While the applications for transfer of ownership were part of a non-appearing hearing on February 8th, the Commission has yet to render a decision.  There were several interventions which expressed concern that the Hamilton stations would be used as a back door into the Toronto ethnic market.
While the response was that it would be "business as usual", the rules allow conventional broadcasters to have up to 15% third language programming. The Commission is probably mulling over the precise wording (in both official languages) to deal with this issue.
 

RadioActive wrote:

That's good in a way. Funny 820 is my go-to when there's absolutely nothing else on. I will actually miss it. 

I won't. I'm not a fan of American network comedy radio. It needs some (local) Canadian input with a local radio announcer. (In the states they call them CJ's-Comedy Jocks)
Maybe even a music show once a week (or so) with parodies. 

paterson1 wrote:

If the application for the ownership change was on Feb 8th then it has been two months.   CRTC usually releases their decisions in about six months, so likely August or September. 

I agree with Radiowiz, Funny 820 should have more local comedians.  Plenty around with Yuk Yuk's and Second City.  Bell has lots of material from Comedy Inc. and other stand up shows. 

That would have required creating programming, which was not the point. 

Radiowiz wrote:

RadioActive wrote:

That's good in a way. Funny 820 is my go-to when there's absolutely nothing else on. I will actually miss it. 

I won't. I'm not a fan of American network comedy radio. It needs some (local) Canadian input with a local radio announcer. (In the states they call them CJ's-Comedy Jocks)
Maybe even a music show once a week (or so) with parodies. 

That would be great, but Bell is not going to spend a dime on a station they've already sold. If you remember, when it first started, they actually had brief local features hosted by Mike Nabuurs, aka "The Ambassador of Funny," who used to be on CKOC. He was let go and those segments stopped. They've done absolutely nothing since nor do they have any reason to now. 

It wasn't always that way. In announcing the new format back in 2012 (has it really been that long?) The Hamilton Spectator had this to say, from G.M. Paul Fisher:

"Initially, FUNNY won’t feature local comedians, but Fisher says that’s something that could be introduced down the road.  

The reformatted station kicks off with a contest called So You Think You’re Funny, inviting Hamiltonians to submit videos of themselves cracking jokes. The clips will be posted online, and entrants will compete in a showcase showdown at a comedy club this fall."

The best laid plans and all that...

And the bonus is that you don't have to listen to anyone you don't find funny. My least favourites are George Lopez and Maria Bamford. For some reason, they allow these cuts to go on and on and on, but a great comic like Steven Wright gets about 30 secs.- 1 minute and then it's over. 

RadioActive wrote:

And the bonus is that you don't have to listen to anyone you don't find funny. My least favourites are George Lopez and Maria Bamford. For some reason, they allow these cuts to go on and on and on, but a great comic like Steven Wright gets about 30 secs.- 1 minute and then it's over. 

They seem to cut it by number of punchlines rather than consistent times, and Steven tells like 5 jokes a minute.

Here are the interventions. 

https://applications.crtc.gc.ca/ListeInterventionList/Default-Defaut.aspx?en=2023-369&dt=i&lang=e&S=C&PA=b&PT=nc&PST=a

tvguy wrote:

The decision also has to be translated into French before publication.  This also delays the process depending on the volume of items which are ahead of it in the CRTC secretariat's "French translation" section.

Aren't the translations was instantaneous, like in the House of Commons?   

RadioActive wrote:

My favourite Steven Wright joke:

"I bought some batteries, but they weren't included."

Genius, I 'tells' ya, genius!

100+ Steven Wright Jokes

 I would kill for a Nobel Peace Prize !

The decision on ownership of these stations is coming next week.

RadioActive wrote:

Finally! Oddly, I was just wondering earlier this week whatever happened to this deal. I will miss Funny 820 when it goes, but am curious to see what he does with his new broadcasting toys. 

"Toys" is exactly the right word. Will be interesting to see specifically how this clown bankrupts himself.

So let's presume the CRTC gives a thumb's up to the deal and Neeti Ray officially takes possession of the stations he bought. How long before we see any on air changes? I doubt it will be the next day or week, but how soon will say, Funny 820 have its last laugh? It's probably the one station of the three I will miss most, but I will be very curious to see what he does with all three of them. He's certainly had enough time to plan out his next moves. 

And I recall him musing about leaving CKWW alone, but who knows what he might ultimately do with it?

Brad posted: "=12pxNow I know there is no one on air at two of the stations, but someone mentioned in another forum that Bounce co-host Matt Hayes was working from home." 

What about the other morning co-host Sunni Genesco and afternoon drive host, Darrin Laidman???

BOUNCE moved a week or two ago:
https://www.instagram.com/p/C8UjDvhPlxz/

The White Oaks deal may take a long time to finalize, and Bell has a duty to maintain the station's ratings and revenue in the meantime.