The Hill Companies

A Legacy Created Over Generations

A Western Canadian story over a century in the making, built through businesses that serve, invest in, and grow alongside the communities around them.

Harvard Media leaders

Built for the Long-term. Evolving for the future

Explore our history as we’ve grown through the decades.

Walter H.A. Hill and E.A. McCallum outside the McCallum Hill office

1903

Early Foundations

The Hill family’s business history begins with the creation of McCallum Hill Limited in Regina by Walter H.A. Hill and E.A. McCallum, marking the start of what would become The Hill Companies.

1903

Newspaper advertisement

1925

Radio Beginnings

CJRM launches in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. The station later becomes CKRM, one of Canada's oldest radio stations.

1925

Black and white aerial view of Regina neighbourhoods

1933

Studio Expansion

CJRM moves its primary studios from Moose Jaw to Regina.

1933

1943: Brand Evolution

1943

Brand Evolution

CJRM officially changes its call letters to CKRM.

1943

1977: Broadcast Entry

1977

Broadcast Entry

Harvard Broadcasting, part of The Hill Companies, enters the broadcasting industry with the acquisition of CKCK-TV Regina.

1977

1979: License Renewal

1979

License Renewal

The CRTC renews the CKCK-TV licence and notes improvements made by Harvard Broadcasting.

1979

1981: Radio Acquisition

1981

Radio Acquisition

Harvard Broadcasting acquires CKRM-AM Regina and CFMQ-FM Regina from Buffalo Broadcasting, marking its first radio station ownership.

1981

1983: Sports Partnership

1983

Sports Partnership

CKRM Regina becomes the radio broadcast home of Saskatchewan Roughriders games.

1983

1986: Strategic Exit

1986

Strategic Exit

Harvard Broadcasting sells CKCK-TV Regina to Baton Broadcasting.

1986

1991: Brand Refresh

1991

Brand Refresh

CFMQ-FM Regina changes call letters to CHMX-FM and launches as Mix 92.

1991

2001: Portfolio Expansion

2001

Portfolio Expansion

Harvard Broadcasting acquires CFWF-FM Regina and CKCK-AM Regina from Craig Broadcasting. CKCK-AM is later sold to Rawlco Communications.

2001

2003: Network Approval

2003

Network Approval

The CRTC approves Harvard Broadcasting to operate a regional radio network originating from CKRM Regina.

2003

2006: Calgary Launch

2006

Calgary Launch

The CRTC approves Harvard Broadcasting to launch CFEX-FM Calgary, an alternative rock station.

2006

2006: Market Expansion

2006

Market Expansion

The CRTC approves Harvard Broadcasting to launch CFVR-FM Fort McMurray on 103.7 MHz.

2006

2007: Station Debut

2007

Station Debut

CFEX-FM Calgary launches as X92.9 and begins full broadcasting operations.

2007

2007: Saskatoon Debut

2007

Saskatoon Debut

The CRTC approves Harvard Broadcasting to launch CFWD-FM Saskatoon.

2007

2008: Station Launch

2008

Station Launch

CFVR-FM Fort McMurray launches as Mix 103.7.

2008

2008: Saskatoon Launch

2008

Saskatoon Launch

CFWD-FM Saskatoon launches as Wired 96.3.

2008

2008: Regional Acquisition

2008

Regional Acquisition

Harvard Broadcasting acquires GX Radio Yorkton, including CJGX-AM and CFGW-FM (Fox FM).

2008

2008: Edmonton Debut

2008

Edmonton Debut

The CRTC approves Harvard Broadcasting to launch CKEA-FM Edmonton.

2008

2008: Red Deer Debut

2008

Red Deer Debut

The CRTC approves Harvard Broadcasting to launch CKRI-FM Red Deer.

2008

2010: Station Launch

2010

Station Launch

CKRI-FM Red Deer launches as The River 100.7.

2010

2010: Edmonton Expansion

2010

Edmonton Expansion

CKEA-FM Edmonton launches as The Sound.

2010

2011: Edmonton Acquisition

2011

Edmonton Acquisition

Harvard Broadcasting acquires CJNW-FM Edmonton.

2011

2012: Brand Launch

2012

Brand Launch

Harvard Broadcasting launches the Cruz brand in Saskatoon on CFWD-FM.

2012

2013: Market Expansion

2013

Market Expansion

Harvard Broadcasting acquires CHFT-FM Fort McMurray.

2013

2019: Brand Refresh

2019

Brand Refresh

CJNW-FM Edmonton changes call letters to CKPW-FM.

2019

2019: Brand Launch

2019

Brand Launch

CKPW-FM Edmonton launches the play brand for Harvard Media.

2019

2020: Station Rebrand

2020

Station Rebrand

CHMX-FM becomes the second station to take on the play brand for Harvard Media, rebranding as play92.

2020

2021: Harvard Media Rebrand

2021

Harvard Media Rebrand

Harvard Broadcasting merges with Carbon Marketing and rebrands as Harvard Media, reflecting its expansion beyond radio into digital marketing and multi-platform media.

2021

2024: Brand Refresh

2024

Brand Refresh

CFVR-FM Fort McMurray joins the play Brand as the third station under this brand, now operating as play103.

2024

2024: Station Refresh

2024

Station Refresh

CKIK-FM Red Deer now becomes the 4th play branded station, becoming play101.

2024

2024: Digital Expansion

2024

Digital Expansion

Harvard Media expands its digital news footprint with the acquisition of SaskToday and MooseJawToday.com from Glacier Media.

2024

2024: Sports Expansion

2024

Sports Expansion

Harvard Media expands the SportsCage brand that once lived solely on 620 CKRM to SportsCage.com, covering Saskatchewan and area sports teams and leagues, and the Home of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

2024

2024: Expanding Agriculture Coverage

2024

Expanding Agriculture Coverage

Harvard Media launches the SaskAgToday.com brand, expanding our agriculture footprint across Saskatchewan and Canada.

2024

2025: National Growth

2025

National Growth

Harvard Media expands nationally with the acquisition of 3DownNation.com, a leading Canadian digital football media platform.

2025