In the heart of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, 97.5 K-Rock (VOCM-FM) stands as a cultural cornerstone, delivering the timeless riffs and anthems of classic rock to the Avalon Peninsula and beyond. Broadcasting at 97.5 MHz, this station, owned by Stingray Group, has carved out a unique place in the province’s radio landscape with its blend of iconic rock hits, local flavor, and engaging programming. Since its inception in 1982, K-Rock has evolved from its early days as VO Stereo to become Newfoundland’s go-to source for classic rock, appealing to a diverse audience with its carefully curated music and community-focused content.
A rich history rooted in Newfoundland
VOCM-FM, now branded as 97.5 K-Rock, first hit the airwaves in September 1982 as VO Stereo, initially offering an easy listening format. However, by the late 1980s, under the leadership of manager Gary Butler and music director Pat Murphy, the station pivoted to a mix of new and classic rock to capture a younger, predominantly male audience. This strategic shift proved to be a game-changer, propelling the station from last place to the number-one FM station in St. John’s within two years. Over time, K-Rock refined its format to focus on classic rock while incorporating some 2000s rock songs to broaden its appeal, including to female listeners.
The station’s call sign, VOCM-FM, is a nod to Newfoundland’s pre-confederation history, as one of only four Canadian stations still using the “VO” prefix, issued before Newfoundland joined Canada in 1949. This historical distinction adds a layer of pride for listeners who see K-Rock as a reflection of the province’s unique identity.
The sound of classic rock
At its core, 97.5 K-Rock is defined by its music. The station plays a robust selection of classic rock staples from legendary bands like The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Tom Petty, alongside grunge-era icons like Pearl Jam and contemporary rock acts. This mix resonates with listeners who grew up with the genre and younger fans discovering its raw energy.
Signature programming
K-Rock’s programming goes beyond music, offering shows that blend entertainment, local culture, and community engagement. Weekday mornings come alive with K-Rock Mornings with Campbell, Candice & JLaC, a lively show that sets the tone for the day with humor, music, and local insights. On Saturdays, Saturday in Big Tom’s Shed with JLaC offers a laid-back vibe, celebrating Newfoundland’s love for storytelling and camaraderie. For fans of traditional music, The Homebrew Show, hosted by Sam Whiffen on Sundays from 8 AM to 1 PM, delivers a dose of Newfoundland, Celtic, and Irish music, a nod to the province’s rich cultural heritage. This show is broadcast not only on 97.5 K-Rock but also on other K-Rock stations across Newfoundland, including in Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, and Corner Brook.
Community connection and reach
Based at 391 Kenmount Road in St. John’s, K-Rock serves the Avalon Peninsula but extends its reach through a rebroadcaster in Clarenville (VOCM-FM-1 at 100.7 MHz) and affiliated stations in Gander (CKXD-FM), Grand Falls-Windsor (CKXG-FM), and Corner Brook (CKXX-FM). These stations share K-Rock’s classic rock format and programming, with local advertising tailored to their communities. This province-wide presence ensures that K-Rock resonates with Newfoundlanders across the island, fostering a sense of unity through shared music and culture.
K-Rock also engages its audience through social media and online platforms. The station maintains an active presence on Facebook, keeping fans updated on contests, events, and music news. Its website, krockrocks.com, offers a live stream, recently played tracks, and contact information, making it easy for listeners to stay connected. The station’s mobile apps, available on Google Play and the App Store, further enhance accessibility, allowing fans to tune in from anywhere.
A cultural institution
97.5 K-Rock is more than a radio station—it’s a cultural institution that captures the spirit of Newfoundland and Labrador. Its blend of classic rock, local programming, and community engagement has made it a beloved fixture in St. John’s and beyond. Whether you’re rocking out to a Led Zeppelin riff, tuning in for traditional Newfoundland tunes on The Homebrew Show, or catching up with Campbell, Candice, and JLaC, K-Rock delivers a sound that resonates with the heart of the province.
For those in St. John’s or anywhere in Newfoundland, tune in to 97.5 K-Rock for a dose of classic rock and local pride. As the station’s tagline proudly declares, it’s “Newfoundland’s classic rock”—and it’s here to stay.
