Longtime Edmonton radio station 630 CHED is getting a new home — on the AM dial, that is. The station, which has been a news-talk-sports fixture for more than three decades, will hop to the 880 slot formerly occupied by Global News 880.
“The station’s bags are packed, and it’s moving up the dial with the Edmonton Oilers, Edmonton Elks, and the same great lineup of radio hosts,” said Andrew Murdoch, manager, talk and talent, at CHED in a Wednesday statement. “This further solidifies our commitment to providing Edmonton’s best talk, news and sports programming and we are excited to reach new listeners with this improved signal coverage.”
A press release from Corus said the move, which takes effect Oct. 9, will provide “better city coverage and an upgraded listening experience,” but will continue the current lineup of shows, featuring:
- This Morning with Stacey Brotzel – 5:30 to 9 a.m.
- Shaye Ganam – 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Midday with Courtney Theriault – 12 to 2 p.m.
- Afternoons with Bryn Griffiths – 2 to 5 p.m.
- Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer – 5 to 7 p.m.
- Inside Sports – 7 to 8 p.m.
CHED will continue to be the radio home for Edmonton Oilers’ broadcasts, Corus said in the release. This means that Oilers fans can continue to listen to their favorite team's games on 880 AM, along with all the pre-game and post-game analysis they've come to expect from CHED.
The change in frequency is due to Corus's decision to sell the land where the 630 CHED transmitter is located. The company has been broadcasting CHED content on both 630 AM and 880 AM since June, but the 880 signal is expected to provide better coverage in the Edmonton area.
Why the Move to 880 AM?
Corus has stated that the move to 880 AM will provide better city coverage and an upgraded listening experience for listeners. This is because the 880 frequency has a stronger signal than 630, meaning that listeners will be able to hear the station more clearly in more areas of the city. The station's programming will continue to include Edmonton Oilers hockey, Edmonton Elks football, and the same great lineup of radio hosts, so listeners can expect the same high-quality content they've always enjoyed.
The move to 880 AM is also a strategic one for Corus. The company is looking to streamline its radio operations in Edmonton, and by consolidating its programming onto a single frequency, it can reduce costs and improve efficiency. In addition, by moving to a stronger signal, Corus can reach a wider audience and potentially attract new listeners.
What Happens to 630 AM?
The 630 AM frequency is expected to return to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), which regulates Canadian broadcasting. The CRTC will then be able to assign the frequency to a new broadcaster, or it could remain vacant.
What This Means for Listeners
For listeners of 630 CHED, the move to 880 AM will mean a few things. First, they'll need to reprogram their radios to the new frequency. However, the station's programming and hosts will remain the same, so there won't be any major changes to what listeners hear. In fact, with a stronger signal, listeners may be able to hear the station more clearly than they could before.
The Future of Radio
The move of 630 CHED to 880 AM is just the latest example of how the radio industry is changing. With the rise of streaming services, many listeners are no longer tuning in to traditional radio stations. This has led to some stations struggling to maintain their audience, and many have been forced to make changes in order to stay afloat.
While some might see the move of 630 CHED as a sign of the times, others are optimistic about the future of radio. Many believe that radio still has a place in today's media landscape, and that stations that are able to adapt to changing trends will be successful. 630 CHED has been a fixture in Edmonton for decades, and its move to 880 AM shows that it is committed to remaining relevant in the modern media environment.
A New Home, A New Era
The move of 630 CHED to 880 AM is a significant event for the Edmonton radio market. It marks the end of an era for 630 AM, but also signals the beginning of a new chapter for the station. While the frequency may be changing, the station's commitment to providing quality news, talk, and sports programming remains the same. 880 CHED will continue to be a vital part of the Edmonton community, and its new home on the AM dial will allow it to reach a wider audience than ever before. The future of radio is still being written, but 880 CHED is ready to embrace the next chapter and continue to provide its listeners with the high-quality content they've come to expect.
