View source for CHOZ-FM

{{short description|Radio station in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador}}
{{Infobox radio station
| name               = CHOZ-FM
| logo               = CHOZ-FM.png
| logo_size          = 250px
| city               = [[St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador]]
| area               = [[Newfoundland (island)|Newfoundland]]
| branding           = OZ FM
| airdate            = June 15, [[1977 in radio|1977]]
| frequency          = 94.7 [[Hertz|MHz]]
| format             = [[Contemporary Hit Radio|CHR]]/[[Classic Rock]]
| erp                = 100,000 [[watt]]s
| haat               = {{convert|226|meters}}
| class              = C
| repeaters          = [[CHOZ-FM#Transmitters|see main article]]
| owner              = [[Geoff Stirling|Stirling Communications International]]
| licensee           = Newfoundland Broadcasting Company, Ltd.
| former_frequencies = 93.9 [[Hertz|MHz]] (1977–1984)
| sister_stations    = [[CJON-DT]]
| webcast            = [http://www.ozfm.com/popup-player/ Listen Live]
| website            = [http://www.ozfm.com/ ozfm.com]
| callsign_meaning   = CH '''OZ''' (branding)
}}
'''CHOZ-FM''' (94.7 [[Hertz|MHz]]) is a Canadian [[radio station]] based in [[St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador]]. Its main St. John's transmitter broadcasts at 94.7 [[Hertz|MHz]], with additional transmitters located throughout the island. The station, known as ''OZ FM'', is one of the various [[mass media|media]] properties of the [[Geoff Stirling|Stirling]] family; this includes local [[television station]] [[CJON-DT]].

==History==
CHOZ launched on June 15, 1977 on 93.9 [[FM broadcasting|FM]], soon after Geoff Stirling sold his interest in what is now [[CJYQ]]. It was originally a full-time [[rock music|rock]] station known as ''The New Radio OZ, The Rock Of The Rock!''. It eventually transitioned into a [[Contemporary Hit Radio|CHR]]/[[Classic Rock]] hybrid format under the ''OZ FM'' brand; nonetheless, it kept ''The Rock Of The Rock!'' slogan.
[[File:CHOZ-FM Logo.png|left|thumb|200px|Logo used from 2007 to 2009]]
On August 1, 1984, CHOZ was approved to move to 94.7 [[FM broadcasting|FM]].<ref>[http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/1984/DB84-636.HTM Decision CRTC 84-636]</ref>
[[Image:OZFM logo.PNG|200px|thumb|left|Logo used from 2009 to 2012]]
The station's success was driven largely by the strength of its morning show, ''The Dawn Patrol'', hosted by Randy Snow, Deborah Birmingham and Larry Jay.
[[File:OZFMNewJan2012.jpg|thumb|right|200px|On January 2, 2012, CHOZ's website consisted of this lone image. It depicted the current logo in the foreground, with the one used from 2009 to 2012 in the background]]
In the summer of 2003, Snow left the Dawn Patrol to join [[CKIX-FM]] to host his own morning show. His replacement was Brian O'Connell, who left [[VOCM (AM)|VOCM]] to join CHOZ.

By 2004, CHOZ began shifting towards [[hot adult contemporary]], with slogans like "More Music, More Variety" and "Newfoundland's #1 FM Station".

In April 2007, O'Connell took over as station manager for the OZ FM Network and host of the daily ''Electric Lunch'' program. Then, O'Connell left CHOZ and now works with [[Stingray Group|Stingray Radio]]. Paul Kinsman was O'Connell's on air replacement, joining longtime Dawn Patrol veterans Birmingham and Jay.

On August 17, 2009, CHOZ changed its format to [[active rock]].

On January 2, 2012, CHOZ flipped back to [[hot AC]], with a new slogan "Today's Best Music". This ended the use of their longtime slogan "The Rock of the Rock!". The station also resurrected their longtime heart and rainbow logo that was used from the late 1980s to 2007. The following month, the station surfaced on the [[Mediabase]] Canadian hot AC panel.

In August 2012, Kinsman and Jay left the Dawn Patrol, which was renamed ''The Morning Rush'' and featured a new host, Robert Shawn, alongside the only remaining original host Birmingham. In January 2013, the pair were joined by their former behind the scenes producer, Laura Woodworth. Birmingham left the station in January 2014 and her replacement on the Morning Rush was Stephanie O'Brien, previously with [[VOCM-FM]]. Woodworth left the station in November 2014.

In July 2015, Shawn switched shifts with afternoon/evening host Stephen Lethbridge. The ''Morning Rush'' was then renamed ''The OZ FM Rush''. In December of the same year, Weekend announcer Hugh Campbell joined the Rush. In December 2016, O'Brien went on maternity leave. Shannell Lewis co-hosted the Rush until O'Brien's return in February 2018.

On August 26, 2019, Snow returned to CHOZ after 16 years with [[CKIX-FM]], As a result, the ''OZ FM Rush'' became ''The Morning Jam'' with Snow joining O'Brien as the new host, replacing Lethbridge and Campbell. In addition, CHOZ tweaked its format to playing a mix of hits from the 1990s to today, much like many other [[hot AC]] stations. The station previously had a [[top 40]]-leaning playlist. CHOZ became known as ''Newfoundland’s Music Mix, The New OZ FM''.

In May 2020, the station started to drop the "new" from their moniker. By August 2020, the "new" was removed completely.

On September 1, 2023, CHOZ parted ways with Snow and O'Brien. The ''Morning Jam'' relaunched as ''OZ Mornings'' with former morning co-hosts Lethbridge and Campbell. The station shifted back to its former [[Contemporary Hit Radio|CHR]]/[[Classic Rock]] format and signature slogan "The Rock of the Rock!". In October 2023, [[CJON-DT|CJON]] reporter Marykate O'Neill joined OZ Mornings. At the end of July 2024, Lewis returned to the morning show with O'Neill becoming the stations newsreader.

==Controversy==
In January 2011, the [[Canadian Broadcast Standards Council]] admonished CHOZ for playing the unedited version of [[Dire Straits]]' "[[Money for Nothing (song)|Money for Nothing]]", following a complaint from a listener that stated that the song contained the word "[[Faggot (slang)|faggot]]", a slur for a homosexual person. Even though the song has won numerous awards and has been played countless times on Canadian radio, the CBSC felt that the unedited version has become unacceptable for airplay, as the term "faggot", which was once an acceptable term, has since become an unacceptable slur.<ref>[https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/censor-dire-straits-song-broadcast-panel-1.994804 Canadian Press, via CBC: "Censor Dire Straits song: broadcast panel", January 13, 2011.]</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cbsc.ca/english/decisions/2011/110112.php|title=CBSC: "CHOZ-FM re the song "Money for Nothing" by Dire Straits", October 14, 2010.|access-date=2011-01-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110115075821/http://cbsc.ca/english/decisions/2011/110112.php|archive-date=2011-01-15|url-status=dead}}</ref> In response to the ruling, at least two stations, [[CIRK-FM]] in [[Edmonton]], [[Alberta]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/no-way-eh-canadian-station-defies-money-for-nothing-ban|title=No Way, Eh! Canadian Station Defies 'Money For Nothing' Ban|last=Piazza|first=Jo|date=January 14, 2011|work=[[Fox News Channel]]|access-date=15 January 2011}}</ref> and [[CFRQ-FM]] in [[Halifax, Nova Scotia|Halifax]], [[Nova Scotia]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.news1130.com/news/local/article/169530--what-you-can-and-can-t-say-on-the-radio|title=News 1130 Vancouver: "What you can and can't say on the radio", January 14, 2011|access-date=2011-01-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110119023046/http://www.news1130.com/news/local/article/169530--what-you-can-and-can-t-say-on-the-radio|archive-date=2011-01-19|url-status=dead}}</ref> played the unedited version of ''Money for Nothing'' repeatedly for one hour out of protest. On January 21, 2011, the CRTC asked the CBSC for a review on the ban, in response to the public outcry against the CBSC's actions; the regulator requested the CBSC to appoint a nationwide panel to review the case, as the decision on the ban was reviewed by a regional panel for the Maritimes and Newfoundland.<ref>[https://www.ctvnews.ca/crtc-seeks-review-of-money-for-nothing-ban-1.598499 CTV: "CRTC seeks review of 'Money for Nothing' ban", January 21, 2011.]</ref>

On August 31, the CBSC found the slur to be inappropriate; however, due to considerations in regard to its use in context, the CBSC has left it up to the stations to decide whether or not to censor the song. Most of the CBSC panelists thought the slur was inappropriate, but it was used only in a satirical, non-hateful manner.<ref>[http://www.ctvnews.ca/money-for-nothing-slur-inappropriate-council-says-1.690514 Canadian Press, via CTV: "'Money for Nothing' slur inappropriate, council says", August 31, 2011.]{{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316230323/http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Entertainment/20110831/dire-straits-song-110831/|date=March 16, 2012 }}</ref>

==Transmitters==
{{RadioRebroadcasters
| notes           = true
| crtc1           =
| call1           = CFOZ-FM
| freq1           = 100.3 FM
| watts1          = 3,650
| class1          = B
| city1           = [[Argentia]]
| call2           = CJMY-FM
| freq2           = 105.3 FM
| watts2          = 4,700
| class2          = B1
| city2           = [[Clarenville]]
| crtc2           = [http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/1987/DB87-702.HTM CRTC 87-702]
| call3           = CKOZ-FM
| freq3           = 92.3 FM
| watts3          = 7,660
| class3          = B1
| city3           = [[Corner Brook]]
| crtc3           =
| call4           = CKMY-FM
| freq4           = 95.9 FM
| watts4          = 46,600
| class4          = C1
| city4           = [[Grand Falls-Windsor]]
| crtc4           =
| notes4          = Also serves the [[Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador|Gander]] area
| rec             = true
| crtc            = true
| callsign        = CHOZ-FM
| call5           = CIOS-FM
| freq5           = 98.5 FM
| watts5          = 3,030
| class5          = A
| city5           = [[Stephenville, Newfoundland and Labrador|Stephenville]]
| crtc5           =
}}

CJMY and CKMY were previously known as '''CKCV-FM''' and '''CHOS-FM''' respectively, up to at least 2002.<ref>[http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2002/pb2002-23.htm#12 Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC 2002-23]</ref>  The changes were apparently made to reserve appropriate call signs for ''My FM'', Newfoundland Broadcasting's proposal for a second FM service, which went before the CRTC later that same year.<ref>[http://www.crtc.gc.ca/Eng/transcripts/2002/tb1210.htm CRTC public hearing transcript, December 10, 2002]</ref> The licence in question eventually went to a different company as '''[[CKSJ-FM]]'''.

In 1997, CHOZ added a rebroadcaster at [[Stockholm, Saskatchewan|Stockholm]], Saskatchewan with the callsign '''[[CFZY-FM]]'''; the low-powered repeater is locally owned by Jody Herperger.<ref>[http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/1997/DB97-316.HTM Decision CRTC 97-316]</ref><ref>{{RecnetCanada|CFZY-FM}}</ref> The station was decommissioned in 2007.

In 1998, CHOZ added a rebroadcaster at [[Kuujjuaq, Quebec|Kuujjuaq]], [[Quebec]] on 98.3 with the callsign '''VF2321''', owned by [[CKUJ-FM|Société Kuujjuamiut]].<ref>[http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/1998/DB98-205.HTM Decision CRTC 98-205]</ref><ref>{{RecnetCanada|VF2321}}</ref>

On November 30, 2012, the stations rebroadcaster at [[Red Rocks, Newfoundland and Labrador|Red Rocks]], '''CKSS-FM''' 96.9 had closed. This transmitter served the [[Channel-Port aux Basques|Port aux Basques]] area. The station has cited the age of the tower and the costs of the upkeep. CHOZ, however, announced plans to reactivate it from another location, pending approval from the CRTC. As of 2018, CRTC approval has never been granted.<ref>[http://www.gulfnews.ca/News/2012-11-26/article-3127690/OZ-FM-NTV-to-stop-broadcasting-from-Red-Rocks/1 The Gulf News: "OZ FM, NTV to stop broadcasting from Red Rocks", November 26, 2012.]</ref> CHOZ also originally planned to also temporarily close CIOS on the same day, but had second thoughts in doing so, and opted to keep it open from the same location instead.<ref>[http://www.radiowest.ca/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=12269 radiowest.ca: "Canadian Radio News for December, 2012", January 2, 2013.]</ref>  The application to move the CIOS transmitter to a new location has been approved on November 8, 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|title = ARCHIVED – CHOZ-FM St. John's – New transmitter in Stephenville|url = http://crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2013/2013-600.htm|website = crtc.gc.ca|access-date = 2016-02-07|publisher = Government of Canada, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)| date=8 November 2013 }}</ref>

On September 15, 2015, the CRTC approved a new transmitter for a new CHOZ rebroadcaster in [[Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador|Gander]], '''CFAZ-FM''' 97.7, with an [[effective radiated power]] (ERP) of 2,800 watts ([[Height above average terrain|effective height of antenna above average terrain]] of 137.4 metres).  The new transmitter would resolve coverage problems within the Gander area from its [[Grand Falls-Windsor]] outlet CKMY, which offered fringe reception in Gander.<ref>[http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2015/2015-423.htm Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2015-423], CHOZ-FM St. John's – New transmitter in Gander, ''CRTC'', September 15, 2015.</ref> CFAZ began broadcasting on August 9, 2016.

CHOZ is simulcast across Canada on [[Bell Satellite TV]] channel 951,<ref>[https://www.bell.ca/Styles/tv/all_languages/all_regions/pdfs/U3753%20WHS%20Prog%20Channel-DTH%20ON%20FEB%202016%20E.pdf Bell Channel Listing | Satellite TV, current as of February 25, 2016] </ref> locally on [[Rogers Cable]] channel 925, and in the St. John's area on subchannel 21.2 of [[CJON-DT]].

On December 5, 2023, the CRTC approved an application by Newfoundland Broadcasting Company Ltd, to delete the rebroadcasting transmitters '''CIOZ-FM''' 96.3 [[Marystown]], '''CJOZ-FM''' 92.1 [[Bonavista, Newfoundland and Labrador|Bonavista]] and '''CFAZ-FM''' 97.7 [[Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador|Gander]] from the licence. <ref>[https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2023/2023-404.htm Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2023-404], CHOZ-FM St. John’s – Deletion of rebroadcasting transmitters, ''CRTC'', December 5, 2023</ref> CJOZ went off the air on January 2, 2024 at noon. CFAZ shut down as of May 1, 2024. CIOZ left the air as of July 8, 2024.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.ozfm.com/ OZ FM]
* [https://broadcasting-history.ca/radio/radio-stations/newfoundland-labrador/CHOZ-FM CHOZ-FM] at The History of Canadian Broadcasting by the [[Canadian Communications Foundation]]
* {{RecnetCanada|CHOZ-FM}}

{{St. John's radio}}
{{Southern Newfoundland Radio}}
{{Central Newfoundland Radio}}
{{Newfoundland and Labrador TV}}
{{Authority control}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Choz-Fm}}
[[Category:Radio stations in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador|Hoz]]
[[Category:Contemporary hit radio stations in Canada|Hoz]]
[[Category:Active rock radio stations in Canada|Hoz]]