Radio & Podcast News – Stingray to acquire Welland stations Giant FM and Country 89

Stingray Radio has entered into an agreement to acquire the assets of Giant FM (CIXL-FM) and Country 89 (CKYY-FM) in Welland, ON, from Wellport Broadcasting Limited/RB Communications Ltd, subject to CRTC approval. Ian Lurie, President, Radio Operations of Stingray, said in a release that the acquisition expands Stingray’s already significant presence in Ontario and “makes certain that Stingray will continue to offer the best services to classic rock and country music listeners in the Niagara region.” Financial terms of the transaction, which is expected to close later this fall pending CRTC approval, have not been disclosed.

Bell Media and Stingray have launched AUDIO360, an advanced, multi-platform audio sales solution that allows media buyers to target specific consumer groups based on their audio listening journey throughout the day. AUDIO360 gives advertisers the option to buy audio advertising across the iHeartRadio Canada and Stingray Music apps; within podcasts on the iHeartRadio Canada app, terrestrial audio on Bell Media and Stingray’s 200 radio stations combined; and sponsorship opportunities across Specialty Audio that will eventually include in-store retail and the Stingray specialty TV audio channels. AUDIO360 recommends audio buys to clients by targeting specific consumer groups using “Passion Segments” which include categories like “Millennial Moms,” “Tech Saavy Urbanites,” “Foodies,” “Home Enthusiasts,” “Baby Boomers,” and “Cultural Influencers.” A series of customized audio recommendations is then made based on that group’s listening habits. Read Broadcast Dialogue’s interview with Perry MacDonald, SVP Sales, Video and Radio, Bell Media, and Ryan Fuss, SVP, Global Advertising Solutions, Stingray, here.

Rebel 101.7 (CIDG-FM) Ottawa started testing its newly-approved signal upgrade to 21,000 Watts on Sept. 23. The station previously broadcast at 5,500 Watts. Tim Wieczorek, the station’s Director of Operations, says the new signal is a “game changer” that will make the station available to over 250,000 more Ottawa residents.

Dave Holland celebrated 50 years on-air in Prince Edward Island Sept. 29. Ocean 100 (CHTN-FM) Charlottetown dubbed last Friday “Dave Holland Day”, dedicating its morning show to the radio vet. Born in Toronto, Holland started his radio career on Sept. 29, 1969 in Newcastle, NB at CKMR. In 1970, he moved on to Campbellton, NB, and two years later joined CFCY Charlottetown. Holland continues to do weekend news on Ocean 100 and serves as the game announcer for the UPEI Men’s Hockey Panthers.

The Slaight Family Foundation has established the Senior Care Navigation Pilot, through a $1 million donation, that will fund a partnership between Toronto’s Sunnybrook Hospital and SPRINT Senior Care to advance a new model of care to help seniors and their families. The Senior Care Navigation Pilot will introduce a new community care navigator role in the Sunnybrook Emergency Department and across clinical settings to identify and help seniors with complex care needs return to their homes. The Slaight Family Foundation’s investment in Sunnybrook is part of a historic $30-million gift to 13 hospitals in Toronto and four national organizations as part of The Slaight Family Foundation Seniors Initiative.

Saskatchewan Country CKBI Prince Albert raised $20,000 during the station’s 32nd annual Two Miles for Mary Radiothon last Friday. The event raises funds for the Seniors Transportation Program provided through the local Community Service Centre, which provides affordable rides to seniors at just $5 per trip.

CBC Podcasts marked International Podcast Day on Monday by debuting it’s new Podcast Oracle which makes recommendations based on listener genre preferences. Celebrated every Sept. 30 since 2015, read more about International Podcast Day, here.

SiriusXM NHL Network Radio is marking its 15th season. Gord Stellick and Scott Laughlin are helming the channel’s new morning show, starting at 7 a.m. ET weekdays, in addition to former NHLer Mike Johnson. Contributors this season include Steve Kouleas, Boomer Gordon, NHL alum Matthew Barnaby, Mick Kern, Dave McCarthy, Michelle Sturino, Jonathan Davis, and insiders Bob McKenzie, Brian Burke, Elliotte Friedman, Pierre McGuire, Mike Rupp, Pierre LeBrun and Jeff Marek. SiriusXM offers play-by-play channels dedicated to the official radio broadcasts of every NHL team, in addition to French-language broadcasts for all Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators games via Influence Franco (ch. 174). Listeners who have SiriusXM Streaming access can also listen to the SiriusXM NHL Network Radio on the SiriusXM app, online and On Demand.

LISTEN: On the latest episode of Broadcast Dialogue – The Podcast, Amanda Kingsland, Program Director at Country 101.1 (CKBY-FM) Ottawa and National Music Director for the Rogers’ Country Brand. Kingsland is coming off an impressive fourth consecutive Music Director of the Year (large market) win at the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards.

FEATURE: Albert To, imaging producer for KiSS 92.5 Toronto and the National Imaging Lead for Rogers’ CHR stations is this week’s featured producer, in conversation with Andreas Sannemann, CEO of Benztown. To talks favourite plugins, beatmixing, and why research is important. Read more here.

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