Astral's upstart is now testing in Regina.  Testing at 92.7 FM.

Call letters are supposedly CHBD-FM.

Astral has a 'Big Dog' station in Nova Scotia -- playing Variety Hits.

And... SRI has registered bigdog927.ca

Hmmm... maybe there won't be any boot scootin' boogying going on in the Queen City after all....?  

I think a "big dog" could be a country station. Plus, they're playing country music right now in test. Why would they piss a bunch of listeners off and then switch format at the last minute?

If it's a country station it will be "Big Dawg... y'all"

Just because they're testing with country really doesn't mean anything...  and they could plead the fact that there is an incumbent country FM in the market (Country 100 Moose Jaw) and that the opportunity exists to fill a format hole before Golden West does with their 3rd license in Moose Jaw (which is supposed to be A/C, but knowing GW, it'll likely be a gold based variety hits leaning hot AC...)

A buddy in Regina told me that there was an ad in the paper today touting that there's a "New Dog in Town".

Big Dog is coming it looks like.  

And looking at the staff already hired (Facebook, here, friends, etc), Astral will be doing nothing but country.

They're advertising a launch party on Feb 20 with Aaron Pritchett. Case closed.

Looks like they're live.  Regina's True Country - Big Dog 92.7.  (www.bigdog927.com)

Can someone please explain Big Dog, is it a shot at CKRM?  If so why would you build a new brand on that?

Two of the same in less than 2 months:

http://www.1035bigdog.com/

Astral should'a bought/leased Newcap's logo.  It's more scheek.

I don't think it's a shot at CKRM... but Astral already has a 'Big Dog' in their chain, and it kinda is a bit different in the market.  

What I think more of a shot at the folks on Rose Street is the slogan - 'Regina's True Country'... and even in their sign on, they talk about being music-centric (which CKRM - littered with sports play by play, tradio, and farm news - clearly isn't.)

The station sounds great so far... nice imaging, great blend of music.  Hats off to the folks at Astral for bringing something different to the dial!

Sorry, to me it sounds like every other country station out there.  Nashville steel guitar jingles and a deep slow imaging voice with bad effect on it.  Is it the same guy they use on Big Earl?

I think Country radio is in need of a make over.  Why do you have to be a hick to listen?

Have you checked out The Bull in Saskatoon?  They seem to be trying a few new things.  Haven't checked in much to see if it's working or not, but nice to see an effort.

Listened to Big Dog's launch audio.  One word.  Long.  But thankfully, no speeches by the GM or Owner!

Quoted from Radiodood

Two of the same in less than 2 months

With Paul O'Neil on staff at both of them.  He should get a tattoo.

Quoted from thatotherguy

Have you checked out The Bull in Saskatoon?  They seem to be trying a few new things.  Haven't checked in much to see if it's working or not, but nice to see an effort.

Listened to Big Dog's launch audio.  One word.  Long.  But thankfully, no speeches by the GM or Owner!

check out http://www.929thebullrocks.com

Nice work.