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June 19 at K'omoks First Nation Band Hall

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News

Comox Valley radio gets bigger, more local

Monday, April 23, 2012 - 9:56 PM
By Jennifer Faerber
Courtenay

Local radio station 98.9 Jet FM is about to become part of a much bigger operation.

Vista Radio Group, which already holds 38 licences serving 50 communities across British Columbia, Alberta and the Northwest Territories, has on Monday announced its acquisition of Haliburton Broadcasting Ltd.

Haliburton operates 24 stations across Ontario including Timmins, Niagara and the Muskoka Cottage country.

"Christopher Grossman founded Haliburton Broadcasting in 1997 and has built it into an impressive group of stations, which are well managed and committed to serving their communities with creative, local content, much like we do at Vista," said Vista President and CEO, Margot Micallef.

"We are honoured that Christopher chose Vista as the company who will continue his legacy in these markets and we take seriously the responsibility that that entails."

Micallef says expanding the business will actually result in stronger local broadcasting.

“We tend to operate more like a franchise where we provide corporate support but the execution is all done locally. That’s good for local business and local jobs," stated Micallef, adding Vista's focus on quality local news and information will only be enhanced.

"We’re committed to growth, training and development of our journalists, so providing more opportunities to them, will attract more people to us. Having more good employees will allow us to keep radio more local.”

With the help of new investor Westerkirk Capital, the founding shareholders say they're committed to continue building Vista Radio into Canada's leading independent radio operator.

“Expanding the Vista brand across Canada enhances our commitment to local radio," explained Micallef. "We believe in making a difference in the communities that we serve because it aligns with our desire to make a difference in the world, period.”