Whiteoaks Communications Group Expands Into Niagara and Hamilton with Four New Stations
Whiteoaks Communications Group is excited to announce the completed acquisition of four radio stations from Bell Media, expanding our footprint across Hamilton and Niagara and marking a bold new chapter in our commitment to local radio.
Today, we welcome 97.7 HTZ FM and 610 CKTB into the Whiteoaks family and launch two all-new brands: Legend 102.9 and Dream 105.7. Each station brings deep community roots and loyal listeners to our growing portfolio, strengthening our mission to connect people through the music they love, the news they need, and the conversations that truly matter.
Legendary music deserves a legendary brand. Legend 102.9 is Hamilton’s newest radio station, delivering an iconic mix of songs that have stood the test of time. It’s a format that celebrates the best of the best — tracks that defined generations and still hit today. With handpicked playlists, trusted announcers, great stories, and local insight, it’s a station full of personality and grounded in the city’s rhythm. Without question: “Legends Play Here.”
Dream 105.7 is ready to “Refresh the Hits” in Niagara. With modern pop, upbeat favourites, and the perfect balance of energy and ease, Dream fits seamlessly into busy lives, whether you’re waking up, at work, or heading out. With a Dream Team of familiar and friendly voices, local connection, and a tone that’s bright, stylish, and full of personality, it’s a station built to lift your mood and keep up with your day. Every moment sounds better with Dream.
97.7 HTZ-FM has been Southern Ontario’s loudest, proudest rock station for decades — and that’s not changing. But we’re turning up the volume with a renewed focus on better playlists, deeper cuts, and a sound that hits harder. The same big personalities are still behind the mic, now with more freedom to bring their passion and perspective. From the tracks that shaped rock to the sounds pushing it forward, every song earns its spot. HTZ Nation, get ready — we’re raising the bar for rock radio.
610 CKTB has been a cornerstone of Niagara broadcasting for generations, delivering the news, talk, and local insight that keeps the region informed and connected. With a strong lineup of voices listeners know and trust, CKTB tackles the day’s biggest stories while creating space for real conversations that matter. Whether it’s breaking news, smart debate, or local perspectives you won’t hear anywhere else, CKTB is the station that keeps Niagara in the know.
This is a milestone moment for local radio in Ontario. With two trusted stations joining our family and two all-new brands hitting the airwaves, we’re not just growing — we’re building momentum for something bigger. It’s a meaningful step forward for Whiteoaks, but more than that, it’s a recommitment to the listeners who count on and love radio.
We’re proud to welcome the passionate teams behind these stations into our company. Their talent, insight, and connection to the community are what make these signals matter, and we’re here to support them with the freedom and focus to do their best work.
To the people tuning in: these stations are for you.
To the broadcasters and creators building what’s next: we’re right there with you.
This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to see where it goes.
Judging by what was described above, it sounds like White Oaks has a new, great fresh approach to local stations in my area.
With ‘better playlists’, ‘hand picked playlists’, ‘deeper cuts’, while maintaining some of the same personalities behind the mic, as well as an intense focus on local issues, sounds exciting.
Let’s keep our word White Oaks and make this change the right one like it sounds.
Cheers.
Regards
Niagara and local radio, resident lover…
I have an idea. I’ve listened to Joey Bricks for 6 years and know him personally. He taught me Metal. So here’s my idea for you. You need a new radio host for Metal After Midnight. Here’s my idea I have had for awhile now. How about hire local Hamilton radio and DJ host, Kevin Kartwell (my neighbour) to Metal After Midnight and call it Metal Dance house as Kevin does his own music, Dance house as well he is a teacher to DJ’s. I’ve tried to get him and Joey together. The two together would be even better. I’ve wanted this for quite awhile now. Here’s my proposal for you. Ask Kevin Kartwell to do the Metal After midnight show, changing it’s premise a bit to mix metal and dance house music. It would sizzle. Also when Joey leaves the station give Jonathon his job and Jon do 80’s rock in the afternoon. You need to treat Jonathon better. He deserves his own spot. I am ready to give up your station unless you do give him a spot.
I wasn’t sure how all this would go. I listen to this station 13 hours a day every day. You also need a night time radio host at 7 pm, bring back Steve. I change to Boom radio at 7 pm because you have no radio host. Also, that you need to treat Jonathon a lot better and give him a full time spot. Perhaps he could do evenings. Jon deserves better. He would be great doing an 80’s rock show. He would do great with that. Jonathon is awesome. I remember the very first day I heard him. He is super amazing but you don’t treat him very well. If you treat Jon with great care. Jon will become the number one radio host of all time in Canada. I predict his fame. Jonathon is super amazing. Please treat him better. He needs his own spot and show. Give him the 7 pm show and do an 80’s rock show would be great. I switch stations at 7 pm as there is no radio host at that time. Matt Storey of Boom radio is awesome. I switch, if I do so do a lot of your fans. You are losing listeners. Give Jonathon an 80’s rock show. He is soon becoming your NO. one radio host as he will become the top radio host of all time in Canada, given the chance. I listen to your station 13 hours every day, I switch at 7pm for this reason, no radio host. A lot of fans must do as well. Give Jonathon the chance to be the super radio host as he was meant to be on your station. He will do extremely well given the chance.
hi there, I have an idea for you. You need a new radio host for Metal After Midnight. I’ve been listening to Joey for 6 years and know him personally. My neighbour is a locally famous radio host, Kevin who does Studio L14 in Hamilton. He would be great to take over the Metal and mix it up with Dance house music. I wanted him and Joey to work together, since Joey no longer hosts Metal. Ok well this is my idea. I can get you contact info. for you. He is awesome, amazing and great, just look up Studio L14. Kevin is also a teacher of DJ’s. I’ve known Kevin for ten years as my awesome neighbour.
hey thank you so much for posting. The station is doing much better with you guys at the helm. You are AWESOME.
I would like to take this opportunity to apologize to JOEY BRICKS. I’ve been his loyal fan for 7 years since I first met him. He is amazing, gifted, talented. He taught me metal. I thank him so much for teaching me metal.
We were great friends but sadly fell apart. I’d just like to apologize in writing. Thank you so much. And thank you Whiteoaks. You have improved the radio station 100 per cent. I’m so glad you took over, thank you.