CFAX 1070 AM: This is a developing story
Since first signing onto the airwaves in September of 1959, CFAX has been a revered radio station serving Victoria and the B.C. capital region. Launched as a 1,000-watt, daytime-only station originally at 810 AM, CFAX’s founding ownership group included the Queale family, proprietors of the local Queale Electronics store.
After early years of struggle, radio lover Clare Copeland purchased the station and emerged as a key figure in the transition to 1070 AM and commenced round-the-clock broadcasting from its new transmitter location on the Trial Islands. This move marked the beginning of the station’s growth, including a significant increase in broadcast power to 10,000 watts by 1967 and its first of many runs as the No. 1 rated station on the island.
The major turning point came in 1975 when Mel Cooper acquired CFAX. Leaving his position as general manager of CKNW in Vancouver, Cooper's vision and leadership transformed CFAX. He steered the station towards a stronger emphasis on news and information programming, establishing CFAX as the critical source of local news it remains today.
CFAX has earned award-winning accolades for its coverage of significant local events, including the eruption of Mount St. Helens, the Commonwealth Games, the historic Blizzard of ’96, Sept. 11th and the COVID-19 pandemic.
CFAX's journey of transformation continued when it was purchased by CHUM Ltd. in 2004 and later Bell Media, taking ownership of CFAX and its sister stations, Virgin Radio and CTV Vancouver Island.
Throughout its history, CFAX 1070 AM has evolved from a small, family-owned station into a leading news and talk radio broadcaster in Victoria. Its strategic shifts, leadership changes, and eventual integration into Bell Media’s portfolio have ensured its lasting impact on the local media landscape. Today, CFAX remains a trusted voice in Victoria, with its transmitter still prominently located on the Trial Islands, broadcasting to a dedicated audience.
The station continues to evolve. In 2025, CFAX is moving to the growing community of Esquimalt. CFAX will be heading over the bridge and setting up shop in a brand-new, state-of-the-art studio on Esquimalt Road. Now available on the iHearRadio app, on your smart devices and at your convenience with its numerous market-leading podcasts, CFAX continues to bring a unique mix of news, information, entertainment and community engagement to the capital region.
Thanks for listening.