CFEX-FM

On August 2, Harvard Broadcasting Inc. was licensed to operate a new FM station in Calgary. It would broadcast on a frequency of 92.9 MHz with an average effective radiated power of 45,000 watts (100,000 watts maximum). Antenna height would be 160.3 metres. The CTV/Rogers television tower would be used (CTV owns the building and tower while Rogers owns the antenna and combiner). Harvard was controlled by Frederick W. Hill and owned stations in Saskatchewan. Harvard proposed to operate the new station with an Alternative Rock format designed to appeal to listeners between 12 and 34 years of age, with a core audience of males between 12 and 24.

CFEX-FM “X 92.9” signed on the air December 31 with an all ages New Year’s Eve party. The EX in the call sign represented Extreme FM.

Official first day of broadcasting was January 1. Studios and offices were located at 200, 6940 Fisher Road S. E.

The full format (Alternative New Rock aimed at males 18-34), complete with announcers, was in operation on January 8.

On August 20, CFEX-FM moved to new studios and offices at 255 17th Avenue S. W. (Suite 400).

On October 6th, CFEX-FM received permission to relocate its transmitter and antenna. When the station was licensed, it was to broadcast from a transmitter site owned by CTVglobemedia and Rogers. However, CHUM also received a licence for a Calgary FM station in 2006, so the antenna site became unavailable upon CTVglobemedia’s acquisition of CHUM. Harvard then reached agreement with Global Television to replace the existing Global tower in Calgary with a new one, which would serve as the permanent location for CFEX-FM’s transmitter. Antenna height would increase from 160.3 metres to 342.2 metres.

Christian Hall, operations manager and program director at X92.9 added the responsibility of national program manager for Harvard Broadcasting’s radio stations. Seth Armstrong joined X929 from Ottawa radio, as of July 31st.

In addition to his General Sales Manager responsibilities at X92.9 Calgary, Gary Brasil became National Sales Manager for the Harvard Broadcasting group.

In the fall, Marcello Palombi joined X929 to be the weekend/overnight swing announcer. He had been with Toronto’s Z103.5 (CIDC).

Steve Ravenhill, formerly of Harvard’s Calgary station, X92.9, was hired as the General Sales Manager at Newcap’s XL103/90.3 AMP Calgary.

Chad Armstrong was the new Retail Sales Manager at X92.9 FM. He moved across the street from Vibe 98.5 to succeed Steve Ravenhill who moved across the street to join Newcap Radio Calgary.

It was announced that Carmen Cruz would join the X929 (CFEX) morning team (with Fraser Tuff and Roger Kingkade) as newscaster and co-host as of July 18. Candice Knihnitski joined Q107 as a producer/announcer on Kim Mitchell’s show. She had been a morning show co-host at X92.9 Calgary.

The CRTC approved the change to the effective control of Harvard Broadcasting Inc. from Frederick W. Hill to Paul J. Hill following the death of Frederick W. Hill in July 2008. Harvard was the licensee of radio stations and the parent company of two other licensees of radio stations in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Ashley McCartney joined X92.9 as promotions coordinator. She moved from up! 97.7 Calgary where she was the sales, marketing and promotions assistant.