CJZZ Takes Flight in Winnipeg

jazz, news, Canada

There’s a New Kid on the Jazz Radio Block

Winnipeg’s sole radio station dedicated to jazz has officially changed its name and ownership while retaining its former sound. 99.1 Cool FM was officially handed over to it’s new owner Corus Entertainment on Sunday, who will rename the station to CJZZ.

The CJZZ format will remain the same as its predecessor, featuring ‘easy listening jazz’, and will continue to sponsor live jazz in the Canadian city, including the Jazz Winnipeg Festival.

Corus purchased the station along with Kitchener, Ontario station CKBT from CanWest Media Works for $14.5 million in October of last year, but the CRTC approval has only recently occurred. The approval has initiated the branding change, which will take place over the next three months, and new name of CJZZ.

The conglomerate plans to move the station to new headquarters where it will join fellow Winnipeg Corus stations CJOB and Power 97.

Cool FM was launched in February 2003 by media giant and jazz fan Izzy Asper, and has been a valued component of the Winnipeg jazz scene.