The Washington State Association of Broadcasters posted:
AM Radio ensures the public stays informed when it matters most.
The Washington State Association of Broadcasters, together with 30 other state broadcasters associations, will join the National Association of Broadcasters in DC to support the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act.
AM Radio in vehicles remains a critical source of breaking news, emergency alerts, and potentially life-saving information and we’re seeing it in real time with the Chelan Hills Fire.
We stand with broadcasters across the country to help ensure every driver has access to this essential public safety resource.
Such a loss for Vancouver/NW Washington listeners this week. On July 7, Rogers Sports & Media shut down CKWX (along with Sportsnet 650/CISL) amid declining audiences and revenue, affecting multiple stations across Canada. Local news/traffic continues on other Rogers music stations, and the CityNews website persists.
This marked the end of dedicated all-news AM radio from this historic call sign.
CKWX (1130 AM) was a long-running commercial radio station in Vancouver, BC., first aired on April 1, 1923, as CFDC in Nanaimo, BC, owned by Arthur “Sparks” Holstead (of an automotive battery/electronics business). It started with low power (10 watts, later 50 watts) on 430 metres (around 670 kHz).
In 1925, it moved to Vancouver (initially without full authorization, but reinstated due to public demand) and shared frequencies with other local stations. It adopted the CKWX call letters on August 1, 1927, with new studios (officially opened August 19). Early operations involved sharing time on frequencies like 730 kHz, with studios at locations such as the Hotel Georgia and Seymour Street. Power gradually increased, and it featured local programming, advertisers, and personalities.
Holstead formed Western Broadcasting Company Ltd. in the early 1930s. Taylor, Pearson & Carson took a stake and management in the 1940s, boosting power (to 1,000 watts by ~1940–41, then 5,000 watts by 1947) and moving the transmitter to Lulu Island (Richmond). It affiliated with the Mutual Broadcasting System and expanded news/special events coverage.
24-hour operation starting January 1, 1954.
New studios at 1275 Burrard Street in 1956.
Frequency switch to 1130 kHz on August 15, 1957 (from 980 kHz).
In 1957, with DJ Red Robinson joining, CKWX became Vancouver’s first full-time Top 40 (all-hit) station. It was a major player in the rock ‘n’ roll era, with surveys, personalities, and events like bringing Elvis Presley to Vancouver. (The Top 40 music died in 1962 for CKWX.)
In 1958, it became the first non-CBC station in Western Canada with 50,000 watts (Class A clear-channel power), enhancing its reach. In 1962, CKWX shifted toward MOR (middle-of-the-road) music with talk elements. Ownership transitioned to Selkirk Holdings (full control by 1966).
On March 7, 1973, CKWX flipped to a country music format, which it maintained for about 23 years. Studios moved to 2440 Ash Street in 1988. Ownership changed via Maclean-Hunter’s purchase of Selkirk (then to Rogers Communications).
On February 8, 1996 (at 8 a.m.), it ended country music (with Ray Price’s “For the Good Times” as the last song) and launched as News1130 (all-news/talk format), inspired by Rogers’ success with 680 News in Toronto. It focused on local news, traffic, and weather (often every 10 minutes), becoming a key source for Vancouver listeners.
The station rebranded over time (e.g., to CityNews 1130, then 1130 NewsRadio Vancouver in 2024) while maintaining its news focus. It celebrated 30 years of all-news operation in early 2026. It simulcast on CJAX-FM HD2 and maintained a strong signal across the region. Until it all ended earlier this week.
It was sad to see the station shut down. There was no forewarning; it suddenly went “dark.” At least the employees at CBS Radio knew what was coming when the network was closed. This was a gesture done with atypical Canadian politeness. It is interesting to note that there are only two English language AM radio stations in Vancouver now.
Veteran broadcaster Linda Kenyon has joined NPR following the shutdown of CBS News Radio. She brings decades of experience in radio news to the network.
Kenyon will anchor newscasts at NPR after departing CBS News Radio where she had worked since 2020 and spent the past several years delivering national news coverage. Prior to that, she worked for Salem Radio Network and Westwood One. CBS News Radio ceased operations in May after nearly 100 years on air, resulting in the departure of its entire staff.
ABC (Disney) filed reply comments with the FCC on July 6, (the deadline for replies), in an ongoing proceeding about whether its daytime talk show The View qualifies as a “bona fide news interview program.” This would exempt it from the FCC’s equal opportunities (“equal time”) rules for political candidates.
ABC maintains that The View has not materially changed since the FCC granted it this exemption in 2002. It combines entertainment, interviews (including with politicians), and commentary but qualifies as news/interview programming. Denying the exemption would let the government override broadcasters’ editorial judgments on guests, violating the First Amendment.
It addresses counterpoints from public comments opposing the exemption (e.g., claims the show is “opinion-driven” or imbalanced in guests). ABC calls viewpoint-based restrictions or government-imposed “ideological quotas” unconstitutional and warns against a “surveillance regime” over content.
Radio Insight reports: Nathan Hale High School Dance “C89.5” KNHC Seattle relaunched this morning as “Dance 89.5“.
The rebrand also comes with a new positioner of “Seattle’s Party Radio”, which the station states “more clearly reflects the station’s role as the soundtrack to Seattle’s dance music community”. The station says that its rebrand is part of their long-term vision to become a global leader in electronic dance music while continuing to serve the Seattle community that has been at the heart of the station since 1971. The station intends to grow its live events, artist partnerships, digital content, and listener experiences.
230 job cuts – Vancouver among cities affected…
Rogers Sports and Media is shutting down its Sportsnet 650 radio station in Vancouver and Sportsnet 960 station in Calgary, as well as four other stations.
Calgary’s 660 NewsRadio is also being closed, along with Vancouver’s 1130 AM, Halifax’s 95.7 NewsRadio, and Kitchener’s 570 NewsRadio.
The company said the station closures will result in 80 employees losing their jobs. Those are among 230 total job losses at Rogers Sports and Media from these and other organizational changes announced Tuesday.
Rogers cited declining audience numbers and lower advertisement revenue for the decision.
Rogers told Broadcast Dialogue that the licenses for the six stations will be returned to the CRTC. The report notes that Vancouver Canucks hockey will move to another Rogers owned station in Vancouver, but the company will stop producing Calgary Flames games.
LIZ DUEWEKE posts — I believe it was Al Pacino in the third Godfather movie who said, “just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!!”
When Chicago calls though, you answer the call.
Grateful to be living and working in one of the most incredible cities in the nation with the talented team at @fox32chicago. Life is a wild adventure that just keeps getting more exciting.
Oldies Preservation Society has filed its purchase of 89.5 KEWU-FM from Eastern Washington University. The deal was revised from the original $510,000 to $360,000 at closing plus four $25,000 payments, keeping the $300,000 in advertising credits. Programming shifted to “Kool 89.5” from KPKL last October.
mixed feelings on this one. KEWC-AM/FM were my very first radio experiences…1969-1970.
Happy for Bob Anthony (who, BTW was a classmate at North Central High…class of 68.
A Message from the WSAB
Brookbank • July 9, 2026
The Washington State Association of Broadcasters posted:
AM Radio ensures the public stays informed when it matters most.
The Washington State Association of Broadcasters, together with 30 other state broadcasters associations, will join the National Association of Broadcasters in DC to support the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act.
AM Radio in vehicles remains a critical source of breaking news, emergency alerts, and potentially life-saving information and we’re seeing it in real time with the Chelan Hills Fire.
We stand with broadcasters across the country to help ensure every driver has access to this essential public safety resource.
Dead Air 1130 CKWX
Brookbank • July 9, 2026
Such a loss for Vancouver/NW Washington listeners this week. On July 7, Rogers Sports & Media shut down CKWX (along with Sportsnet 650/CISL) amid declining audiences and revenue, affecting multiple stations across Canada. Local news/traffic continues on other Rogers music stations, and the CityNews website persists.
This marked the end of dedicated all-news AM radio from this historic call sign.
CKWX (1130 AM) was a long-running commercial radio station in Vancouver, BC., first aired on April 1, 1923, as CFDC in Nanaimo, BC, owned by Arthur “Sparks” Holstead (of an automotive battery/electronics business). It started with low power (10 watts, later 50 watts) on 430 metres (around 670 kHz).
In 1925, it moved to Vancouver (initially without full authorization, but reinstated due to public demand) and shared frequencies with other local stations. It adopted the CKWX call letters on August 1, 1927, with new studios (officially opened August 19). Early operations involved sharing time on frequencies like 730 kHz, with studios at locations such as the Hotel Georgia and Seymour Street. Power gradually increased, and it featured local programming, advertisers, and personalities.
Holstead formed Western Broadcasting Company Ltd. in the early 1930s. Taylor, Pearson & Carson took a stake and management in the 1940s, boosting power (to 1,000 watts by ~1940–41, then 5,000 watts by 1947) and moving the transmitter to Lulu Island (Richmond). It affiliated with the Mutual Broadcasting System and expanded news/special events coverage.
24-hour operation starting January 1, 1954.
New studios at 1275 Burrard Street in 1956.
Frequency switch to 1130 kHz on August 15, 1957 (from 980 kHz).
In 1957, with DJ Red Robinson joining, CKWX became Vancouver’s first full-time Top 40 (all-hit) station. It was a major player in the rock ‘n’ roll era, with surveys, personalities, and events like bringing Elvis Presley to Vancouver. (The Top 40 music died in 1962 for CKWX.)
In 1958, it became the first non-CBC station in Western Canada with 50,000 watts (Class A clear-channel power), enhancing its reach. In 1962, CKWX shifted toward MOR (middle-of-the-road) music with talk elements. Ownership transitioned to Selkirk Holdings (full control by 1966).
On March 7, 1973, CKWX flipped to a country music format, which it maintained for about 23 years. Studios moved to 2440 Ash Street in 1988. Ownership changed via Maclean-Hunter’s purchase of Selkirk (then to Rogers Communications).
On February 8, 1996 (at 8 a.m.), it ended country music (with Ray Price’s “For the Good Times” as the last song) and launched as News1130 (all-news/talk format), inspired by Rogers’ success with 680 News in Toronto. It focused on local news, traffic, and weather (often every 10 minutes), becoming a key source for Vancouver listeners.
The station rebranded over time (e.g., to CityNews 1130, then 1130 NewsRadio Vancouver in 2024) while maintaining its news focus. It celebrated 30 years of all-news operation in early 2026. It simulcast on CJAX-FM HD2 and maintained a strong signal across the region. Until it all ended earlier this week.
End of CKWX
Steve • July 10, 2026
It was sad to see the station shut down. There was no forewarning; it suddenly went “dark.” At least the employees at CBS Radio knew what was coming when the network was closed. This was a gesture done with atypical Canadian politeness. It is interesting to note that there are only two English language AM radio stations in Vancouver now.
Linda Kenyon moves to NPR
Jason Remington • July 9, 2026
Veteran broadcaster Linda Kenyon has joined NPR following the shutdown of CBS News Radio. She brings decades of experience in radio news to the network.
Kenyon will anchor newscasts at NPR after departing CBS News Radio where she had worked since 2020 and spent the past several years delivering national news coverage. Prior to that, she worked for Salem Radio Network and Westwood One. CBS News Radio ceased operations in May after nearly 100 years on air, resulting in the departure of its entire staff.
ABC files answer to FCC
Jason Remington • July 8, 2026
ABC (Disney) filed reply comments with the FCC on July 6, (the deadline for replies), in an ongoing proceeding about whether its daytime talk show The View qualifies as a “bona fide news interview program.” This would exempt it from the FCC’s equal opportunities (“equal time”) rules for political candidates.
ABC maintains that The View has not materially changed since the FCC granted it this exemption in 2002. It combines entertainment, interviews (including with politicians), and commentary but qualifies as news/interview programming. Denying the exemption would let the government override broadcasters’ editorial judgments on guests, violating the First Amendment.
It addresses counterpoints from public comments opposing the exemption (e.g., claims the show is “opinion-driven” or imbalanced in guests). ABC calls viewpoint-based restrictions or government-imposed “ideological quotas” unconstitutional and warns against a “surveillance regime” over content.
“C89.5” KNHC Seattle relaunched this morning as “Dance 89.5“
Jason Remington • July 7, 2026
Radio Insight reports: Nathan Hale High School Dance “C89.5” KNHC Seattle relaunched this morning as “Dance 89.5“.
The rebrand also comes with a new positioner of “Seattle’s Party Radio”, which the station states “more clearly reflects the station’s role as the soundtrack to Seattle’s dance music community”. The station says that its rebrand is part of their long-term vision to become a global leader in electronic dance music while continuing to serve the Seattle community that has been at the heart of the station since 1971. The station intends to grow its live events, artist partnerships, digital content, and listener experiences.
Rogers Layoffs Close Several Canadian Radio Stations
Jason Remington • July 7, 2026
230 job cuts – Vancouver among cities affected…
Rogers Sports and Media is shutting down its Sportsnet 650 radio station in Vancouver and Sportsnet 960 station in Calgary, as well as four other stations.
Calgary’s 660 NewsRadio is also being closed, along with Vancouver’s 1130 AM, Halifax’s 95.7 NewsRadio, and Kitchener’s 570 NewsRadio.
The company said the station closures will result in 80 employees losing their jobs. Those are among 230 total job losses at Rogers Sports and Media from these and other organizational changes announced Tuesday.
Rogers cited declining audience numbers and lower advertisement revenue for the decision.
Turning in the licenses
Jason Remington • July 7, 2026
Rogers told Broadcast Dialogue that the licenses for the six stations will be returned to the CRTC. The report notes that Vancouver Canucks hockey will move to another Rogers owned station in Vancouver, but the company will stop producing Calgary Flames games.
Dueweke on Chicago TV now
Jason Remington • July 7, 2026
LIZ DUEWEKE posts — I believe it was Al Pacino in the third Godfather movie who said, “just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!!”
When Chicago calls though, you answer the call.
Grateful to be living and working in one of the most incredible cities in the nation with the talented team at @fox32chicago. Life is a wild adventure that just keeps getting more exciting.
More details later but for now, tune in!
CNBC Oops!
Jason Remington • July 7, 2026
CNBC folks should know better. Clearly, the location of this picture is not a theme park, but actually 30 Rock in New York.
KEWU FM Is A Done Deal
Jason Remington • July 3, 2026
Oldies Preservation Society has filed its purchase of 89.5 KEWU-FM from Eastern Washington University. The deal was revised from the original $510,000 to $360,000 at closing plus four $25,000 payments, keeping the $300,000 in advertising credits. Programming shifted to “Kool 89.5” from KPKL last October.
mixed vibes...
sibulsky • July 3, 2026
mixed feelings on this one. KEWC-AM/FM were my very first radio experiences…1969-1970.
Happy for Bob Anthony (who, BTW was a classmate at North Central High…class of 68.
close paren...
sibulsky • July 3, 2026
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Honk If You Are HORNy
Jason Remington • July 3, 2026
I have no idea why these drivers were honking. Very annoying!