CITM-FM

CITM-FM
Broadcast areaNational Capital Region
Eastern Ontario
Western Quebec
Upstate New York
Frequency98.5 MHz (FM)
BrandingMix 98.5
Programming
FormatAdult contemporary
Ownership
OwnerEvanov Communications (sale to Torres Media pending)
OperatorTorres Media Ottawa, Inc.
CIDG-FM
History
First air date
February 20, 2006
Former call signs
CJWL-FM (2006-2024)
Call sign meaning
Torres Media
Technical information
ClassA
ERP1,100 watts (maximum 2,500 watts)
HAAT100.5 metres (330 ft)
Links
Websitemix985fm.ca

CITM-FM (98.5 MHz Mix 98.5) is a Canadian radio station in Ottawa, Ontario. It is owned by Evanov Communications and broadcasts an adult contemporary format under the management of Torres Media, pending completion of the station's sale to the latter company. CITM's studios are located in The Glebe at 150 Isabella Street, while its transmitter is located in downtown Ottawa.

History

In June 2005, the CRTC granted a license to CKMW Radio Ltd.—a company owned by Bill Evanov—for a new FM radio station in Ottawa, Ontario; the company proposed an adult standards/easy listening format.[1] On February 20, 2006, the station launched as CJWL-FM with the branding Jewel 98.5; similar to sister stations CKDX and CKPC-FM, the station broadcast a mix of soft adult contemporary and adult standards music.

On October 6, 2009, CJWL received CRTC approval to increase power from 485 watts to 1,100 watts.[2]

In May 2021, Evanov rebranded CJWL as Lite 98.5, maintaining an adult contemporary format. Evanov stated that Lite would be "more current" while still "retain[ing] the best elements" of Jewel.[3]

Sale to Torres Media

On September 5, 2024, Evanov announced that the station, along with CKHK-FM in Hawkesbury and CHRC-FM in Rockland, would close effective September 20, 2024, due to increased competition, changing listener habits, and economic conditions brought upon by the COVID-19 pandemic.[4] However, on September 19, Evanov announced that it had reached agreements to sell all three stations, with plans for CJWL to be announced the following week.[5] On September 23, Evanov announced that CJWL would be sold to Torres Media, owner of 101.7 CIDG-FM, pending approval by the CRTC.[6]

On November 1, 2024, Torres Media began operating the station under a temporary management agreement ending no later than November 30, 2025, pending the CRTC's approval of the sale.[7] At this time, the station relaunched its adult contemporary format as Mix 98.5; the station is currently operating jockless, and applied for the new call letters CITM-FM.[8][9]

References

  1. ^ "Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2005-254". CRTC. 2005-06-23. Retrieved 2024-11-09.
  2. ^ Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2009-631
  3. ^ Thiessen, Connie (2021-05-03). "Evanov rebrands four of its 'The Jewel' stations in Ontario & Quebec". Broadcast Dialogue. Retrieved 2024-11-09.
  4. ^ "Evanov to shutter three FM stations". Broadcast Dialogue. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
  5. ^ Thiessen, Connie (2024-09-19). "GO FM to acquire two Evanov stations set for closure". Broadcast Dialogue. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  6. ^ Thiessen, Connie (2024-09-23). "Torres Media Group to acquire Evanov's CJWL-FM Ottawa". Broadcast Dialogue. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  7. ^ "Broadcasting Applications Report". Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission. Retrieved December 9, 2024. (decision L2024-47, dated 2024-11-21)
  8. ^ "A New Mix In Ottawa". RadioInsight. 2024-11-08. Retrieved 2024-11-09.
  9. ^ "Radio & Podcast News - CRTC opens consultation on local radio news fund". Broadcast Dialogue. 2024-11-07. Retrieved 2024-11-09.

45°25′46″N 75°41′26″W / 45.42945°N 75.69044°W / 45.42945; -75.69044

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