Too bad they had to change already.  Now they're playing classic alternative from the 80's and 90's and some from the past couple of years as well.  Because I can't hear new music anymore I won't be listening to them as much.  

I suppose the Adult Alternative format will never do well in Canada.  

Any broad-based, music format can do exceptionally well - in Canada or anywhere else - so long as what surrounds the music is also entertaining, informative, compelling and interesting.

That has always been the challenge and it will continue to be the challenge.

Most Radio-people, however, have forgotten that and behave as if their only option is to play with the Music. (It's really tough taking slap-shots in a phone-booth.)

Listened for a couple of hours the other night.  Music mix was really good.  Very familiar.

I like AAA and the whole discovery of new artists, but combine the challenges of being a new station (the old 'you mean there's a station at that frequency')  with unfamiliar music, and it's a steep uphill (money-losing) battle.

Has a very similar feel to what CTVGlobemedia has launched in Kingston with 'The Drive'.

I like this because to me it goes hand in hand with X92.9, they play new rock and fuel plays the older alternative songs

Umm, Newcap didn't have a specialty licence for Fuel.  They could've launched any mainstream format they wanted to.  I know of a station in the maritimes that got a licence for AC and launced as Classic Rock.  No crying about not working needed or getting around red tape either.  Nice try though.

Commission’s analysis and determinations

17.  The Commission considers that the Triple A format to be offered by Newcap would introduce a new commercial radio format to Canada, adding an important element of musical diversity to the Calgary radio market that would appeal to listeners aged 18 to 44. The Commission is of the view that the diversity inherent in the format would lead to on-air exposure for artists that receive little or no airplay by radio stations that offer more mainstream formats. As well, the Commission considers that this eclectic format, although targeted to a broad demographic group, would have a minimal impact on existing commercial radio stations offering more mainstream formats. The Commission further notes that the proposed Newcap station would provide significant exposure for Canadian artists through the applicant’s commitment to ensure that at least 40% of all musical selections from content category 2 (Popular Music) played both during each broadcast week and between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday to Friday are Canadian selections. The Commission also notes Newcap’s commitment to devote $7 million to CTD over seven consecutive broadcast years upon commencement of operations, including $3.85 million to be spent locally. Finally, the Commission considers that approval of the Newcap application would address a competitive imbalance in the Calgary radio market, given that Newcap currently competes as a standalone operator against Corus, Rogers Broadcasting Limited and Standard Radio Inc., all of which operate multiple radio stations in the market.

Interventions
12.  Corus, licensee of three existing commercial radio stations serving Calgary, recommended that any of the applicants in this proceeding that receives a licence to serve the Calgary market should make a commitment to maintain its proposed format throughout its first term of licence.

Applicant’s reply
14. Newcap did not reply to the interventions by Ms. Moffatt, Corus and Corinna Summersgill.  


Commission’s analysis and determinations
23.  The Commission does not consider that it is appropriate to impose a condition of licence requiring the applicant to maintain its program format throughout the first licence term, as suggested by Corus.


http://www.crtc.gc.ca/archive/ENG/Decisions/2006/db2006-323.htm

Is it really necessary for a city to have four radio stations to have the ability to play Pearl Jam?  CJAY, X92.9, Fuel and I would imagine Q107 might play them once in a while as I have heard them play the Tragically Hip from time to time.  I'm not sure this is the answer for Newcap.

Who knows whats going to happen March 1st when California 103 gets its demise.  Will see what format they go to.  NewCap  has to do something with both there stations in the bottom 5 last BBM survey.

Hey, I love AAA as much as the next guy (SBux XM Cafe is a personal fave).  However I also can understand that it's a tough format to get going.  And the fact is some tunes might even be spun for the first time since they were last heard on (gasp!) Mix 1060.

Fuel goes alt.  California will pick up some of the format hole left by Fuel with their relaunch, unless they go country.  That's a lot of "rock" stations for one market.

NewCap are weasels. It's a classic bait 'n switch with the commission. The CRTC would never have OKed Fuel as Classic Alternative.

Quoted from Raydeeo

NewCap are weasels. It's a classic bait 'n switch with the commission. The CRTC would never have OKed Fuel as Classic Alternative.

You don't know that.  

The fact is licensees in Category 2 change format all the time.  Or should they be forced to 'tough it out' - even if it means bleeding the operation dry and running with no air staff?  I don't think so... it's time for less regulation in this business instead of more.

Amen Canuckkid!  While Raydeeo would like to think there was some sort of manipulative plan in the works to put one over on the poor CRTC and the people of Calgary, the fact is that's simply not true.  Besides there's still some pretty newish stuff on the station still.

I was driving around the backwoods one afternoon and forgot my iPod cable... so I had to listen to satalite and found the Sirius Classic Alt. station and I must say... musically, it was pretty good.  They hit an REM, Cure, U2 track every hour then lots of neat gems that fit in between... but like PAVE said... you need some decent jocks.  It is something that I have always disliked about Sirius, the jocks (if they have any) are terrible.

You could do lots of fun stuff on a classic alt. station to keep the songs sounding fresh and if it was MY alt. station, I'd still factor in some new.  you'd have to... or you'd be changing format again pretty soon.

Basically... out out manouver X for the higher end (older) listeners and try to settle in behind CJAY.  You probably won't beat CJAY for many years unless you went big tent rock... so instead of more listers, get better listeners.  Hire a morning show person you can live with and settle down.  One day something will happen at CJAY and their morning team will retire or whatever and then you have an openning.

It's a great format and was tried several years ago across the States.  I remember being hooked on one from Minneapolis years ago, think it was what is now Cities 97.  Forget the handle.  There was a great one in Salt Lake City as well.  It sorta died as a format.