Five Amigos Broadcasting Granted Signal Increase For Wallaceburg’s 99.1 FM CKXS
CRTC Gives Hyper Local Radio Station Green Light To Increase Power
WALLACEBURG, Ont. —
99.1 CKXS in Wallaceburg is about to get a boost in power.
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has approved an application from Five Amigos Broadcasting Inc. to change the authorized contours of CKXS-FM to better serve its current listening area and customers.
The proposed changes will increase 99.1’s maximum effective radiated power (ERP) from 1,150 to 3,000 watts.
Following a two-year process and approaching their fifth year on the air, staff and management at CKXS are extremely satisfied with the decision.
“This has been a long process and we are very pleased with the results,” said Mike Kilby, President of Five Amigos Broadcasting. “The CRTC listened to our concerns regarding our signal quality and our listening area. They’ve agreed we should be able to increase our signal strength to better serve our customers in Wallaceburg, Dresden, Mitchell’s Bay and the surrounding Chatham-Kent area.”
The physical and technological changes necessary to accommodate the new parameters for CKXS are expected to take a few months time. Management is moving immediately to have a new tower and antenna installed to meet new requirements. The local airwaves can expect the boost in the late summer or fall of 2014.
The increase is expected to assist residents and businesses in 99.1’s current broadcasting area, many of whom have had problems tuning into the station since CKXS hit the air in 2009.
“This is a great step in the evolution of 99.1 since its inception four years ago,” said Kilby. “We hope our customers and listeners will be pleased with the better quality signal and the ability to take 99.1 with them a little further in Chatham-Kent.”
Described by many as “hyper-local”, 99.1 CKXS is Chatham-Kent’s locally owned and operated radio station. The ownership group of Five Amigos Broadcasting is comprised of local C-K residents including Kilby, Max Fantuz, Greg Aarssen and long-time local radio veterans Greg Hetherington and Gary Patterson.
With more than 20 years of local on air experience each, Hetherington will continue to man 99.1’s morning show “XS Mornings” alongside Alex Poole as Patterson delivers his locally driven sports casts and coverage. Jay Smith mans the afternoon drive on-air shift alongside News Director Bill Cole for “Weekdaze” from 2-7pm. The on air roster currently also includes Corey North, Nick Montague and Ryan Aimes with the important foundation of Deb Robitaille and Laura Smith working hard behind the scenes. Sonny Brooks and Chuck Ferris round out the sales executive team alongside Hetherington and Patterson and Chris Taylor is a valued volunteer.
“The progression of 99.1 as a radio station and a locally driven media is a testament to the dedicated staff at CKXS from top to bottom,” added Kilby.
99.1 has gained local and national notoriety for its promotion of local and emerging Canadian music through special on-air features including The Local Spotlight and Emerging Artist of the Month music rotation and online poll.
The staff and management of CKXS-FM send a heartfelt thank you to their listeners, customers and supporters for their overwhelming feedback and support, all of which was integral to this successful application.
RESOURCES:
LINK TO THE CRTC DECISION REGARDING CKXS-FM APPLICATION
http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2014/2014-161.htm
99.1 CKXS WEBSITE
www.ckxsfm.com
99.1 CKXS ON AIR TEAM
https://ckxsfm.com/jocks/
