CHOK

CHOK is a Canadian radio station, which broadcasts at 1070 AM in Sarnia, Ontario. The station broadcasts a country music format with the brand name Country CHOK. The station still offers local newscasts at the top of each hour and a current affairs block from 11 AM - Noon weekdays.

The station was launched in 1946 by Sarnia Broadcasting. It was acquired by IWC Communications, a corporate precursor of Standard Broadcasting, in 1970, and went through a variety of sales to local owners until being acquired by its current owner, Blackburn Radio, in 1998. Blackburn also owns both of the city's other commercial radio stations, CFGX and CHKS.

On January 12, 2007 at 6:00 AM, CHOK changed its format from news/talk and oldies, with the brand name Information Radio, to its current country format.

In April 2007, CHOK AM applied to add an FM transmitter (CHOK-1-FM) at Sarnia to broadcast at 103.3 MHz and simulcast the programing of CHOK 1070 AM, due to AM reception problems from metal and steel associated with the operations from petrochemical plants. [ [http://www.crtc.gc.ca/archive/ENG/Hearings/2007/n2007-4-1.htm CRTC Notice of Public hearing #13] April 10, 2007] . The station also has a low-power license-exempt repeater on 101.5 FM at the Sarnia Sports and Entertainment Centre.

Just recently, Points Eagle Radio Inc., a company that has no relation to CHOK AM/Blackburn Radio Inc. has applied to use the 103.3 MHz frequency to broadcast Aboriginal programing. [ [http://www.crtc.gc.ca/archive/ENG/Hearings/2007/n2007-4.htm#12 CRTC March 29th, 2007] CRTC Update: [http://www.crtc.gc.ca/archive/ENG/Hearings/2007/n2007-4-2.htm April 25th, 2007] ] . Points Eagle Radio was given approval by the CRTC to use the 103.3 FM frequency on August 7, 2007. [ [http://www.crtc.gc.ca/archive/ENG/Decisions/2007/db2007-281.htm] ]

On July 20, 2007 CHOK was given approval in part to broadcast at 100.9 MHz to serve the population of Sarnia. [ [http://www.crtc.gc.ca/archive/ENG/Decisions/2007/db2007-241.htm] ] On October 10, 2007 Blackburn Radio Inc. applied to use the frequency 103.9 MHz. [ [http://www.crtc.gc.ca/archive/ENG/Notices/2007/pb2007-113.htm#2] ]

AM 1070 progaming is enjoyed across the river in the Port Huron, MI area as well.

CHOK began testing of its 103.9 FM transmitter on June 18, 2008. On the morning of July 23, 2008, CHOK signed on as Country 103.9 FM and will continue to simulcast its signal on 1070 AM.

Old logos

References

External links

* [http://www.chok.com/ CHOK]
* [http://www.broadcasting-history.ca/listings_and_histories/radio/histories.php?id=356&historyID=144 CHOK history at Canadian Communications Foundation]
*RecnetCanada|CHOK