Traffic Camera Secrets: Am 730 Camera Insights

AM 730 was Vancouver's exclusive all-traffic radio station, providing real-time updates on road incidents, bridge and tunnel reports, and border wait times. The station was well-regarded by Vancouverites for its comprehensive and up-to-date traffic information, which was often considered more reliable than GPS navigation systems. However, as of September 2024, AM 730 has ceased operations as a dedicated traffic station, with its parent company, Corus, citing an efficiency review as the reason for the change.

AM 730 CKGO ceases to operate as an all-traffic station

On 26 June 2024, Vancouver's only all-traffic radio station, AM 730 CKGO, went off the air. The station's final broadcast was in response to a vehicle stall, appropriately ending with the word "gone!".

AM 730 CKGO was owned by Toronto-based Corus Entertainment and had been operating as an all-traffic station since 2006. Corus has stated that the decision to close the station was part of an \"efficiency review\", with a spokesperson confirming that the company has decided to reduce AM radio programming in Vancouver and Edmonton.

The station's website now redirects to that of CKNW 980, with which it will share programming content for an interim period. Following this, Corus has stated that it will operate one AM news-talk station in each city.

The loss of AM 730 CKGO has been met with disappointment and sadness by listeners, who valued the station's quick and detailed traffic updates, as well as the personalities of the presenters. Many have taken to social media and Reddit to express their dismay, with some noting that the station was a vital source of information during snow days and chaotic road conditions.

AM 730 CKGO's closure is part of a broader trend of media consolidation and the decline of AM radio, with some listeners expressing concern over the decreasing variety of radio content and the potential loss of local broadcasting jobs.

CKNW 980 broadcasts takeover

CKNW 980 is a commercial radio station in Vancouver, British Columbia, that has been broadcasting for over 80 years. It is owned by Corus Entertainment and is known for its news, talk, and sports programming. The station has a variety of local talk shows and syndicated talk shows from across Canada. CKNW also has a Global News department that produces newscasts every hour, as well as dedicated news blocks during the weekdays.

In recent years, CKNW has undergone two significant restructurings aimed at reducing costs, which have resulted in layoffs and the departure of several senior reporters. Despite these changes, CKNW remains a popular source of news and information for listeners in Vancouver and the surrounding area.

In 2024, CKNW 980 broadcasts took over as the flagship station of the Lions Audio Network, airing BC Lions games. This marked a return to the station's roots, as CKNW had previously broadcast Lions games from 1988 to 2003. The dynamic duo of Bob "The Moj" Marjanovich and Giulio Caravatta delivered the action to Lions fans across British Columbia for the eighth consecutive season.

The partnership between the BC Lions and CKNW 980 was celebrated by both parties as a perfect match, especially with the Lions celebrating their 70th season and CKNW marking its 80th anniversary in 2024. The first CKNW broadcast of a Lions game took place on Friday, May 31, 2024, against the Edmonton Elks during the preseason. CKNW also aired a one-hour pregame show and a 30-minute postgame show for each game.

In addition to the game broadcasts, CKNW 980 also aired "BC Lions On Tap," a weekly program hosted by Marjanovich, along with Lion personalities Matt Baker and Nik Kowalski. The show served as a preview of upcoming games and special events, with appearances from players, coaches, and club executives. "BC Lions On Tap" aired on Tuesday evenings from 10:00-11:00 pm, with the first episode taking place on June 4, 2024.

AM 730's final tweet

It's been quite a ride, Vancouver! We've been through a lot together, from snow days to road closures, and we hope we've helped make your commutes a little less stressful.

As many of you may have heard by now, AM 730 CKGO is signing off for the last time. Our final traffic report was a vehicle stall that cleared up just after 7:30 a.m., and now it's time for us to clear out as well.

We want to thank all our loyal listeners for tuning in and for your kind words following our last broadcast. We've loved being a part of your mornings, keeping you company on your drives, and helping you navigate the chaotic roads of Metro Vancouver.

A big thank you also to our dedicated staff, both past and present, who worked tirelessly to bring you the most up-to-date and accurate traffic information. We hope we were able to make a difference in your daily lives and keep you safe on the roads.

While we may no longer be on the air, we hope that we've left a lasting impact on this wonderful city and that our legacy will live on in the smooth travels and efficient commutes of Vancouverites for years to come.

So, for the final time, this is AM 730, Vancouver's exclusive all-traffic station, signing off. Stay safe out there!

Corus's efficiency review

Corus Entertainment, a subsidiary of Shaw Communications, has decided to cut down on AM radio programming in Vancouver and Edmonton as part of an "efficiency review". This has resulted in AM 730 CKGO Vancouver, popularly known as Vancouver's exclusive all-traffic station, going off-air. The station was well-loved by its listeners, who tuned in for real-time traffic updates and detailed reports on incidents, which were often more accurate and faster than Google Maps and other GPS services. The decision to shut down the station has been met with disappointment and anger by many, who found it to be a valuable service, especially during chaotic road situations.

The move is part of Corus' plan to reduce costs and improve efficiency, and the company states that it will now operate one AM news-talk station in each city. While some listeners understand the financial reasons behind the decision, others feel that the loss of AM 730 is a slap in the face to broadcast journalism and a disgraceful cost-cutting measure. Some also worry about the impact on aspiring journalists who are trying to break into the industry, as these types of local radio stations often served as a launching pad for young talent.

In addition to the closure of AM 730, Corus has also ceased the operations of 880 CHQT-AM Edmonton, which was an all-news station. To minimise disruption, Corus has stated that for a temporary period, CKNW 980 Vancouver will share programming content with CKGO, and CHED 630 Edmonton will do the same with CHQT. After this interim period, Corus plans to continue operating one AM news-talk station in each city.

While some listeners may be able to turn to other radio stations or GPS apps for traffic updates, many will miss the detailed and timely reports that AM 730 provided. The station's closure highlights the ongoing changes in the media industry and the challenges faced by traditional media outlets in the digital age.

Corus to operate one AM news-talk station in Vancouver

Corus Entertainment has decided to shut down its AM radio formats in Vancouver and Edmonton, laying off staff in the process. The media giant has cited an efficiency review as the reason for the closure of its AM 730 CKGO Vancouver station, which was formerly branded as Mojo Sports Radio.

AM 730 was Vancouver's only "all-traffic, all the time" radio station, providing listeners with up-to-date information on road conditions, accidents, and delays. The station also served as the primary broadcaster for select local sports teams, including the Vancouver Whitecaps Football Club.

In a statement, Corus said:

> "As a result, certain roles have been impacted. Effective immediately, AM 730 CKGO in Vancouver will cease to operate as an all-traffic station, and 880 CHQT-AM Edmonton will cease to operate as an all-news station."

Following the closure of AM 730, Corus will operate only one AM news-talk station in Vancouver, CKNW 980, which will share programming content with CKGO during a temporary, interim period.

The decision to shut down AM 730 has sparked mixed reactions from listeners, with some expressing disappointment and highlighting the station's usefulness for traffic updates, while others noting that they had already switched to using GPS services and apps for traffic information.

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