103.1 Virgin Radio Archives

Bell Media Launching ‘Toy Mountain’ Christmas Campaign

July 25, 2013 08:22 AM in News • 0 Comments

Toy Mountain

Bell Media has combined its Winnipeg TV and radio entities this year to form the first annual Toy Mountain campaign.

Formerly known as the “Christmas Miracle,” the campaign launches today to collect toys and cash donations to be delivered to children in need this Christmas. And why not? The big day is exactly five months away.

Toy Mountain supports the local charitable efforts of the Salvation Army and Christmas Cheer Board, and will launch at the Winnipeg Goldeyes game at noon. New, unwrapped toy donations will be accepted from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Participating stations include CTV Winnipeg, 99.9 BOB FM, 103.1 Virgin Radio, and TSN 1290. Other communities benefitting from Toy Mountain campaigns are Toronto and Ottawa.

Astral’s QX, Virgin a Powerhouse in Spring Ratings

May 30, 2013 11:08 AM in News • 0 Comments

QX 104 - 103.1 Virgin Radio Astral’s QX 104 and 103.1 Virgin Radio are the two top FM radio stations in Winnipeg after the Spring 2013 ratings book was released Thursday.

BBM Canada measured top-line radio statistics from March 4 to April 28 — the period where radio stations do everything they can to entice listeners to tune in.

“It is incredibly gratifying,” said station manager Sharon Taylor. “We operate as one team, so success on either station is a win for all of us. To have QX be the most popular station in Winnipeg, and Virgin right behind QX is outstanding. Party time!”

CJOB remains the top station overall in the city, sitting comfortably on the AM dial, while CBC Radio One (990 AM) increased its share slightly from last year.

Virgin Radio Honours Stompin’ Tom Connors

March 8, 2013 09:34 AM in Entertainment • 0 Comments

A local radio station has teamed up with Assiniboine Credit Union to take in donations in memory of Stompin’ Tom Connors.

The Canadian music legend passed away on Wednesday, and 103.1 Virgin Radio has started to collect donations in lieu of flowers, as per the family’s wishes.

The Virgin Radio Stompin’ Tom Connors Fund in support of Winnipeg Harvest and Siloam Mission will take in donations at any Assiniboine Credit Union in the city. Money collected will be divided up between the two local charities.

Connors died at the age of 77 and was best known for “The Hockey Song.” On Thursday, the Internet was a buzz with reports of the possibility of Stompin’ Tom one day being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame’s builder category, which hasn’t seen an inductee in two years.

For a list of locations on where to donate, visit Winnipeg.VirginRadio.ca.

VIDEO: ‘Baconfest II’ a Delectable Fundraiser for the United Way

November 23, 2012 10:15 AM in News • 0 Comments

A fundraiser surrounding all things bacon was a success for a second year in a row on Thursday evening. And why wouldn’t it be? Bacon generally attracts a large, hungry crowd.

Baconfest II: The Next Level was put on by Winnipeg radio station 103.1 Virgin Radio at the University of Winnipeg’s Richardson College.

The event included unique creations dreamt up by local chefs to create bacon-inspired dishes. Participating restaurants included Bistro Seven and a Quarter, Elements-The Restaurant, Brooklynn’s Bistro, The Tallest Poppy, Cakeology, Deseo Bistro, Jonnie’s Sticky Buns, Hermanos, Segovia Tapas Bar, Neechi Commons, Green Bean Coffee, Deer + Almond, Half Pints Brewing Co. and The Grove Pub and Restaurant.

Ticket sales from the event, which ran a generous $100 each, will go to support the United Way.

ChrisD.ca video/WpgCameraMan

Hot 103 No More, Station Rebrands as Virgin Radio

August 31, 2012 08:00 AM in News • 0 Comments

Winnipeg’s most listened to FM radio station ditched its old brand on Friday.

Hot 103 has joined Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group family under the leadership of Astral Media to become the “All-New #1 Hit Music Station 103.1 Virgin Radio” as of 8 a.m.

The company has rebranded several of its other stations to Virgin, including in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Edmonton, Calgary, and most recently, London, Ontario.

The format will remain the same, with the station focusing on hit music and featuring star host Ryan Seacrest (syndicated), Canadian DJs Angry Kids, and Ace Burpee to continue as host of the morning show with Chrissy Troy and Lloyd the Intern.

103.1 Virgin Radio will be commercial-free all through the Labour Day weekend as part of the launch.

“Credit has to go to Ace Burpee who started the ball rolling this summer,” said Sharon Taylor, vice-president and general manager of Astral Radio Winnipeg. “Ace is a Richard Branson fan and knew that the values of the Virgin Radio brand matched the values that are also important to Winnipeg. We’re all very excited, a Virgin Radio station in Winnipeg puts us on the Virgin worldwide map, allowing us to bring even more exciting artists, contests and fun to music fans in Winnipeg. We’re incredibly pumped.”

To get ready for the flip, Astral hired Dale Davies in July as its new program director.

The name “Hot 103” had been carried since 1997 under numerous ownerships such as Craig Broadcasting, Standard Radio and Astral Media. Earlier this year, Bell Media announced it would be purchasing Astral, but the sale is still pending and requires regulatory approval.

In the latest ratings book, Hot 103 held a 9.1 share during the spring period.