One of the hallmarks of a true museum is collecting rare artifacts of things that no longer exist. Such is the case with some radio stations, such as this one. AM 960 in Kingston, Ontario, Canada went off the air for good on January 15, 2008. The call letters at the time were CFFX. The station did not go away, instead, the Canadian government allowed it to move to FM.
This goes back to 1971 and there are a few noteworthy things about it. First, there had to be a small-market sounding station like this in nearly every medium sized city in North America at one time in the 70s. This is very local… a couple of agency ads, a few local rip-and-read commercials and a morning jock with a good voice, but sounding like he’s just getting through the commercial log, getting songs and PSAs (Public Service Announcements) and such. Its also worth noting, how much Canadian music is being played. There was only time in this to hear 3 parts of songs, but they are all Canadian artists, none are recognizable hits from an American point of view. Our Canadian friends may remember the songs right off.
The jingles have a familiar ring to them, not sure what jingle company sang them but they sound much like versions of WNBC New York’s 70s jingle package. Do any of you know?
I would consider this aircheck, ‘typical’ of how many AM stations sounded during the 1970s.
1974.
Just went by the date on the tape.
Canadian songs are Alberta Bound-Gordon Lightfoot and Jubilation-Paul Anka
kingston has no more am stations 96 ws is now on fm as 1043 fresh fm and cklc 1380 is now 989 the drive alternative music they both battled it out for ratings back in the day dont know who won though…..
Canadian stations were,and I believe,still are…required to play 30% Canadian content..tho,now,iwith the amount of great musical talent in Canada,the law is unnecessary.
Hello there, this particular air check is my dad Gary Mercer. I stumbled on this post by accident,does anyone know if there are anymore like this from CKWS in Kingston from that era? I would love to be able to hear them. Can anyone direct me to any archives? Thanks,Kat (Mercer) Durant
Hi Kat, I possess some of the archive information you may be looking for. David.
Hi Kat, I may have some of the archival info. you are looking for. David.