Whiteoaks Communications Group is investing in the future of radio by expanding into FM-HD, introducing new distribution channels through its 102.9 signal to extend access into Hamilton and surrounding markets.
The phased rollout is part of a broader multi-platform strategy, supporting multiple brands with new access points alongside streaming, mobile apps, and third-party platforms including iHeartRadio and TuneIn. The move reflects a broader operational focus on scale, accessibility, and audience-first distribution as in-car technology evolves.
“Listener habits are shifting faster than the industry is adapting, and we’re building for what comes next,” said Matthew Caine, President of Whiteoaks Communications Group. “We’ve made a significant investment in FM-HD and digital audio to broaden how our content is delivered and discovered. This is about long-term growth while continuing to lead with trusted local programming that defines our brands.”
The rollout will be implemented in phases, with individual station launches to follow.
JOY Radio will debut on 102.9 FM-HD3 on June 1, marking the next step in its transition toward a more digital-first experience. It is a strategic shift that offers improved audio quality and audience accessibility.
“We’re focused on building a listening experience that fits into people’s lives today,” said Hollie Taylor, Station Manager & Program Director of JOY Radio. “Growing with our audience across digital platforms is about supporting our listener’s faith journey and creating space for God to speak into their lives.”
610 CKTB will officially join 102.9 FM-HD2 on July 2, extending its local coverage into Hamilton. The move introduces a trusted local news voice into a market that has lacked dedicated radio news coverage since 2024, while maintaining CKTB’s trusted presence in Niagara Falls and St. Catharines since the 1930s.
“Expanding into Hamilton is a natural next step for CKTB,” said Lisa Vinc, Program Director of 610 CKTB. “FM-HD allows us to grow our reach and deliver local news to more communities, while continuing to serve the audience that relies on us every day.”
Whiteoaks’ investment comes at a pivotal moment for the Canadian broadcast industry, as regulatory changes, shifting audience behaviour, cultural sovereignty, and evolving technology reshape the landscape. The company’s approach is a commitment to combining trusted local content with modern distribution, ensuring its brands remain accessible, relevant, and positioned for continued growth.
Additional announcements related to Whiteoaks’ broader platform strategy, including plans for CJMR 1320, will be shared in the coming weeks.
About Whiteoaks Communications Group
Whiteoaks Communications Group is a media company focused on radio, digital audio, and creative services. The company operates a portfolio of brands, combining local programming, strategic thinking, and multi-platform distribution to connect audiences with content that informs, entertains, and engages.
About JOY Radio
JOY Radio is a Christian music and talk station serving the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area. The station offers a blend of uplifting music, faith-based programming, and spiritual conversation, designed to support listeners in their everyday lives through a consistent and accessible audio experience.
About 610 CKTB
610 CKTB is the region’s trusted source for local news, talk, and information. The station delivers daily coverage of the stories that matter most to its community, with a focus on local issues, civic engagement, and real-time reporting across radio and digital platforms.
