City London, Ontario Branding Free 98.1 FM First air date July 5, 2011 | Broadcast area London, Ontario Frequency 98.1 MHz (FM) Format Classic rock | |
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CKLO-FM is a radio station broadcasting a classic rock format on the frequency 98.1 FM in London, Ontario, Canada. The station operates under the branding "Free 98.1 FM". Similar to album oriented rock, Free FM plays album tracks as well as hits from rock artists. This is expressed in their slogan, "World Class Rock." The station launched on July 5, 2011.
Owned by Blackburn Radio, the station received CRTC approval on February 2, 2009.
The station has no relationship with former French-language radio station in Mont-Laurier, Quebec, CKLO-FM (now CFLO-FM).
On October 15, 2010, Blackburn applied to increase CKLO-FM's effective radiated power from 4,000 to 12,600 watts (directional antenna with a maximum ERP from 7,000 to 40,000 watts), by increasing the effective height of antenna above average terrain from 106.5 to 150 meters and by changing the transmitter site. This application was approved on January 12, 2011. In addition to London, the station's coverage area targets Ailsa Craig, St. Thomas, and Strathroy; in addition, it also has a slight null to the east of London, to avoid co-channel interference from CHFI in Toronto.
In February 2015, CKLO launched an all-new morning show "The Stax Show" features long time London broadcaster Steve Stax as well as Blair and Brandt from "The Big Show". Other current shows include mid days with Kate, afternoons with Ryan Valdron, evenings with Dan Wylie and weekends with Dave.