Council backs CKNX transition from AM to FM

At a recent Clinton council meeting, members voiced their support for an upcoming application to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) that would allow local radio station CKNX to transition from the AM dial to the FM dial.

CKNX has served Midwestern Ontario for nearly 100 years, providing residents with local news, emergency alerts, agricultural reporting, and community-focused programming. For many rural communities across the region, the station continues to be a reliable and accessible source of important local information.

Mayor Jim Ginn confirmed council had received a request from the station seeking a letter of support for the proposed change. “I did get a request from CKNX for a letter of support. They’re wanting to change from AM to FM,” Ginn said, noting staff had prepared a letter for council’s acceptance. “I thought it was pretty much a no-brainer.”

However, Deputy Mayor Marg Anderson raised concerns regarding the transition, particularly as it relates to agricultural programming.

“They have totally different broadcasts on AM than they do FM,” Anderson said. “I have spoken to a couple of farmers and people in the agricultural business regarding this, and their concern is that when they drop AM, that drops all the markets, a lot of the agricultural advertising, and agricultural information.” Anderson noted that given the county’s strong agricultural presence, it is important to ensure that key market and farming information would continue to be available following the transition.

Ginn responded that it was his understanding the programming would remain unchanged.

Councillor Michael Russo added that the transition could potentially expand the station’s reach. “The AM band is very narrow and very selective in its target reach,” Russo said. “The FM band allows them to go onto internet radio. So, if anything, they’re going to actually triple or quadruple their listening ability if they go into the FM band and leave the program the same.”

The transition confirms CKNX’s move to the FM dial and support the long-term sustainability of local broadcasting in the region.