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Bell Media selling 45 radio stations (they own 103) and laying off 10 percent of their workforce (4800 people.) Saying that radio is "not a viable business anymore," Bell Media announced the 45 stations have been sold, pending CRTC approval to Vista Radio, Whiteoaks, Durham Radio, My Broadcasting Corp., ZoomerMedia, Arsenal Media and Maritime Broadcasting.
- Canadian Press Maritime Broadcasting System Limited (MBS Radio) is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement to purchase five radio stations from Bell Media.
The agreement is subject to approval from the CRTC. The 5 radio stations are: CKTY-FM and CKTO-FM in Truro NS, CKBC-FM in Bathurst NB, CJCJ-FM Woodstock NB and CIKX-FM in Grand Falls NB.
Maritime Broadcasting System is the largest locally owned and operating radio company within the Martimes, with radio stations in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. With this purchase, MBS Radio will operate 29 radio stations located in Sydney, Amherst, Digby, Middleton, Kentville, Windsor, Halifax, Truro, Moncton, Sussex, Saint John, Miramichi, Campbellton, Bathurst, Woodstock, Grand falls, Charlottetown, and Summerside.
MBS Radio’s Chief Operating Officer, David Pace says that “We are exited to see these 5 radio stations revert back to Maritime based ownership and are looking forward to expanding the company’s focus on quality local programming to the communities we have the privilege to serve. We are committed to being a trusted partner and making a positive difference in these communities for their listeners and advertisers.”
Applications for the transfer of ownership for these 5 radio stations will be submitted to the CRTC in the very near future.
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Vista Radio Announces the Acquisition of Several Bell Media Radio Stations in British
Columbia, Strengthening its Commitment to Local Broadcasting in Canada
Courtenay, British Columbia, Thursday February 8th, 2024 – Vista Radio, Canada’s most
locally focused media company with an independent network of 51 radio stations and 38 digital properties in three provinces and the Northwest Territories, today announced that it has entered into an agreement to purchase 21 Bell Media radio stations which includes an additional 27 regional repeater transmitters in British Columbia. The stations include all Bell Media radio stations in the province apart from those in Vancouver and Victoria.
“We look forward to bringing the very talented people and these incredible stations into Vista Radio that align extremely well with our own for so many reasons.” said Bryan Edwards,
President of Vista Radio. “We know the current staff share our commitment to local programming, news, economy, and community service. This formula is why Vista’s growth is exponential and positions us as the ideal steward for these frequencies and their digital presence. We are confident adding these stations to our own will make every one of our markets stronger and serve British Columbia even better than before”.
Every Vista station proudly serves its community with entertainment and locally generated
relevant content emphasizing information that impacts the local audience - news, weather, road reports and events. A core operating principle for Vista is that the stations and local websites be
accessible and approachable to listeners and readers, both in the content they deliver and how the stations and sites operate.
Vista adopts a philosophy of service, recognizing the central role media plays in the community.
In addition to its local focus, Vista is committed to innovation, employing local, and serving local businesses and the community at large and looks forward to serving the new areas they will soon be operating within. The transaction is pending CRTC approval.
About Vista Radio - vistaradio.ca
With this acquisition, Vista Radio will operate over 70 radio stations broadcasting across over 110 frequencies located in B.C., Alberta, Ontario, and the Northwest Territories. Vista will also own and operate more than 50 locally focused news, information, and events portals for its communities.
Currently with more than 250 employees, the Vista team is passionately dedicated to their
communities and is committed to generating exceptional local media.
For more information contact Bryan Edwards - bedwards@vistaradio.ca