New Station Brings Modern Rock Radio Back To Halifax
HALIFAX—Modern rock has returned to Halifax’s radio waves with the launch of a new rock radio station.
Surge 105 officially went live July 19 at 8 a.m when it hit Halifax’s radio waves with The Black Keys song Gold On The Ceiling.
According to station manager Scott Pettigrew, the station hopes to lure listeners in the 25-45 age range with a blend of ’90s rock hits and new music. Surge hopes to build its audience by being the only station in Halifax focusing entirely on modern rock.
Listeners can expect tracks from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Arkells, The Foo Fighters, Sloan, City and Colour and others.
Pettigrew said Surge will announce its on-air team “in the near future,” but for the moment, the station is focusing on the music.
“We are anxious to hear what people think and hope they will connect via our different social media platforms,” Pettigrew said.
Surge 105 is the latest move into the Halifax market from Atlantic Canadian media company Acadia Broadcasting Limited.
In April, Acadia bought two Halifax radio stations from HFX Broadcasting: CKHY and CKHZ (better known as Hot Country 103.5).
The company has been revamping Hot Country, bringing in a new morning show and on-air talent. The launch of Surge 105 is a complete rebrand of CKHY, which was formerly Jewel 105.
Acadia Broadcasting is based in Saint John, New Brunswick and owns stations in Bridgewater, Yarmouth, Port Hawkesbury, Saint John, Moncton, St. Stephen, Thunder Bay, Dryden, Kenora and Fort Frances.
Huddle Today Limited and Acadia Broadcasting Limited are each part of the Ocean Capital Group.