A $1.437 million signal-switching deal will see the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group’s the PEAK radio station acquire a stronger radio signal from Vancouver Co-operative Radio.
The two stations announced this morning that they haveve received approval from the Canadian Radio-television Telecommunications Commission to proceed with the deal.
The agreement allows the PEAK, currently broadcasting at 100.5 on the FM dial, to switch radio frequencies with Co-op Radio, which broadcasts at 102.7 FM.
Gerry Siemens, vice-president and general manager of the PEAK, called the deal “very good news” for the station.
He said the signal switch will give the PEAK the stronger signal it needs to better compete with other FM signals.
“As it exists right now, our signal is good but there are some areas of impairment on the south slopes of Vancouver and in West Van, so this will eliminate those pockets,” he said. “To be able to compete with the other FM stations on an even playing field is a benefit to our listeners, it’s a benefit to our customers and will over the long haul be a real benefit to the radio station.”
In return for its signal, Co-op Radio will receive:
- the PEAK’s stereo transmitter and related components;
- a back-up transmitter and a new transmitter site;
- costs paid for the move to the new site, plus leasing costs for five years;
- $300,000 of billboard advertising through Pattison; and
- $125,000 annually for five years to cover the station’s operating costs.
Siemens said the signal switch will likely happen in mid-2012, after the Peak has had a new antenna for the 102.7 signal custom built in Italy.
Jenny Wagler
Twitter: JennyWagler_BIV