After being forced by the CRTC to drop its simulcast of News/Talk “QR 77” CHQR, Corus Entertainment has launched Classic Alternative “107.3 The Edge” on CFGQ-FM Calgary at 7am today.

Positioning as “Iconic Alternative”, the new branding and logo matches that of sister “102.1 The Edge” CFNY-FM Toronto and is promoting a mix of New Wave, Grunge and Classic Alternative from artists including the Foo Fighters, Tears For Fears, Green Day, Florence and the Machine, U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Talking Heads, The Cure, David Bowie, The Killers, Blondie, Stone Temple Pilots.

Corus Regional Program Director Greg Johnson will oversee the new brand. He commented, “We’re excited to launch this one-of-a kind, unrivaled format. Iconic Alternative captures three decades of music that has been a formative soundtrack for adults in Calgary. It’s the iconic Edge brand, built specifically for Calgary.”

Alan Cross, Canada’s “Icon of Alternative” will be an ambassador for the station, where his award-winning series, The Ongoing History of New Music, will air on Sunday evenings. The Edge will also carry Calgary Stampeders CFL football. The new format positions The Edge between Bell Media Rock “CJAY 92” CJAY-FM and Harvard Broadcasting Alternative “X92.9” CFEX-FM.

The flip ends the 19 month saga of the News/Talk simulcast. Corus had flipped then Classic Rock “Q107” prior to seeking CRTC approval for a modification of its license to allow for mostly spoken word content and replacing the AM license with a rebroadcaster of the FM, which was not granted prior to Corus rescinding those applications last month.

Corus’ plan to launch the “Edge” brand was first exclusively reported in our 6/27 Domain Insight.

Calgary's Iconic Alternative pic.twitter.com/Q34Y2VXDT4

— 107.3 The Edge (@1073edge) July 31, 2024