TORONTO — Bell Media announced Wednesday it plans to acquire four FM radio stations in Ontario from Larche Communications Inc., bringing the total number of stations in Bell’s iHeartRadio network to 109.
Larche’s The Dock- and KICX Country-branded stations in Ontario operate in Sudbury, Midland, Orillia and Owen Sound. Subject to CRTC approval, Bell Media will acquire the following four stations from Larche:
- 104.1 The Dock (CICZ-FM) — Classic hits format in Midland
- 92.3 The Dock (CJOS-FM) — Classic hits format in Owen Sound
- KICX Country 91.7 (CICS-FM) — Country format in Sudbury
- KICX Country 106 (CICX-FM) — Country format in Orillia
“We look forward to welcoming these award-winning stations and their teams to Bell Media, and to building on the strong legacies they’ve created,” said Nikki Moffat, president of local radio and TV, and senior vice-president of finance for Bell Media, in a press release announcing the planned acquisition.
“Each station has loyal listeners and is a strong performer in its market, and this acquisition will further strengthen iHeartRadio Canada’s cross-country radio network. We are proud to continue to make significant investments in local radio and deliver the highest-quality experience for our listeners on multiple platforms,” Moffat added.
Larche’s president and CEO, Paul Larche, was quoted in the press release as saying: “I believe Bell Media is uniquely positioned to build on our strong brands and reputation. They are committed to maintaining the strong relationship our team has cultivated with our community, listeners and advertisers. This can only be enhanced by their television stations in two of our markets.”
Based in Simcoe County, Ont., Larche Communications was founded in 1996. In addition to the four radio stations it plans to sell to Bell Media, Larche also currently owns and operates Larche Digital Agency, based in Barrie. Larche’s radio stations have won more than 25 industry awards, including being named the Canadian Country Music Association’s Station of the Year eight times. Larche has also been recognized with community awards in Midland, Orillia, Barrie, Owen Sound and Sudbury. In the past nine years, Larche stations have raised more than $2.5 million in their “radio for…” campaigns for advanced local health care.
Financial terms of the sale were not disclosed.
