Evanov Finds A Buyer For Two FMs Facing Closure

TORONTO — Two weeks ago, Evanov Communications said it would cease operations at three of its underperforming FM radio stations due to severe economic conditions it blamed on “the challenges of increased competition, a difficult media climate, and the residual effects of the pandemic.”

Now, two of those FMs have found a buyer — but not its FM in the nation’s capital, which is slated to sign off the air Friday.

CHRC-FM in Clarence-Rockland, Ont. and CKHK-FM in Hawkesbury, Ont., are being sold to GO FM.

This suggests that a noncommercial public service-oriented future could be in the cards for the FMs. But, that’s not certain. While GO FM is the brand associated with Francophone contemporary hits CHOD-FM 92.1 in Cornwall, Ontario, a 1kw station licensed to Radio communautaire Cornwall-Alexandria cooperative, CHRC and CKHK will continue to focus on English-language audiences on both sides of the Ottawa river east of the Gatineau area, Evanov confirmed. For now, the two stations are expected to retain their “Hot Country” presentations.

“After thorough consideration and analysis earlier this month, ECI had expressed its intent to close these stations if a suitable buyer could not be found,” Evanov said in a new statement. “Following a comprehensive evaluation of potential buyers capable of ensuring operational continuity, ECI chose GO FM.”

ECI President/CEO Paul Evanov added, “I am so pleased that we were able to work out mutually beneficial terms. This agreement ensures that the two stations will continue to serve their respective communities without interruption and remain truly local stations.”

Mathieu Manning, who serves as General Manager of GO FM, highlighted the impact of the acquisition by stressing how the operation’s success has involved one focus: “Local, local, local.” Manning comments, “That’s how we grew GO FM from 5,000 to 50,000 listeners weekly—by focusing on local news and conversations that matter to the community. We’re excited to bring this same approach to these stations, restoring local programming and making them true cornerstones of their communities once again. This acquisition is a unique chance to diversify our revenue, optimize resources, and reinvest in our mission. We’re eager to build initiatives that unite the region’s francophone and anglophone communities, strengthening collaboration and community ties.”

Both radio entities have already begun drafting a purchase/sale agreement for the transfer of assets and will soon submit applications to the CRTC for approval of the transaction.

The fate of CJWL “Lite 98.5” in Ottawa remains bleak, with a September 20 shutdown scheduled and no announced buyer for that property.