Three decades ago, Vancouver welcomed a groundbreaking radio service that would become a staple in the city’s media landscape.
On February 8, 1996, CKWX transformed into News1130, now recognized as 1130 NewsRadio Vancouver.
Among the top stories of that day were the debut of News1130, reports of flooding in Oregon, and concerns about CFCs harming the ozone layer.
In sports, the Vancouver Canucks suffered a 5-3 defeat against the Hartford Whalers, showcasing the enduring nature of certain events.
Rogers Communications, our parent company, introduced the all-news format to Vancouver after experiencing success with its Toronto station, 680News.
Today, Rogers manages news stations in Calgary, Kitchener, Halifax, and a total of five stations.
Tom Mark, who delivered the inaugural newscast, also served as News1130’s original news director, leading the team that launched the station.
Reflecting on the early days, Mark mentioned challenges faced and the skepticism surrounding the 24-hour news radio concept.
Despite initial doubts, News1130’s team focused on engaging listeners by emphasizing their commitment to frequent updates with slogans like, “The news is always changing…check back, two, three, four, even five times a day.”
Mark expressed satisfaction in seeing the station’s enduring presence, noting the evolution in broadcasting practices while maintaining a core dedication to local news coverage.
Looking ahead, Mark believes in radio’s enduring relevance amidst evolving technologies, emphasizing the importance of adaptation and staying true to the essence of delivering timely information.
Throughout the years, 1130 NewsRadio has remained a reliable source for breaking news, traffic updates, and weather reports, solidifying its status as a trusted information hub in Vancouver.