DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard
KAWARTHA LAKES: Pending CRTC approval for the sale, local listeners can expect something new on the airwaves later this year, with Durham Radio expected to take over CKLY 91.9 FM in Lindsay.
Operators of three current stations, Durham Radio signed an agreement, in February, to take over the local station in Lindsay, as well as two stations in Peterborough from Bell Media.
President and Chairman, Doug Kirk was enthusiastic about the opportunity, when he spoke with The Standard.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for us to build on what we’ve accomplished in Durham over the past 30 years,” Mr. Kirk explained. “From the very beginning, in 1994, we’ve offered good local programming, news, and events coverage, and we haven’t looked back. We think our strategy can continue to give us good results, as we expand into these new markets.”
According to Mr. Kirk, the commitment to local event and news coverage is what has driven the success of Durham Radio, across their three current stations, KX96, 94.9 The Rock, and CKDO. This will continue as they expand into the Kawarthas, with an expanded roster of local talent on and off air.
“I’ve been asked if those currently employed are going to lose their jobs, and I’m happy to say that’s not the case. In fact, we’re going to be looking to hire more people,” added Mr. Kirk. “There can be such a thing as being too efficient, and you can lose some of those local events and news coverage which make radio so important to the community. We’re looking at more locally originated hours, as well as more coverage of local news and events. We’re all really excited.”
CKLY’s roots in the Lindsay community date back to the 1950s, when the station first hit the airwaves, at 910, on the AM dial. The 1990s saw the station switch to 91.9 FM, and the community has been loyal supporters for decades. According to Mr. Kirk, the Durham Radio Group is currently awaiting the CRTC to schedule a hearing, and he is hopeful everything can be in place, to have the station transferred sometime later this year, possibly as early as the summer.