula and into Manitoulin Island.

darcyh is correct that CFPS initially was a repeater for CFOS when it signed on in 1978.  However they always had a bureau and office in Port Elgin with two news people to cover the Port Elgin/Southampton/Sauble area.

Bayshore usually has a mix of newer people in broadcasting and more experienced, retired or semi retired people on and off of the air.  They were considered a great training ground and had many people that went on to larger markets like John Robertson, Norm Perry, Heather Hiscox, Janis Mackey Frayer, Cheryl Hickey, and others.  

Last edited by paterson1 (August 1, 2020 2:00 pm)

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