Bell Media Radio
 | |
| iHeartRadio Canada | |
| Formerly | CHUM Radio (1945–2011) |
| Type | Subsidiary |
| Industry | Radio broadcasting |
| Predecessor | CHUM Limited |
| Founded | 1945 (as CHUM Limited) 2011 (Bell Media Radio) 2016 (iHeartRadio Canada) |
| Headquarters | 250 Richmond Street West, , Canada |
Key people | Randy Lennox (president of broadcasting)[1] |
| Parent | Bell Media |
| Divisions | Orbyt Media (formerly CHUM Radio Network) |
| Website | bellmedia |
Bell Media Radio, G.P. (formerly CHUM Radio), operating publicly as iHeartRadio Canada, is the radio broadcasting and audio division of Bell Media, a subsidiary of BCE Inc.. The company owns AM and FM radio stations in markets across Canada, distributes programming to other stations through Orbyt Media, and operates the Canadian version of iHeartRadio under licence from iHeartMedia.
The business originated with the radio assets of CHUM Limited, which were acquired by CTVglobemedia in 2007 and later became part of Bell Media. Bell expanded its radio holdings through the acquisition of Astral Media in 2013, but substantially reduced the portfolio through station closures and sales between 2023 and 2025. As of 2026, Bell Media Radio operates approximately 55 AM and FM stations, along with the shortwave relay CFRX.
History
[edit]The company has its origins in CHUM Limited, which was acquired by CTVglobemedia in 2006. Through subsequent acquisitions, it also subsumed the radio properties of Astral Media in 2013; many of these were former Standard Radio stations that were acquired by Astral in 2007.
In 2016, Bell Media reached a licensing agreement with U.S. radio conglomerate iHeartMedia to operate a localized version of its internet radio platform iHeartRadio, and organize Canadian versions of its event franchises (such as the Jingle Ball). Since this agreement, Bell has primarily promoted its audio content, including radio stations and podcasts, under the public-facing brand iHeartRadio Canada.
In 2023, Bell Media laid off 6% of its workforce and closed nine of its radio stations and sold three as part of a restructuring plan and consolidated newsrooms across its platforms, resulting in its news/talk stations laying off most of their news staff and relying instead on the local and national newsrooms of CTV News. Stations closed included Winnipeg's CFRW, Calgary's CKMX, Edmonton's CFRN, Vancouver's CFTE and CKST and London's CJBK while Hamilton's CKOC and CHAM and Windsor's CKWW were sold[2] to CINA Radio Group for $455,000.[3]
On February 8, 2024, parent company BCE announced a total of cuts across the company, including 4,800 layoffs—with approximately 10% of those jobs being at Bell Media specifically, and the sale of 45 of its 103 radio stations to Vista Radio, Whiteoaks Communications Group, Durham Radio, My Broadcasting Corporation, ZoomerMedia, Arsenal Media and Maritime Broadcasting, pending approval by the CRTC.[4] Bell executive Robert Malcolmson told Canadian Press that the "significant divestiture" of Bell's radio assets occurred "because it's not a viable business anymore".[5]
Operations
[edit]
Its head office is currently located at 250 Richmond Street West in Toronto, where the studios of its Toronto flagship stations CHUM-FM, CKFM-FM, CFRB and CHUM-AM are located. CHUM-AM and CHUM-FM moved from their historic location, 1331 Yonge Street, after the property was sold to Aspen Ridge Homes for $21.5 million.[6][7] Former Standard Radio stations CFRB and CKFM were previously located at the intersection of Yonge Street and St. Clair Avenue West until 2013.[8]
CHUM Radio also previously operated CHUM Satellite Services, a multimedia division which provided programming and production services for corporate clients. This operation was acquired in 2009 by Stingray Digital,[9] which eventually renamed it Stingray360.
On January 6, 2016, iHeartMedia announced that Bell Media would enter into a licensing deal to launch a Canadian version of its radio streaming service iHeartRadio. Bell will handle Canadian licensing, marketing, and distribution of the service, contribute its content to the venture, and also gain rights to produce iHeartRadio-branded events. The service launched in October 2016.[10]
Since then, Bell has downplayed the branding "Bell Media Radio" in reference to its stations, and has referred to the collective platform, including the terrestrial stations, online outlets (which were all consolidated under iHeartRadio.ca) and podcasts from Bell Media properties that are distributed under the platform, under the name iHeartRadio Canada. The MuchMusic Video Awards were also re-branded as the iHeartRadio MMVAs.
Programming
[edit]Bell's stations broadcast under various formats, although hot adult contemporary and adult hits are particularly common. The stations typically air locally produced or voice-tracked programming for the majority of their schedules, although some national network programming also airs. In 2007 and part of 2008, the hot adult contemporary radio stations also aired the national evening program The Sound Lounge.[11] Many of Bell Media's music radio stations operate under standard, networked formats, combining local programming with shared branding, music scheduling and, in some cases, national or syndicated programs.[12][13] These brands include:
- Bounce: Adult hits stations. The brand launched on May 18, 2021, when 25 Bell Media stations adopted the format. Many of the stations that adopted the brand were previously adult contemporary, hot adult contemporary, active rock, adult hits or classic hits stations, including the company's remaining Bob FM and EZ Rock-branded stations.[13]
- Move: Adult contemporary stations. The brand launched on December 27, 2020, when 10 Bell Media stations adopted the format.[14]
- Pure Country: country stations. The brand launched on May 28, 2019, when 13 Bell Media stations adopted the format, including 12 existing country stations and newly flipped CKLC-FM in Kingston.[15][16]
- Virgin Radio: CHR/Top 40 stations, using branding licensed from the Virgin Group. The brand was first introduced in Canada by Astral Media's CKFM-FM in 2008.
Bell's French-language radio stations in Quebec, inherited from Astral Media, have similarly used networked formats:
- Énergie: Mainstream rock stations.
- Rouge FM: Adult contemporary stations.
Bell also inherited Astral's Boom FM (classic hits) and EZ Rock (adult contemporary) brands. Most English-language stations using the Boom FM brand were transferred to Stingray Radio as part of divestitures connected to Bell's acquisition of Astral Media, while Bell's remaining French-language Boom FM stations were sold to Arsenal Media as part of the company's 2024–2025 radio divestitures.[17] The last remaining EZ Rock-branded stations owned by Bell were phased out with the launch of the Bounce and Move brands.
Until 2024, Bell also operated three networked brands featuring talk and spoken word programming. Except for TSN Radio (which features a mix of local programming and other acquired sports talk programs and event broadcasts, often syndicated from ESPN Radio and Westwood One), the majority of this programming was automated with little local content:
- BNN Bloomberg Radio (until 2024): Business news stations, which featured programming from Bloomberg Radio and audio simulcasts of programs from the BNN Bloomberg television channel.[18][19][20][21]
- Funny (until 2024): Carried stand-up comedy. Was initially a Canadian licensee of the U.S. radio network 24/7 Comedy.[21][18][22]
- TSN Radio: Sports talk stations, co-branded with Bell's TSN sports channel. Three of the TSN Radio stations were formerly part of a larger but short-lived national sports radio network known as The Team, which was launched by CHUM Limited in 2001 on virtually all of the company's AM radio stations across Canada, but was dissolved in 2002 due to poor ratings. The stations that did not remain AM sports radio stations are either oldies or news/talk formats.[23]
Following the sale or closure of numerous Bell stations in 2023 and 2024, the BNN Bloomberg and Funny radio brands were no longer in use. Aside from three TSN Radio stations, Bell's remaining news/talk stations carry local programming with some regionally or nationally syndicated shows, and audio simulcasts of CTV News programs, under the iHeartRadio Talk Network[24] branding.
Through Orbyt Media, Bell distributes syndicated radio programming in Canada, including The Breakfast Club, The Bobby Bones Show, On Air with Ryan Seacrest, American Top 40 and the Bryan Adams Radio Show.[25][26]
Stations
[edit]Former stations
[edit]| City of licence | Call sign | Frequency | Band | Years owned | Fate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amqui, QC | CFVM-FM | 99.9 | FM | 2013–2025 | Sold to Arsenal Media in 2024, CRTC approved sale in 2025 |
| Bathurst, NB | CKBC-FM | 104.9 | FM | 2013–2024 | Sold to Maritime Broadcasting System in 2024 |
| Brockville, ON | CJPT-FM | 103.7 | FM | 1996–2025 | Sold to My Broadcasting Corporation in 2024, CRTC approved sale in 2025 |
| CFJR-FM | 104.9 | FM | 1997–2025 | Sold to My Broadcasting Corporation in 2024, CRTC approved sale in 2025 | |
| Calgary, AB | CKMX | 1060 | AM | 2013–2023 | Defunct, ceased operations in 2023 |
| CFVP | 6.03 | SW | 2013-2023 | Defunct shortwave relay of CKMX | |
| Dawson Creek, BC | CJDC | 890 | AM | 2013–2025 | Sold to Vista Radio in 2024, CRTC approved sale in 2025 |
| Drummondville, QC | CHRD-FM | 105.3 | FM | 2013–2025 | Sold to Arsenal Media in 2024, CRTC approved sale in 2025 |
| CJDM-FM | 92.1 | FM | 2013–2025 | Sold to Arsenal Media in 2024, CRTC approved sale in 2025 | |
| Edmonton, AB | CFRN | 1260 | AM | 2013–2023 | Defunct, ceased operations in 2023 |
| CHBN-FM | 91.7 | FM | 2005–2010 | Sold to Rogers Sports & Media in 2010 | |
| Fort Nelson, BC | CKRX-FM | 102.3 | FM | 2013–2025 | Sold to Vista Radio in 2024, CRTC approved sale in 2025 |
| Fort St. John, BC | CHRX-FM | 98.5 | FM | 2013–2025 | Sold to Vista Radio in 2024, CRTC approved sale in 2025 |
| CKNL-FM | 101.5 | FM | 2013–2025 | Sold to Vista Radio in 2024, CRTC approved sale in 2025 | |
| Golden, BC | CKGR-FM | 106.3 | FM | 2013–2025 | Sold to Vista Radio in 2024, CRTC approved sale in 2025 |
| Grand Falls, NB | CIKX-FM | 93.5 | FM | 2013–2024 | Sold to Maritime Broadcasting in 2024 |
| Hamilton, ON | CHAM | 820 | AM | 2013–2024 | Sold to CINA Radio Group in 2023, CRTC approved sale in 2024 |
| CKOC | 1150 | AM | 2013–2024 | Sold to CINA Radio Group in 2023, CRTC approved sale in 2024 | |
| CKLH-FM | 102.9 | FM | 2007–2024 | Sold to Golden Horseshoe Broadcasting in 2024. | |
| Kawartha Lakes, ON | CKLY-FM | 91.9 | FM | 2000–2025 | Sold to Durham Radio in 2024, CRTC approved sale in 2025. |
| Kelowna, BC | CKFR | 1150 | AM | 2013–2025 | Sold to Vista Radio in 2024, CRTC approved sale in 2025 |
| CHSU-FM | 99.9 | FM | 2013–2025 | Sold to Vista Radio in 2024, CRTC approved sale in 2025 | |
| CILK-FM | 101.5 | FM | 2013–2025 | Sold to Vista Radio in 2024, CRTC approved sale in 2025 | |
| Kingston, ON | CFLY-FM | 98.3 | FM | 1997–2025 | Sold to My Broadcasting Corporation in 2024, CRTC approved sale in 2025 |
| CKLC-FM | 98.9 | FM | 1997–2025 | Sold to My Broadcasting Corporation in 2024, CRTC approved sale in 2025 | |
| Kitimat, BC | CKTK-FM | 97.7 | FM | 2013–2025 | Sold to Vista Radio in 2024, CRTC approved sale in 2025 |
| London, ON | CKSL | 1410 | AM | 2013–2016 | Defunct, ceased operations in 2016 |
| CJBK | 1290 | AM | 2013–2023 | Defunct, ceased operations in 2023 | |
| CHST-FM | 102.3 | FM | 2000–2010 | Sold to Rogers Sports & Media in 2010 | |
| Nelson, BC | CKKC-FM | 106.9 | FM | 2013–2025 | Sold to Vista Radio in 2024, CRTC approved sale in 2025 |
| Osoyoos, BC | CJOR | 1240 | AM | 2007–2025 | Sold to Vista Radio in 2024, CRTC approved sale in 2025 |
| Owen Sound, ON | CJOS-FM | 92.3 | FM | 2018–2024 | Sold to ZoomerMedia in 2024 |
| Penticton, BC | CKOR | 800 | AM | 2013–2025 | Sold to Vista Radio in 2024, CRTC approved sale in 2025 |
| CJMG-FM | 97.1 | FM | 2013–2025 | Sold to Vista Radio in 2024, CRTC approved sale in 2025 | |
| Peterborough, ON | CKPT-FM | 99.7 | FM | 1977–2025 | Sold to Durham Radio in 2024, CRTC approved sale in 2025. |
| CKQM-FM | 105.1 | FM | 1977–2025 | Sold to Durham Radio in 2024, CRTC approved sale in 2025. | |
| Prince Rupert, BC | CHTK-FM | 99.1 | FM | 2013–2025 | Sold to Vista Radio in 2024, CRTC approved sale in 2025 |
| Revelstoke, BC | CKCR-FM | 106.1 | FM | 2013–2025 | Sold to Vista Radio in 2024, CRTC approved sale in 2025 |
| Rimouski, QC | CIKI-FM | 98.7 | FM | 2013–2025 | Sold to Arsenal Media in 2024 |
| CJOI-FM | 102.9 | FM | 2013–2025 | Sold to Arsenal Media in 2024, CRTC approved sale in 2025 | |
| Saint-Hyacinthe, QC | CFEI-FM | 106.5 | FM | 2013–2025 | Sold to Arsenal Media in 2024, CRTC approved sale in 2025 |
| Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC | CFZZ-FM | 104.1 | FM | 2013–2025 | Sold to Arsenal Media in 2024, CRTC approved sale in 2025 |
| St. Catharines, ON | CKTB | 610 | AM | 2013–2024 | Sold to Golden Horseshoe Broadcasting in 2024 |
| CHRE-FM | 105.7 | FM | 2013–2024 | Sold to Golden Horseshoe Broadcasting in 2024 | |
| CHTZ-FM | 97.7 | FM | 2013–2024 | Sold to Golden Horseshoe Broadcasting in 2024 | |
| Salmon Arm, BC | CKXR-FM | 91.5 | FM | 2013–2025 | Sold to Vista Radio in 2024, CRTC approved sale in 2025 |
| Summerland, BC | CHOR-FM | 98.5 | FM | 2013–2025 | Sold to Vista Radio in 2024, CRTC approved sale in 2025 |
| Terrace, BC | CFTK | 590 | AM | 2013–2025 | Sold to Vista Radio in 2024, CRTC approved sale in 2025 |
| CJFW-FM | 103.1 | FM | 2013–2025 | Sold to Vista Radio in 2024, CRTC approved sale in 2025 | |
| Toronto, ON | CFXJ-FM | 93.5 | FM | 2010–2013 | Sold to Stingray Radio in 2013 |
| Trail, BC | CJAT-FM | 95.7 | FM | 2013–2025 | Sold to Vista Radio in 2024, CRTC approved sale in 2025 |
| Truro, NS | CKTO-FM | 100.9 | FM | 2013–2024 | Sold to Maritime Broadcasting in 2024 |
| CKTY-FM | 99.5 | FM | 2013–2024 | Sold to Maritime Broadcasting in 2024 | |
| Vancouver, BC | CKST | 1040 | AM | 1992–2023 | Defunct, ceased operations in 2023 |
| CFTE | 1410 | AM | 1973–2023 | Defunct, ceased operations in 2023 | |
| Vernon, BC | CICF-FM | 105.7 | FM | 2013–2025 | Sold to Vista Radio in 2024, CRTC approved sale in 2025 |
| Windsor, ON | CKWW | 580 | AM | 1985–2024 | Sold to CINA Radio Group in 2023, CRTC approved sale in 2024 |
| Winnipeg, MB | CFRW | 1290 | AM | 1974–2023 | Sold to Akash Broadcasting in 2025 |
| Woodstock, NB | CJCJ-FM | 104.1 | FM | 2013–2024 | Sold to Maritime Broadcasting in 2024 |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ↑ "Executive Directory – Bell Media".
- ↑ "BCE laying off 1,300 people, closing foreign news bureaus and 9 radio stations across Canada". CBC News. June 14, 2023. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
- ↑ Connie Thiessen, "Neeti P. Ray makes bid to buy Bell Media AM stations in Hamilton, Windsor". Broadcast Dialogue, November 20, 2023.
- ↑ "Bell Media planning cuts to CTV, BNN Bloomberg following BCE layoffs, sale of 45 radio stations". CTV News. February 8, 2024. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
- ↑ "'Not a viable business anymore': Bell Media selling 45 radio stations amid layoffs". CityNews. February 8, 2024. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
- ↑ "CHUM site slated for luxury condos". Toronto Star. Retrieved May 28, 2019.
- ↑ "The CHUM sign's new home". Toronto Star. Retrieved May 28, 2019.
- ↑ "CFRB to leave landmark St. Clair offices for Queen West". Toronto Star. July 30, 2013. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
- ↑ Stingray Digital (August 5, 2009). "Stingray Digital acquires CHUM Satellite Services Limited from CTV Limited". Archived from the original on March 21, 2012. Retrieved August 6, 2011.
- ↑ "iHeartRadio joins Canada's streaming market through partnership with Bell". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
- ↑ Thiessen, Connie (December 28, 2020). "Bell Media rebrands 10 stations under 'MOVE Radio' banner". Broadcast Dialogue. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
- ↑ "Nationalization Takes Hold In Two Nations: Looking At Today's Three Station Format Shuffle In Detroit/Windsor". RadioInsight. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
- 1 2 "Bell Media Bounces 25 Stations Across Canada To New Variety Hits Brand". RadioInsight. Retrieved May 20, 2021.
- ↑ "Bell Media Moves Ten Stations To New Branding". RadioInsight. December 27, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2020.
- ↑ "Pure Country: Nationwide rebrand gives new name to Big Dog 92.7". CTV News Regina. Retrieved May 28, 2019.
- ↑ "Bell Media Rebrands 13 Canadian Country Stations As Pure Country". RadioInsight. May 28, 2019. Retrieved May 28, 2019.
- ↑ "Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2025-76". Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission. March 11, 2025. Retrieved July 7, 2026.
- 1 2 "Bell cancels all-sports radio format on channels in Vancouver, Winnipeg and Hamilton". CBC News. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
- ↑ Faguy, Steve (February 2, 2021). "Larger wave of cuts coming at Bell Media this week; UPDATE: 210 positions eliminated in Toronto". Cartt.ca. Retrieved February 2, 2021.
- ↑ Lorinc, Jacob (February 2, 2021). "Bell Media cuts more than 200 jobs at stations including Newstalk 1010 and CJAD 800". Toronto Star. Retrieved February 2, 2021.
- 1 2 Faguy, Steve (February 9, 2021). "Ongoing Bell Media cuts see three TSN radio stations pulled today; Oosterman memo says changes are "now complete" (UPDATED)". Retrieved February 9, 2021.
- ↑ "Humble And Fred Return To Radio Via Astral Media, CFRB". All Access. Retrieved September 25, 2021.
- ↑ "TSN Radio a reality". The Globe and Mail, January 21, 2011.
- ↑ Thiessen, Connie (March 11, 2022). "Mark Brand to debut new show on iHeartRadio talk network". Broadcast Dialogue. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
- ↑ "The Breakfast Club Crosses The Border Into Toronto". RadioInsight. March 11, 2020. Retrieved March 13, 2020.
- ↑ "iHeartRadio Canada Launches Bryan Adams Radio Streaming Channel Hosted by the Legendary Canadian Singer-Songwriter" (Press release). Bell Media. November 5, 2024. Retrieved July 7, 2026.