Monday, June 1, 2009

Bayshore Radio Family Grows

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Regional
by Manny Paiva    

The Bayshore Broadcasting family continues to grow.

The CRTC has approved Bayshore Broadcasting Corporation's application to operate a new FM radio station in Orillia.

Bayshore beat out 6 other applicants for the licence -- one licence was also approved to provide tourist information.

The 21 hundred watt radio station will be known as "Sunshine 89 point 1" and located on 89.1 on the FM dial.

Bayshore's application includes a Soft Adult Contemporary music format with an emphasis on local news and programming.

General Manager Ross Kentner feels their commitment to local news and programming set their application apart from the others.

Kentner says they focused on the fact the Orillia market currently lacks news and information so they want to provide a window for local residents.

Kentner feels their radio success in other smaller markets also helped the CRTC make its decision.

Kentner also credits the team of 10 staff and industry experts who appeared before the Commission at the January hearing.

Bayshore Broadcasting has quickly launched radio stations in the past -- and Kentner hopes they can launch Sunshine 89 point 1 within two years.

Kentner says there will also be synergies between their Wasaga Beach radio station and their new station in Orillia.

Bayshore Broadcasting also owns three radio stations in Owen Sound, as well as FM radio stations in Port Elgin, Goderich and Wasaga Beach.