I'm doubtful Rogers is in a position of strength in considering buying UP 97.7 FM and making it an ethnic formatted station. Rogers' OMNI TV services in Calgary and Edmonton abandoned local news production some time ago. While it was likely a decision good for the viability of the stations and shareholders, it isn't very endearing to ethnic communities or the regulator.
The last round of applications for radio services in Calgary included a number of applications for ethnic stations and only one was successful.
In terms of financials, I'd argue Harvard as the other operator of a single FM service in Calgary is the front-runner. They instigated the 2011 CRTC call for Calgary radio applications. Their application included arguments pointing to their need for a second service for economies of scale. Harvard needs a second service in Calgary or an exit strategy. The deciding factor will be Rawlco's asking price and Harvard's desire (price they're willing to pay) to stay in the Calgary market.
Back in June 2011 I asked if we would see Pattison, Blackburn, Evanov/Dufferin, Vista, Clear Sky, Yerxa or ZoomerMedia apply to have a presence in Calgary. (
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=10008)
Pattison is now in the market, with two FM stations. Rawlco is possibly leaving, or maybe they'll buy Harvard's Calgary FM service with some of the Pattison funds obtained from the (pending approval) sold Saskatchewan stations. Clear Sky tried in 2011 for a country FM in Calgary and failed with the CRTC saying they weren't large enough. Yerxa sold its only operation to Harvard in Edmonton and is no longer an operator. Calgary's demographics may be too young for ZoomerMedia. Blackburn doesn't look like it's growing beyond southern Ontario.
Evanov/Dufferin didn't apply in 2011 neither did Vista. Would they be interested in having one station in Calgary? Or would they make offers to both Harvard and Rawlco?
Both Harvard and Rawlco could decide to sell their Calgary FM services or keep them because no one is willing to pay the asking price.
Faster cars, younger women, older cheese, more money . . .