Akash Broadcasting has launched “Connect Winnipeg 1290 AM” on CFRW, carrying a format mixing Punjabi and English-language news, talk, and international music.
CFRW had been testing since the CRTC approved of Akash Broadcasting’s purchase of the station from Bell Media, which had taken it off the air in 2023. Social media posts from the station indicate it is changing its callsign to CJRC.
The station held an open house before its formal March 30 launch.
CBC News also covered the launch of the new format.
CFRW transmits with 10kW, using different daytime and nighttime directional patterns. It’s one of three remaining AM stations in Winnipeg.
Akash also owns radio stations in Surrey, B.C., and Edmonton, Alberta.