In 2004, CHUM announced its purchase agreement with Mel Cooper for Seacoast Communications -- CFAX-AM and CHBE-FM Victoria -- for $7.5 million and music production studio Seacoast Sound for $500,000. CRTC approval came on September 3, and ownership was transferred on October 1. Seacoast also owned CKOV-AM and CKLZ-FM Kelowna from 1988 until 1996, when they were sold to Jim Pattison. Mel and his son Dean both started their broadcast careers at UBC Radio. Mel's first professional experience was as an announcer at CJAV Port Alberni in 1951, moving to CKMO Vancouver in 1952, then to CKWX Vancouver as News Editor. In 1955, he was named National Sales Manager for CKNW New Westminster. And rose through the ranks until leaving to buy CFAX in September 1974.
In 2009, Sandie Rinaldo joined CTV NewsNet on a permanent basis, while continuing her duties as weekend anchor for CTV NATIONAL NEWS WITH SANDIE RINALDO, co-host of W-FIVE and backup anchor for CTV NATIONAL NEWS WITH LLOYD ROBERTSON.
