The Southern Ontario/WNY Radio-TV Forum / Regarding the pending Whiteoaks Niagara aquisitions

**Posted by tdotwriter** May 12, 2025 8:26 pm

Is there any new information available regarding the CRTC-approved acquisitions of the Bell Media Niagara radio cluster (CKTB 610, CHTZ 97.7 and CHRE 105.7)? The acquisition was approved a while ago but all evidence including their websites indicates that the stations are still under the ownership of Bell Media. I seriously hope the sale didn't fall through.

**Posted by RadioAaron** May 12, 2025 8:30 pm

tdotwriter wrote:
Is there any new information available regarding the CRTC-approved acquisitions of the Bell Media Niagara radio cluster (CKTB 610, CHTZ 97.7 and CHRE 105.7)? The acquisition was approved a while ago but all evidence including their websites indicates that the stations are still under the ownership of Bell Media. I seriously hope the sale didn't fall through.

The sale has not fallen through. Whiteoaks doesn't have the staffing and infrastructure to launch at the same pace as the other buyers.

**Posted by Glen Warren** May 12, 2025 8:59 pm

Whiteoaks also is tasked with moving/integrating the CJMR and CJYE feeds from the Oakville AM site to the CKLH FM site as two HD sources.

The current AM site on Dundas St in Oakville has been sold for future development.

**Posted by torontostan** May 13, 2025 1:09 pm

Glen Warren wrote:
Whiteoaks also is tasked with moving/integrating the CJMR and CJYE feeds from the Oakville AM site to the CKLH FM site as two HD sources.

The current AM site on Dundas St in Oakville has been sold for future development.

Are both of those AM's going silent?

**Posted by RadioActive** May 13, 2025 2:17 pm

CKTB is so dependent on Bell's programming that it could take Whiteoaks a long time to figure out how they're going to program 610, without access to Agar's show, Vassy Kapelos at noon, The Night Shift in the evenings, CP24 on the weekends and the endless rerolls they replay overnight.

Unless they strike some kind of temporary deal with Bell Media, which seems unlikely, there is a lot to replace all at once.

**Posted by Radiowiz** May 13, 2025 2:23 pm

RadioActive wrote:
Unless they strike some kind of temporary deal with Bell Media, which seems unlikely, there is a lot to replace all at once.

I recall a time when CKTB was loaded up with American talk radio. Perhaps that might be part of their plan?

**Posted by Scarboroughbluffsradiof99** May 13, 2025 2:24 pm

any insites on dates of the takovers and new brandings fore bounce and move?

**Posted by Scarboroughbluffsradiof99** May 13, 2025 2:29 pm

Radiowiz wrote:
RadioActive wrote:
Unless they strike some kind of temporary deal with Bell Media, which seems unlikely, there is a lot to replace all at once.
I recall a time when CKTB was loaded up with American talk radio. Perhaps that might be part of their plan?

Rong time to do that after the tarufs.
But if its the only option, than it fills up empty time and makes white oak's takover quicker.

**Posted by torontostan** May 13, 2025 2:37 pm

RadioActive wrote:
CKTB is so dependent on Bell's programming that it could take Whiteoaks a long time to figure out how they're going to program 610, without access to Agar's show, Vassy Kapelos at noon, The Night Shift in the evenings, CP24 on the weekends and the endless rerolls they replay overnight.

Unless they strike some kind of temporary deal with Bell Media, which seems unlikely, there is a lot to replace all at once.

Why would it have to be temporary?

**Posted by RadioAaron** May 13, 2025 2:40 pm

There just aren't the big US syndicated talk shows anymore, and those that are left are wall-to-wall US politics.

Bell's shows have ended up on other stations. Vista's station in Kelowna carries so, including John Moore for some reason.

https://www.am1150.ca/shows/

Wouldn't be surprised if this continues on 610, at least for the medium term.

Last edited by RadioAaron (May 13, 2025 2:41 pm)

**Posted by Scarboroughbluffsradiof99** May 13, 2025 3:01 pm

maybe what should do is replace some of the bell shows with ethnic programming and christian talkshows from moody radio on sonday mornings.

**Posted by RadioActive** May 13, 2025 3:36 pm

Bring back Kim Komando's Komputer Klinic! Loved that on the weekend and CKTB was the only one anywhere near here that carried it.

**Posted by Radiowiz** May 13, 2025 4:16 pm

RadioAaron wrote:
Bell's shows have ended up on other stations. Vista's station in Kelowna carries so, including John Moore for some reason.
https://www.am1150.ca/shows/
Wouldn't be surprised if this continues on 610, at least for the medium term.

This is exactly it. Bell can now shift away from being a Toronto talker and focus more on being a syndicator...that is, if they intend to stick around at all.