For years, radio stations in Canada have been abandoning the AM dial for FM, especially in big cities where the FM signal is far more reliable.  Saskatchewan was slower to respond principally because our population was not as urbanized but the trend to FM is now being reflected here.  Proof of that is the launch of new FM frequencies in the last 2-3 months in Regina with Big Dog 92.7 and Missinipi Broadcasting (MBC), Mix 103 in Moose Jaw and Wired 96.3 in Saskatoon.

Another factor propelling broadcasters in this direction besides the sound quality is the youth market.  According to this recent article in the Globe and Mail, 80% of all people under age 54 do not listen to AM.  In Saskatoon, Wired 96.3 is targeting its music at teens and the 18 to 34 year group.  Its manager, Carley Caverly, says “it is the only radio station in Saskatchewan with this kind of music format.”

So popular is FM there is little space left on the dial in some cities for additional frequencies.  In some cities such as Thunder Bay, Ontario there are no local AM stations.  In Saskatchewan, we have seen two mighty AM stations: CFQC Saskatoon and CKCK Regina come and go. Even the once formidable signal strength of CBK 540 has eroded in some cities.  Thus, CBC received regulatory approval to broadcast Radio One on FM in Regina and Saskatoon markets in addition to its AM signal.

According to the Globe and Mail, the switch to FM has also proven profitable.  The latest figures show that commerical AM stations netted an average of 118 thousand a year while FM stations averaged 659 thousand dollars per year. How long those numbers hold up is anyone’s guess with the growth of satellite and Internet radio including Saskatoon-based Jazz Avenue.