Eighty-five years ag0, the February 28, 1940 edition of the Owen Sound Sun Times stated, Grey and Bruce Counties to be covered by a new 100-watt radio station; CFOS at 1370 on the AM dial.
“Now we begin the next 85 years!” stated Peter McKeown, General Manager of Bayshore Broadcasting on Friday, August 1 morning at 8:10 a.m., when CFOS FM was launched at 89.3 on the FM dial based out of Owen Sound. McKeown went on to say, “Bayshore Broadcasting is adapting and investing to continue that commitment to you, our listener. Our tradition of helping Grey Bruce, telling its stories and working with the business community is ready for lift-off!”
In a morning that saw the return of Fred Wallace to his long-time morning slot with Paul Hill, the FM station was launched at 8:10 a.m., with a client picking the first song, INXS – New Sensation. Many dignitaries joined Paul and Fred and a major partnership was announced with the Owen Sound Attack that will now include home games being broadcast on the new FM station.
Former Bayshore GM and Director Kevin Brown has been a part of this process since it was first conceived in 2007.
“The cost of operating AM is high and getting higher, probably even higher for us, as our towers are rapidly aging.” said Brown.
“Radio is resilient and remains at the forefront of information needed to serve the public interest and strengthen communities,” said Rob Mattice, Operations Manager for CFOS in Owen Sound. “The same great people and music and features you have known us for these past 85 years will continue.”
Adding to the past history, CFOS will blow the Black Clawson-Kennedy factory whistle at noon and five each weekday on the radio.
“The fact that it still goes off is daily tribute to the Owen Sound blue collar workers that were the backbone of this industrial town for hundreds of years,” said Operations Director Ian Solecki.
