BIG-FM CELEBRATES FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF LAUNCH IN CLARENCE-ROCKLAND & HAWKESBURY

May 12, 2026 — Eastern Ontario / Western Quebec

Today marks the one-year anniversary of 92.5 BIG-FM Clarence-Rockland and 107.7 BIG-FM Hawkesbury, celebrating a successful first year on-air following the stations' format flip from country to a unique blend of rock, dance, classic rock, and alternative music.

The launch on May 12, 2025, was marked in memorable fashion with "Bye Bye Mon Cowboy" by Mitsou played on repeat from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., signalling the beginning of a new era in local radio.

To mark the anniversary, BIG-FM is inviting listeners, advertisers, and community members to join the celebration by calling The BIG Line at 1-866-569-4283 to leave a birthday message for the stations.

STRONG LOCAL FOCUS DRIVING GROWTH

"In the past year, the audience for BIG-FM has more than quadrupled," said Derrick Scott, Operations Manager. "The format plays a role, but equally important is our commitment to being 100% locally owned and operated. We've taken a very community-focused approach—delivering local and regional news often not covered elsewhere, while increasing our support for local events and charities."

BUILT FOR COMMUNITY RADIO

"When we acquired the stations before they went dark, we knew the region needed a stronger local voice and a more engaging, modern format," said Mathieu Manning, General Manager of BIG-FM and 92.1 GO-FM. "Smaller communities deserve the same quality of radio as larger markets. We built stations that don't take themselves too seriously—but take their responsibility to the community very seriously. It's been a true team effort, including collaboration with 92.1 GO-FM."

STRONG RESPONSE FROM LOCAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY

The stations' growth has also been reflected in strong commercial demand across the region.

"We now offer 'Regional Domination' through BIG-FM and 92.1 GO-FM," said Richard Michel, General Sales Manager of the GO RADIO Group. "Businesses across Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec can reach audiences in both English and French. The response from advertisers across Prescott-Russell, SD&G, and Western Quebec has been extremely positive."

LOOKING AHEAD

BIG-FM says the first year is only the beginning, with expanded community events, enhanced business-to-business opportunities, and a major, one-of-a-kind charity initiative planned for June—promised to be a first in Canadian radio.

Below is a link to the official launch of BIG-FM, May 12, 2026, which was followed by "Welcome To The Jungle" by Guns N Roses