PRINCE GEORGE'S FIRST RADIO STATION TURNS 60 Jim Pattison Broadcast Group Release Prince George’s Classic Rock, 99.3 The Drive, is celebrating its 60th Anniversary this Wednesday, February 8th.
CKPG began broadcasting at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, February 8, 1946. Early on, the station changed positions on the dial from 1230-AM to 550-AM and remained there until the spring of 2003 when Prince George’s heritage station moved to the FM band and became 99.3 The Drive.
The original station began with a 250-watt transmitter with a staff of three, including: Cecil Elphicke, Managing Director; Jack Carbutt, Announcer; and Ray Tate, Engineer. It was the only radio station in the city for nearly 25 years and as former Mayor, Jack Nicholson stated back in 1946, “CKPG will make us better and closer neighbours.”
The station was the start for many on air personalities, sales staff and other talented people who have since moved on. Well respected broadcasters like Brian “Frosty” Forst, Don Prentice, and the late Bob Harkins started their broadcast careers at the legendary station.
Throughout the month of February, Prince George’s Classic Rock will honour the anniversary by featuring historical vignettes, including interviews and greetings from former personalities.
In association with Anne Louise Jewelers, 99.3 The Drive will present the $5000 60th anniversary Classic “Rock” Giveaway. Details on this exciting contest can be found at www.993thedrive.com.
Over the years, ownership, people and programming have evolved, but the station’s commitment to the community of Prince George hasn’t. Today the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group in Prince George is home to 65 dedicated staff, who together work to produce award winning local programming. General manager Ken Kilcullen says, “We’re very proud of our history and association to BC’s Northern Capital.”
What started as a 250-watt AM station in the western frontier has grown to include 99.3 The Drive, 101.3 The River, and PGTV.
We would like to hear from former employees. Please contact Program Director Ron Polillo at rpolillo@ckpg.bc.ca or call (250) 960-1367. |