Corus Entertainment has transitioned Winnipeg heritage Rocker “Power 97” (CJKR-FM/97.5) from mainstream Rock to Alternative Classics.
The new “Iconic Alternative” format debuted Tuesday, Oct. 8.
Billed as “the greatest New Wave, Grunge, and Classic Alternative hits,” a news release lists core artists as Foo Fighters, Tears For Fears, Green Day, Florence and the Machine, U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Talking Heads, The Cure, David Bowie, The Killers, Blondie, Stone Temple Pilots. The launch day playlist also includes an occasional electronic hit, including tracks from Fatboy Slim and the Eurythmics.
The heritage station was previously positioned as “Winnipeg’s Rock Station.” It has been known as “Power 97” for decades except for a brief stint as “Big FM” in 2015 and 2016.
The station’s existing airstaff remains mostly intact, though RadioInsight notes that former morning co-hist Vicki Shae has moved to afternoons on sister station “Country 99” (CFPG-FM/99.1).
“Power 97” will continue to be the FM home of the Winnipeg Jets. It will also air Alan Cross’ syndicated “The Ongoing History of New Music.”