OTTAWA'S NEWEST RADIO STATION “THE JEWEL” 98.5 DEBUTS TODAY

Evanov Radio Group Release

If the sheer volume of phone calls and Emails thus far are any indication, “Good Morning Ottawa” will become a very popular catch phrase in the Nation's Capital. This morning former Majic 100 afternoon drive personality Saul Jacobson and co-host Marianne Zahoruk officially launched Ottawa's newest radio station, “The Jewel” at 98.5 FM.

Over the past couple of weeks CJWL-FM, aka “The Jewel”, has been testing the 98.5 frequency the Evanov Radio Group was granted by the CRTC last summer. Listeners across the Ottawa/Gatineau region have been treated to a commercial free demonstration of the Jewel's promise to bring back Unforgettable Music with Class.

“Response from listeners has been overwhelming” says Music Director and afternoon host Al Baldwin.  More than 2000 e-mails and phone calls have been received since the station started testing in early March. Here's a sample of what listeners are saying.

“We started listening to 98.5 yesterday and have not moved the dial since.  We have this to say – WOW – THANK YOU.  You have put music back into our lives.”  Elaine of Ottawa

 

“The Jewel is really the talk of the town to a lot of people in the Ottawa & greater area.  I spoke to a lot of friends/family/co-workers and your format is now the talk of the town.”  Andre of Gatineau

 

“Thank you for bringing this genre of music to Ottawa.  I am a 41 year old male, so I consider myself a reluctant baby-boomer.  Most of the Ottawa stations are either too young and too aggressive.” Paul of Ottawa

 

“Words cannot express how thrilled I was to discover the return in the market of an FM station playing standards/easy listening. It is truly 'unforgettable music with class'.” Richard of Nepean

 

“Thank you….Thank you…for the wonderful music.  I just love it….and YES, sometimes I cannot leave my car!! And even sometimes I might be tempted to sing out loud.” Dina of Hull

In conjunction with Nolitours, The Jewel 98.5 will be awarding three sets of lucky winners, trips to the Dominican Republic and Cuban destinations, part of an inaugural contest called “Come Fly With Me”.

On the air, The Jewel will be staffed by a solid team of seasoned radio veterans, several of whom are well known to Ottawa/Gatineau listeners. Leading off the day each weekday morning from 5:30 to 10 AM is Saul Jacobson, Majic 100's venerable afternoon host for 13 years. Saul is joined by co-host Marianne Zahoruck, who brings 10 years of morning show experience to “Good Morning Ottawa”. “Good Morning Ottawa” will provide listeners with all of the important local and international news & sports headlines, weather info, business reports and traffic details. However, the main focus is all about the music. According to Saul, “I'm really looking forward to being able to play music that I am passionate about on the only radio station in Ottawa to offer Unforgettable Music With Class.”

Brian Sylvester, a former Mayor of Cornwall for two terms, is returning to broadcasting and Ottawa to anchor the News Department throughout the afternoon on The Jewel 98.5. “Brian is a respected news personality and his credentials will offer an authoritative news voice to our new Ottawa station” says Bill Evanov, President of the Evanov Radio Group, who own and operate The Jewel.

Al Baldwin, another familiar Ottawa/Gatineau radio voice will pilot the drive home every weekday afternoon on The Jewel from 3 to 6 PM. With 30 years of broadcasting experience behind him, it's only fitting that Al has been appointed as The Jewel's Music Director, a position he also held at Oldies 1310 and Jack FM in Smiths Falls.

Weekday evenings on The Jewel will be hosted by Steve Boyton from 6 PM to midnight. Steve’s broadcasting experience includes many years on local stations CFMO & Lite 101.

The Jewel 98.5 broadcasts from a renovated 2-story building in the heart of Ottawa's vibrant ByWard Market.  It's the former location of “Le Jardin”, a 5-star gourmet restaurant at 127 York Street near the corner of Dalhousie. The Evanov Radio Group has always made major commitments to the markets in which it receives a radio license. “We're very excited about The Jewel 98.5 FM finding a home in one of Ottawa's fine heritage buildings and we are committed to retaining the historic character of the building. Our investment in this city will be substantial in terms of infrastructure, real estate and job creation, as well as a substantial commitment to Canadian talent development. It's a commitment that we are proud to make”, said Bill Evanov, President of the Evanov Radio Group.

The Jewel offers listeners though out the Ottawa/Gatineau region a carefully crafted blend of today's new easy listening sound - the greatest music ever recorded from yesterday's best loved crooners and divas, to today’s brightest stars. Music that is timeless, enduring, elegant and of great appeal to 35+ generation. The station is also “streaming” online at www.985thejewel.com for those who want to connect at the office or from anywhere around the world.

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