On June 8, 2011, Pineridge Broadcasting launched CJWV, Magic 96.7 in Peterborough, ON, operating at 96.7MHz at a maximum ERP of 7kW. CJWV is a brand new license and a third FM station for Pineridge, which operates Star 93.3 and 107.9 The Breeze in nearby Cobourg.

Master control. Photo by Shane Macaulay.

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Launching Magic 96.7 required a complete studio and transmitter build from the ground up. The studios, including office space are located in Peterborough Square, right in the heart of downtown Peterborough. The transmitter facilities are co-located at Corus Entertainment's CHEX-TV tower, situated 4km northeast of the studio location providing superb coverage of Peterborough and the surrounding area.

Once Trevelyan Architect completed design drawings, John Kraetzer of Beavermead Construction was brought in to complete the construction of the new studios and office space. Richard Sondermeyer of GS Broadcast Technical Services Ltd. installed and commissioned the studios. Siegi Purkott of Homeworthy Products built and installed custom millwork in the studios. I was Pineridge/Durham Radio's project manager for the build, overseeing design, construction and installation of the studios, offices and transmitter systems.

Voice booth. Photo by Shane Macaulay.

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One of the first questions faced when designing a new facility was whether to install analog audio systems that we have been using for years or make the leap to a digital IP-based system. The system had to be easy for the staff to use, extremely reliable and supported well by the manufacturer. After a great deal of research we felt that digital IP systems had matured enough over the last few years, and are so feature rich that it was time to go digital, and specifically Wheatstone's Wheatnet IP system. It has become the heart of the audio system and proven to be as tough and reliable as any quality analog system. On the few occasions we have needed support, Kelly Parker and his team at Wheatstone have provided exceptional service. The automation system chosen for CJWV is Scott Studios to match the Cobourg operation and to easily share files and facilitate remote voicetracking.

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