Calgary: california 103 fm Goes "All Christmas Music" : Smooth Jazz Now :

"We always get an amazing response to the way we do Christmas music" offered Program Director John Beaudin. "This is not just the same 12 Christmas songs you have heard over and over again" continued Beaudin.

The concept of playing all Christmas music has been used by radio stations in many markets throughout North America. "The All Christmas format has brought new listeners and larger audiences to every radio station that has done it" commented Operations Manager Murray Brookshaw. "Like every business in Calgary we are always keenly interested in attracting more customers and this is a fun way to do it."

"The selection of Christmas music we will offer will be the widest variety of seasonal sounds. california 103 fm will play hundreds upon hundreds of Christmas songs, carols and favourites from artists as diverse as Diana Krall, Nat King Cole, Colin James, Mannheim Steamroller and Michael Buble" california 103 Program Director John Beaudin comments. "People who love california 103 are going to appreciate the variety of Christmas music we will be playing and anyone who enjoys Christmas Music is going to love what they hear."

Chris Smith Day on California 103

August 16, 2007 - He is the most played artist at Calgary's Smooth Jazz California 103 so the station is celabrating by making today, Thursday, August 16 "Chris Smith Day" in the city. Program Director John Beaudin says "There has always been a really cool love affair between Calgary and Chris, this is one of his top markets in the country and remember we play 17 of his songs." California 103 is also celebrating the singer songwriters concerts tomorrow night at the Artist of the World room at the Art Gallery of Calgary. Beaudin says, "it floors me that Chris is not a huge Smooth Jazz star in the U.S. yet, just put on "I'll Remember You" on any station in North America and you'll get the calls." As reported yesterday on Smooth Jazz Now.com Smith plans on releasing his new album in 2008 but the singer will have two new downloads available in the next couple of months. John Beaudin is also President of Smooth Jazz Now.com - by Kari Graham

Calgary: $210,000 raised at Children's Cottage Radiothon on california 103 fm

November 30, 2006 - The 8th annual Children's Cottage Radiothon raised in excess of $210,000. The event was broadcast live on local radio station california 103 fm and took place at The Core (Calgary Eaton Centre/TD Square). "This is our biggest annual fundraiser and it is thrilling to be able to exceed our goal" stated Children's Cottage Executive Director Patty Kilgallon. More

Calgary: california 103 fm goes "all Christmas Music"

November 24, 2006 - California 103 fm, Calgary has switched to all Christmas favourites as of 3pm today (Friday, November 24th). "2006 has been an amazing year in Calgary, we thought it would be fun get a head start on the holiday" stated california General Manager Stephen Peck. "With this first blast of winter, why not get everyone into the spirit of the season?" asked Peck.

"We had such an amazing response to All-Christmas music last year, we had to do it again this year" offered Program Director John Beaudin. "So many people told us that they had never heard Christmas Music like this before." "This is not just the same 12 Christmas songs you have always heard before," continued Beaudin.

The concept of playing all Christmas music has been used by radio stations in many markets throughout North America. "The all Christmas format has brought new listeners and larger audiences to every radio station that has done it" commented Operations Manager Murray Brookshaw. "Like every business in Calgary we are always keenly interested in attracting more customers. To be able to do so in such a fun way is something we couldn't resist."

"The selection of Christmas music we will offer will be the widest variety of seasonal sounds. california 103 fm will play hundreds upon hundreds of Christmas songs, carols and favourites from artists as diverse as Diana Krall, Nat King Cole and Michael Buble. Program Director John Beaudin comments. "People who love california 103 are going to love california playing Christmas music!" "And people who love Christmas Music are going to love this."

For more information or to request interview opportunities please contact Michael Godfrey - Marketing Director - california 103 fm direct line: 520 1628 cell phone: 512 3160.

John Beaudin named Program Director at the Breeze in Calgary

Beaudin & George Benson

August 30, 2005 - It is with great pleasure that I can officially announce that John Beaudin has accepted the position of Program Director for The Breeze 103.1 FM, CIQX FM Calgary, effective immediately. John will also remain as host of our Afternoon Drive Show.

John is a pioneer in Smooth Jazz radio. John has been working in the format since 1986. He has served as afternoon drive host at the Breeze from the station’s launch in August 2002. He has already put his extensive knowledge of Smooth Jazz format to work making exciting new changes to our on-air sound and the feedback has been tremendous.

In addition to his programming and on-air duties with The Breeze 103.1, John is also the president of the world largest Smooth Jazz site www.smoothjazznow.com. This past year he was co-chair/creator of the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards. John was instrumental in bringing Smooth Jazz legend George Benson to the inaugural Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards show, where Mr. Benson was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

John will be an important part of The Breeze's growth and further our success. Please join me in congratulating John as takes on this challenging new role within the NewCap Radio family. - by Stephen Peck - GM at The Breeze 103.1, Calgary, Alberta

Smooth Jazz Ratings in Canada

May 11, 2005 - At time of print we have only received ratings from two of the four Smooth Jazz cities in Canada, Calgary and Vancouver. Clear FM in Vancouver which only plays about 30% Smooth Jazz stayed steady from last fall's book at 3.0. The Breeze in Calgary however went donw to 2.5 with audiences 12+ from a 2.9 in the fall. More

Stacey Litke Named Music Director at the Breeze
March 31, 2005 - Morning host Stacey Litke has been named Music Director at the Breeze in Calgary. Breeze Program Director Mike Shannon said, "I'm pleased to announce that Stacey Litke has been appointed Music Director for The Breeze 103.1 in Calgary, effective immediately. Stacey has been with The Breeze full-time for more than a year, and brought with her over 5 years experience in morning radio and music. For the past 5 months, Stacey has been quarterbacking the morning show for The Breeze, and has been working hard on learning our music system. This appointment is a reflection of that hard work and dedication." - by John Beaudin

More Changes at the Breeze Calgary
January 26, 2005 - Pat Donelan the General Manager at Calgary's Smooth Jazz Breeze 103.1 will leaving the station at the end of February, 2005. Donelan plans on returning to New Brunswick where he started with parent company Newcap 15 years ago - he will head their newest station in Fredericton. He has been with the Breeze since it's launch in September 2002. Donelan's replacement Stephen Peck comes from CHUM Toronto. - by Anthony Smith

CALGARY KIDS BENEFIT $215 000 FROM RADIOTHON

December 2, 2004 - Wednesday December 1 was a great day for kids in Calgary. For the second year in a row, the Children's Cottage Radiothon exceeded it's fundraising goal. Wednesday's total surpassed $215 000! The Children's Cottage provides a safe haven for kids from infant to 8 years old, whose families are in crisis. Click here for all the pictures from the event.

Big Shake-Up At The Breeze In Calgary

November 16, 2004 - The Breeze 103.1 in Calgary is making some big changes in staff and sound. Both morning show hosts Jerry Steen (center) and Sue Deyell (right) have been let go as well as afternoon drive news person Brenda Neufeld. (left) Stacey Litke who previously hosted the mid morning show on The Breeze will now host the morning gig with News Director Hal Gardiner. Afternoon drive host John Beaudin will now stretch his show to 7 hours, from noon to 7PM. The Breeze is also going back to a more Smooth Jazz sound with a heavier distribution of instrumentals. Sales Manager Michelle Askew was also let go today. Deyell, Neufeld and Askew have been with the Breeze since its launch in August of 2002. Click here for the Breeze launch page from Aug. 2002.

Brian Lubbers Leaving The Breeze in Calgary
June 29, 2004 - The Smooth Jazz Breeze 103.1 in Calgary will soon be without their regular weekend afternoon host. Brian Lubbers who has been with the station for over a year is moving to Calgary's 66CFR to host the morning show. Lubbers will also be involved in the music department of the AM station. He was involved in music programming at The Breeze and was the regular fill in guy. His last day at The Breeze will be June 30, 2004. Click here to read our 'Behind the Mic' interview with Lubbers.

Randy Bachman Visits The Breeze In Calgary

May 14, 2004 - Randy Bachman said it wouldn't be the toughest gig of his career but he did feel some major competition in Calgary yesterday. The guitarist's gig at Kaos just happened to be at the same time as the Calgary Flames first semi-final home game against the San Jose Sharks at the Saddledome. "Maybe I'll perform in front of the game on a big screen!" laughed Bachman, "Ok, I won't know who their cheering for but I'll just pretend it's for me." The former member of Bachman Turner Overdrive and the Guess Who is promoting his new album 'JazzThing' and dropped by The Breeze radio station for an on air chat with John Beaudin yesterday. Bachman will be Smooth Jazz Now's 'Artist of the Month' for July.

	Click on the pics for a larger view
Bachman with Breeze drive guy John Beaudin		Breeze Marketing Director Michael Godfrey with Bachman

Jerry Steen New Breeze Morning Man
March 18, 2004 - The Breeze in Calgary has a new morning man. Jerry Steen replaces Cliff Dumas who is moving south to work for KSON, a country station in San Diego. Steen is well known to Calgarian's having worked mornings for 66CFR for years. He has been out of the radio industry for the last few years but he's happy to be back. Steen's first full show with co-host Sue Deyell will be Monday March 22.

Mike Shannon Named Program Director of the Breeze In Calgary
March 8, 2004 - The Breeze in Calgary finally have a new Program Director. Mike Shannon replaces Paul Larsen who left the station last month to become a GM for Central Island Broadcasting. Shannon has a nine year history with Breeze GM Pat Donelan and parent company NewCap having worked closely with Donelan at C103 and XL96 in Moncton, New Brunswick. Shannon will commence his duties immediately.

Cliff Dumas Leaving The Breeze In Calgary

March 3, 2004 - Breeze morning show host Cliff Dumas is leaving Calgary. Dumas is going back to Country music, this time in sunny San Diego. He has worked in country music in the U.S. before most notably in New Mexico and is currently the voice of the country music TV channel, CMT. Dumas' last day at the Breeze will be March 19. No Replacement has been named. The Breeze is also looking for a Program Director, Paul Larsen left last month to become General Manager of Central Island Broadcasting on Vancouver Island. Both were with the Smooth Jazz station since it's launch in September, 2002.

Fall Jazz/Smooth Jazz Radio Ratings for Canada

December 10, 2003 - Rating for Canada's three commercial Jazz/Smooth Jazz radio stations have not changed much since the summer book. The Breeze in Calgary and The Wave in Hamilton made moderate gains each climbing by .1 percentage while Winnipeg's Cool FM made the biggest jump going from 2.3 to 2.8 since the summer ratings. The figures below are based on all adults 12 plus. Read more.

Paul Larsen Leaving The Breeze in Calgary

December 8, 2003 - Paul Larsen has resigned his position as Director of Programming at Newcap's Smooth Jazz station, The Breeze in Calgary. Larsen is joining Central Island Broadcasting on Vancouver Island as General Manager of that company's four FM stations including The Wave and The Wolf in Nanaimo, The Beach in Parksville and The Eagle in Courtenay. He replaces Matthew McBride who recently left the company. Larsen has overseen The Breeze programming since the station's inception last year. He will be back and forth between Calgary and the Island through the end of the year and begins his new role based in Nanaimo full time in January.

Summer Jazz/Smooth Jazz Radio Ratings for Canada

September 19, 2003 - All three Jazz/Smooth Jazz radio stations in Canada faired about the same in the summer ratings book released on Wednesday. Calgary's Breeze, Hamilton's Wave and Winnipeg's Cool FM all registered a one or two plus share for adults 12+. It was Cool FM's first full book after signing on in February of this year - they scored 2.3. Read the full story.

R&R Feature on Calgary's Breeze

August 21, 2003 - The August 15th edition of R&R magazine features an article on Calgary's Smooth Jazz radio station 'The Breeze' 103.1. Smooth Jazz Columnist Carol Archer talked with Breeze Program Director, Paul Larsen and parent company Newcap Broadcasting president, Bob Templeton. Broadcast Architecture executive VP/GM Allen Kepler told Archer, "The really cool thing about the Breeze is that it sounds like no Smooth Jazz station in the U.S. We geared the station completely towards the Calgary market prior to the launch, afterwards and ongoing. They have done a superb job of laying out a plan, marketing the station and executing the format."

Spring Ratings for Smooth Jazz Radio

CIQX-FM (The Breeze - Calgary)
12+ = 5.7
25-54 = 7.1

CIWV-FM (The Wave - Hamilton)
12+ = 1.2
25-54 = 1.3