TORONTO — It enjoys top ratings and strong revenue from its Adult Hits CHBM “Boom 97.3” in Canada’s largest market, has a U.S. presence with all-music audio channels distributed on MVPDs such as Hotwire Communications, and in November announced that it is acquiring global audio streaming platform TuneIn in a deal valued at $175 million USD/
Now, Stingray Group Inc.‘s broadcast arm is expanding its radio station stable in the home of the Stampede.
The deal, announced last week ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday in the U.S., sees Stingray Radio agree to purchase CHUP-FM “C97.7” in Calgary — a 100kw Class C1 property with a transmitter located on the west side of the metropolitan area. At present, CHUP features music from the “90s and NOW.”
CHUP is being sold by Rawlco Radio, for an undisclosed price. Closing is expected to occur in the second quarter of fiscal 2027, Stingray said.
With “C97.7,” Stingray will enjoy a maximum of three FMs in Calgary, per CRTC rules. CHUP will join Top 40 CKMP “90.3 AMP Radio,” and Adult Hits CFXL “XL 103.1.” The latter station is modeled after Stingray’s CHBM.
“We are excited to expand our presence in the vibrant Calgary market,” commented Steve Jones, President of Stingray Radio. “C97.7 has built a strong connection with listeners and the community, and we are committed to continuing the fantastic legacy that the Rawlco Radio team started. This acquisition is a natural complement to our existing Calgary stations, strengthening our portfolio of high-quality radio stations and reinforcing our commitment to providing the best in local radio to audiences and businesses across Canada.”
The Calgary radio market has expanded significantly over the last two decades. CKMP debuted in March 2007 as an Alternative station before adopting its current format two years later; Labour Day weekend 2002 saw the 103.1 MHz light up with a Smooth Jazz format as “The Breeze.” CFXL would then become “California 103.1,” airing a Classic Hits format that would serve as a foundation for its current presentation, debuting in March 2008.
Key competitors include Rogers Sports & Media’s Adult Contemporary CHFM “Star 95.9” (formerly “Lite 96”) and Bell Media’s Rocker CJAY-FM and Top 40 sibling CIBK “98.5 Virgin Radio” (formerly “The Vibe”).
