The Canadian Radio-television Telecommunications Commission has approved a new commercial radio station application by the Banff Centre, as well as a change of ownership for Park Radio.
The Banff Centre made the application to start the new station in conjunction with an application to take over operating Park Radio to the CRTC last fall and approval was announced last week.
Friends of Banff National Park operated Park Radio beforehand and worked with staff at The Banff Centre to ensure continued local radio service in Banff for its English and French language channels.
The new station, CJXB-FM, will also provide local news coverage, music and entertainment from well-known and emerging artists, as well as share art and ideas from The Banff Centre over the air.
The Outlook was unable to speak with representatives from The Banff Centre about the CRTC approval. However, previously, president Jeff Melanson told the Outlook the centre’s entry into radio is a natural evolution of its ongoing commitment to expand horizons and share Canadian art.
“One of our goals at The Banff Centre is to share the artistic work that has been and is being created here,” Melanson said at the time. “Ensuring the survival of local radio service and permitting local and Canadian artists to share their work with our neighbours, friends and visitors from near and far offers the broadcasting system and our community a very tangible benefit.”
