Listen Live
HomeNews99.7 THE RIVER returns

99.7 THE RIVER returns

The namesake of the city of Campbell River has returned to the radio airwaves. THE RIVER, the only radio station north of Nanaimo playing all of today’s hottest new music, is back on the dial at 99.7 FM.

In nature, a river forges its path by a constant and driving force creating a direction and flow. This River has a similar strong story that’s nearly six decades old.

First launching close to 60 years ago, Campbell River’s radio station was on the AM frequency of 1490AM CFWB.

In 2008, the broadcast owner of the radio station, Vista Radio, successfully applied to bring its station to the current FM frequency 99.7 and rebranded it as The River with the new call letters CIQC. For several years, locals listened to the cool, deep and current adult contemporary music of the 2000s.

Then in 2014, the current changed once more and Vista Radio’s national hit music brand 2DAYFM was introduced to the area.

Today, the River has found a new course. Now a new yet familiar brand with the momentum of past currents is driving the city and its radio station forward.

“The return of The River is not only a return of a Campbell River legacy but a validation of supply and demand. Your ears demanded it… we’ll fill them back up with your favourites,” General Manager Robin Ram says.

Listeners will hear JT to TLC, 2Pac to Maroon 5, and Alicia Keys to Black Eyed Peas, as well as more classics from Prince, Madonna, Eminem, Janet Jackson and the Backstreet Boys.

But Program Director Mark Tucker says there’s another ‘very significant’ return to the city. Morning Host Rickie Tyler has returned to the Campbell River airwaves.

“Not only are we bringing back Campbell River’s original radio station, but we’re extremely happy to bring back the name and voice of the original too. Rickie Tyler is back hosting ‘The River Morning Catch’ weekdays from 6:00 am to 10:00 am. Rickie’s ties to this community go back years and her love of this city has brought her back home to The River,” Tucker says.

And while there’s a lot new at 99.7 The River, what remains consistent is the team’s approach to community connection.

That said, the Knights of Columbus Christmas Hamper that helps over 1100 Campbell River families have a brighter Christmas will continue, along with other initiatives like the “When Pigs Fly Radiothon.” This past June, the radiothon raised over $67,000 in 12 hours to support The Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island build Qwalayu House – Campbell River’s new home away from home.

“Above all, our radio stations and web portals reflect the community. We are not only the voice of the city, but we’re the ears. We listen to what our town and cities want and we deliver it back through information, entertainment, and great music,” adds Vista Radio President Bryan Edwards. “I am so proud of our team continuing this commitment and we look forward to many years of 99.7 The River being Campbell River’s radio station.”

- Advertisement -
- Advertisment -
- Advertisment -
- Advertisement -