CKY-FM

Infobox Radio Station


name = CKY-FM
airdate = December 31, 1949 (as 580 CKY 1949-2004)
(as 102.3 Clear FM (2004-Current)
frequency = 102.3 MHz (FM)| branding = "102.3 Clear FM"
area = Winnipeg, Manitoba
format = Adult Contemporary | owner = Rogers Communications
erp = 70 kW

slogan = | "Continuous Lite Music" class =
webcast =
website = [http://www.102clearfm.com/homepage/index.jsp 102.3 Clear FM]
callsign_meaning = Canada Knows You

CKY has been the callsign of three radio stations in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The original CKY was formed in 1923 by the Government of Manitoba and operated by Manitoba Telephone Systems. The Provincial Government ran the station and in the station's early years, CKY would turn over its signal to the Canadian National Railway and the frequency would be identified as CNRW. When the Federal Government took over operations of the CNR Network in the 1930s, CKY continued the relationship and much of CKY's programing originated with the CRBC (which later became the CBC). In June 1948, CKY was purchased by the CBC and was renamed CBW. On the last day of 1949, Lloyd Moffat resurrected the CKY call letters to begin the second incarnation of CKY.

The current CKY-FM was established in 1949 by Moffat Communications as CKY-AM, broadcasting at AM 580. The station featured a Top 40 format for much of its broadcast life which gradually shifted into an Oldies format in the 1980s. In 1994, Rogers applied to the CRTC to convert CKY-AM to the FM band due to lack of advertisers. However, due to the success of KY's "Don Percy and Friends" morning show which featured numerous "info chats" from businesses, the station managed to make a considerable profit. As a result, Rogers held off the conversion to FM until 2004. On January 21, 2004 CKY-AM (KY 58) moved to 102.3 FM and adopted an AC format. The format still exists today.

In 1963, Moffatt also established the first CKY-FM, at 92.1 on the FM dial. In 1978, CKY-FM was re-branded as CITI-FM and for a period of time was the most powerful radio station in North America broadcasting at 360,000 watts.

A 1980 article in the Free Press said that both CFRW and CKY-AM want to broadcast in AM stereo. CKY chose the failed Kahn-Hazeltine system. [cite news | last = Haynes | first = Dave | title = AM stations ponder stereo | pages = | publisher = Winnipeg Free Press | date = July 2, 1980]

In 1992, both CKY-AM and CITI-FM were sold to Rogers Communications. On January 21, 2004, Rogers converted CKY-AM to FM, where it broadcasts at 102.3 FM, with an EIRP of 70,000 watts. [cite web | title = Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC 2003-34 | publisher = Government of Canada - CRTC | date = October 9, 2003 | url = http://www.crtc.gc.ca/archive/ENG/Decisions/2003/db2003-501.htm ] and has retained the CKY-FM calls. The current CKY-FM broadcasts an adult contemporary format with the on-air brand name 102.3 Clear FM.

"Jay & Billie Jo" were the first morning show signed on to the newly branded station in May, 2004. They continue to broadcast live from 5:30 - 9 weekday mornings. The 2 had worked together previously in Saskatoon as the morning duo on Hot93 FM (CFQC)

As of September 21, 2008, CKY-FM is the only "Clear FM" station since the Vancouver Clear FM flipped to classic hits.

Bruce Richie is the current mid-day announcer.

Dez recently joined the on air staff after her stint on Q94FM in Winnipeg. (Beau, Tom & Dez) She can be heard every weekday afternoon from 2-7.

References