CJCW-AM

CJCW-AM, Favourites 590, Sussex

Maritime Broadcasting System Ltd.

StationYearFreq.PowerOwner/Info
CJCW-AM19865901,000Maritime Broadcasting System
CJCW-AM1975590250Eastern Broadcasting Ltd.

1974

On November 8, Island Radio Co. Ltd. was given approval to operate a new AM station at Sussex on 590 kHz with power of 500 watts day and 250 watts night (directional). 44 hours of programming each week would be locally produced. Overnight programming (1:00 to 6:00 a.m.) would originate with co-owned CKCW Moncton. Island Radio was owned by Jack Schoone & J. Irving Zucker’s Eastern Broadcasting Co. Ltd.

1975

CJCW 590 signed on the air in June. 

John Bulger was the station’s first news director. Sandy Gillis was manager, program director and morning man.

Undated

Island Radio Co. Ltd. became The Island Broadcasting Co. Ltd.

1978

On April 7, The Island Broadcasting Co. Ltd. was authorized to increase CJCW’s daytime power from 500 watts to 1,000 watts. Night power would remain at 250 watts. The approval came with the proviso that CJCW would relinquish its right to interference protection in Nova Scotia should CKCL 600 at Truro, increase its power in the future.

On November 17, President Jack W. Schoone, on behalf of three companies to be incorporated, was given approval to reorganize the Eastern Broadcasting Co. group of stations – CFCY Charlottetown, CKCW and CFQM-FM Moncton, CJCW Sussex and CFAN Newcastle. The Charlottetown, Moncton and Sussex stations had operated under the name, Island Radio Broadcasting Ltd. CFAN was transferred from Eastern to CFAN Broadcasting Co. Ltd. 

1980

Sandy Gillis left CJCW for CKCW Moncton.

1986

On December 3, the CRTC approved the sale of 90% of Eastern Broadcasting Co. Ltd. (nine stations, including CJCW) through the transfer of 84% of its issued shares to Maritime Broadcasting Co. Ltd., (wholly owned by Maclean-Hunter Ltd.). The managers of the individual stations would hold a 6% interest in their respective operations and Jack Schoone would hold 10%. Eastern had been equally owned by J. Irving Zucker and Jack Schoone. Schoone would become president of Maritime, as well as of Eastern.

1994

Following the purchase of Maclean-Hunter Ltd. by Rogers Communications, Maritime Broadcasting was sold to Maritime’s President, Mervyn Russell, along with Robert Pace and J. Gerald Godsoe.

2000

After simulcasting CKCW Moncton during nights, overnights and weekends, CJCW switched to local full-time programming as “Favourites 590”.

2008

On August 25 the CRTC renewed CJCW’s licence until August 31, 2015. 

2009

Joey Arsenault left CJCW’s morning show after two years with Maritime Broadcasting System. He was headed to CJFX-FM Antigonish to take over duties as music director and afternoon drive host, starting December 10. 

The story continues elsewhere…
Effective September 1st 2019, we will only be adding new material to these station histories in exceptional circumstances. Our intent to chronicle the early days of these radio and television stations has been achieved, and many new sources and technologies, from the CRTC website to Wikipedia, and others, are now regularly providing new information in these areas.

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