 | |
| Broadcast area | Edmonton Metropolitan Region |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 107.1MHz |
| Branding | Play 107 |
| Programming | |
| Format | Rhythmic adult contemporary |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | Harvard Media |
| CKEA-FM | |
| History | |
First air date | October 6,2009 |
Former call signs | CJNW-FM (2009–2019) |
Call sign meaning | CK PoWer (former branding) |
| Technical information | |
| Class | C |
| ERP | vertical polarization: 9,600watts horizontal polarization: 40,000 watts |
| HAAT | 272 meters (892 ft) |
Transmitter coordinates | 53°31′54.7″N113°46′52.2″W / 53.531861°N 113.781167°W /53.531861; -113.781167 |
| Links | |
| Webcast | Listen Live |
| Website | play107.com |
CKPW-FM (107.1MHz,Play 107) is aradio station inEdmonton, Alberta. Owned byHarvard Media, it broadcasts arhythmic adult contemporary format. Its studios are located on theCalgary Trail, while its transmitter is located inAcheson.
On October 17, 2008, the CRTC approved an application by John Charles Yerxa for a newFM radio station in Edmonton, which would feature a "diverse" format of new popular music aimed towards teens and young adult demographics.CJNW-FM started testing on September 16, 2009 (under the working titleNew 107 FM), and officially launched on October 6, 2009 asrhythmic contemporaryHot 107 FM.[1][2] John Yerxa is the son of Hal Yerxa, a former broadcaster atCFCA-FM, and was the only local station owner in Edmonton.[3]
On December 21, 2011, the CRTC approved the sale of CJNW-FM from Yerxa toHarvard Broadcasting ofRegina, Saskatchewan, making it a sister station toCKEA-FM. Yerxa cited health issues as a factor in the sale.[4]
On August 15, 2019, the station flipped to arhythmic adult contemporary format (promoted by Harvard Media as "rhythmicclassic hits") format asPower 107. The new format focuses mainly onpop,rhythmic, andpop rock hits from the 1990s and 2000s, along with some recurrents.[5][6] The station changed its call letters toCKPW-FM to match the new branding.
The "Power" brand was formerly used byCKNG-FM during their run as aTop 40 station from 1991 through 2004. This prompted that station's current ownerCorus Entertainment to file a trademark lawsuit against Harvard in October 2019, alleging that CKPW's branding and imaging was deliberately intended totrade upon the goodwill of the "Power" brand, including use of a similarly-designed black and white logo, and use of a nearly-identical catchphrase for its "phrase that pays" promotion. Corus previously held trademarks on the names "Power 92" and "Power 107" (the latter forCFGQ-FM in Calgary), but they expired in 2015 due to non-renewal. It continues to hold a trademark on the previous "Power" logo, which was renewed through 2033.[7]
On November 18, 2019, a Calgary court approved an injunction by Corus Entertainment, ordering Harvard to cease using the "Power" name or any variation of it. Harvard stated that it would not attempt to continue pursuing the matter in court, and planned to seek suggestions for a new name from listeners (who would also be entered in a contest to win $1,007).[8][9] CKPW rebranded asPlay 107.1 on December 20, 2019.[10]
In theNumeris November 2019—February 2020 report, CKPW held a 3.1 audience share,[11] increasing to 4.3 in the spring report.[citation needed] In September 2020, Harvard would extend the "Play" format to Regina sister stationCHMX-FM.[12]