PATTISON BUYS KISS FM VERNON FROM ROGERS Jim Pattison Broadcast Group Release The Jim Pattison Broadcast Group was delighted to announce today that it has agreed to acquire from Rogers Broadcasting its market-leading radio station, CKIZ-FM (KISS FM) in Vernon, BC.
“We are great believers in the growth prospects of B.C.’s interior, especially in the Okanagan Valley”, said Rick Arnish, President of the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group. “We consider this to be an important acquisition – one that expands our presence in the north Okanagan and will complement our two radio stations located in Kelowna and our other market-leading stations throughout B.C.”
KISS-FM Today’s Best Music, is Vernon’s heritage radio station and has a team of long-term, dedicated and enthusiastic employees. Assuming CRTC approval for the acquisition, Patrick Nicol, General Manager, will continue to lead the KISS team and all staff members will be invited to stay with the station by the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.
Rick Arnish also stated, “The opportunity to join forces with the Vernon radio team is very attractive to us, and we look forward to building on the legacy created by the current owners, Rogers Broadcasting”.
Gary Miles, CEO – Radio, Rogers Media, stated, “The radio industry needs consolidation geographically to enable the industry to serve the needs of the community, listeners and clients. With the advent of a call for applications in the Kelowna area, the landscape is changing. We are pleased that Pattison Broadcasting has agreed to purchase our Vernon operation. Rogers has been proud to be part of the Vernon radio market for many years and to have been associated with the high quality of staff and management at KISS FM.”
Mr. Miles went on to say, “The Pattison and Rogers families have been associated with one another for many years, and both founders have the utmost respect for one another. The two radio companies have worked together on various endeavours and Rogers is confident that Pattison Broadcasting will continue to serve the community and listeners of Vernon with the same high programming and sales values.”
The sale is subject to approval from the Canadian Radio-Television & Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), for which an application will be submitted shortly. |