Radio station sales in Lethbridge ends ClearSky’s era in southern Alberta

By Collin Gallant on December 21, 2018.

Medicine Hat News

Lethbridge is losing local ownership of two radio stations, but a Medicine Hat broadcaster is getting two sister stations in southern Alberta after Lethbridge-based broadcaster ClearSky Radio announced it will sell its three remaining outlets to a B.C.-based company.

Vista Radio, the owner of Praise FM in Medicine Hat, will acquire 94.1 CJOC and 98.1 The Bridge in Lethbridge, as well as Clear Sky’s new Cranbrook, B.C. Station, in a deal announced on Wednesday.

Earlier this year, ClearSky property CJCY in Medicine Hat was sold to Rogers Communication to make a local pairing with its existing hard rock station 105.3 FM.

In Alberta, Vista has existing stations in Grande Prairie, Bonnyville and Lloydminster, and the purchase of Praise in 20112 was prefaced as an opportunity to bring national sales contracts and other efficiencies to benefit the Christian-format station in the Hat.

“We are thrilled to add these well-loved stations (in Lethbridge) to our portfolio and to continue to serve listeners and advertisers in these excellent markets,” Vista president Geoff Poulton said in a prepared statement.

“Our fundamental belief is that local radio makes a difference, and we will apply that philosophy to maintain and enhance the programming for listeners.”

The sale is subject to approval by federal regulators.

Two in Lethbridge and one each in Medicine Hat and Cranbrook, creates a four-station presence on Highway 3 corridor in deep southern Alberta.

The addition of Cranbrook to 31 existing stations in B.C. complements Kootenay-based stations in Trail, Creston, Nelson and Castlegar.

Clear Sky president Paul Larsen, confirming the agreement to sell, said Vista would be able “to compete in an industry featuring a number of large national players.

“Based on Vista’s track record of commitment to the communities they serve, we felt confident that they would continue to provide the high-quality service expected and is the best fit for our employees, clients and the local community.”

Praise FM was the last remaining locally-owned station when Pat Lough sold to Vista in 2012. The Monarch Broadcasting group was sold in the early 2000s to the B.C.-based Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.

— with files from the Lethbridge Herald

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