Aberdeen FM also bid for the licence with Aurora FM, and Waves Radio bid with Waves FM.
Canwest’s winning bid comes with 5% backing from Seven Broadcast.
The network, which must launch Original Aberdeen FM within two years, has promised to broadcast an adult alternative radio station, with an “eclectic mix of adult oriented music with particular ABC1 appeal”. It will also carry a 24-hour local news service.
The station will reach a potential audience of 240,000 adults, predominantly in Aberdeen.