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TORONTO, Sept. 27, 2016 /CNW/ - Rogers Media announces today that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Tillsonburg Broadcasting Company Limited ("TBCL"), which owns the radio broadcasting licenses CJDL-FM (Country 107.3) and CKOT-FM (Easy 101).  The two brands service the greater Southwestern Ontario area - including Tillsonburg - and major centres such as London, Kitchener-Waterloo, Woodstock, and St. Thomas.  Closing of the transaction is expected to occur by early 2017, and is subject to approval from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).

"The Lamers family has built two of the strongest and most beloved radio stations in Southwestern Ontario, and I thank TBCL President John Lamers for giving Rogers the opportunity to continue building on his family's history," said Julie Adam, Senior Vice President, Rogers Radio. "Continuing to grow our presence in Southwestern Ontario is a focus for Rogers Radio, and it will be our goal to continue to serve the community and listeners in these markets with the same high level of quality programming. We are strong believers in the future of radio, and this purchase is part of our strategic plan to grow and expand our business in key markets."

John Lamers, majority shareholder and President of TBCL said he is extremely proud of the successful business that the Lamers family and all of the employees have built and that he is confident that the stations will continue to flourish under Rogers's ownership. "Our loyal audiences and advertisers will be in good hands with a company like Rogers that also has a long history and commitment to radio." 

Rounding out Rogers Radio's portfolio of assets in Southwestern Ontario, CJDL-FM and CKOT-FM will join Rogers's owned station CHST-FM (102.3 Jack FM) in London and CKGL (570 NEWS), CHYM-FM (CHYM 96.7), and CIKZ-FM (Country 106.7) in Kitchener. Rogers Radio currently owns 51 AM and FM radio stations across Canada, reaching listeners from coast-to-coast with an unparalleled mix of news and entertainment content. Along with the current team, part-owner and General Manager Carolyn Lamers will remain with the stations to assist with the transition of ownership and contribute to future growth.

About Rogers Media
Rogers Media Inc., a division of Rogers Communications (TSX: RCI; NYSE: RCI), is a diversified leading Canadian media company that engages in television and radio broadcasting, publishing, digital, and sports entertainment. Rogers Broadcasting has 51 AM and FM radio stations across Canada; television properties include seven City stations, four OMNI multicultural television stations, Sportsnet (consisting of four regional channels and the nationally-distributed Sportsnet ONE, Sportsnet World, and Sportsnet 360), and The Shopping Channel, a televised and internet shopping service.  Rogers Publishing produces many well-known consumer and online magazines, such as Maclean's, Chatelaine, L'actualité, Canadian Business, and is the leading publisher of a number of industry, medical and financial publications. Rogers Media's suite of digital assets includes 90+ owned and 300+ premium partnership sites. Rogers Media Inc. owns Rogers Centre stadium, a year-round sports and entertainment facility, and the Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club.

About Tillsonburg Broadcasting Company Limited
TBCL is the licensee of FM radio stations CJDL-FM 107.3 ("CJDL") and CKOT-FM 101.3 ("CKOT"), operating out of studios in Tillsonburg, Ontario. Owned and operated by the Lamers family, TBCL has been serving the large Southwestern Ontario radio broadcast market for over 60 years and is among one of the few remaining family-owned and operated commercial radio stations in Ontario.

SOURCE Rogers Media