The launch of boom in Ottawa follows Astral’s conversion of EZ Rock to boom in Toronto last year and just over a year after EZ Rock launched. The name Boom FM is said to be a reference to baby boomers.
Calling it an evolved station format, Astral says that former EZ Rock listeners will continue to hear songs from bands like Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, and Rod Stewart with the addition of music from bands like U2, Duran Duran, The Police, Blondie, Queen and INXS.
"The format shift is simply a natural evolution driven by changing market demand and listener feedback," explained Denis Bouchard, boom General Manager.
Neil Hedley, a co-host of EZ-Rock’s morning show since the station began broadcasting, has left. No other staff changes are planned, Bouchard said.
This is the second rebranding of an Ottawa radio station by Astral in 2011. In February, Astral switched Virgin 106.9 back to its original name, The Bear.
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