Close X
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
ADVT 
National

Bell Media Joins With Iheartradio To Offer Canadians Multidevice Digital Radio

The Canadian Press, 08 Jan, 2016 12:27 PM
    TORONTO — Another global music brand is headed to Canada this year as Bell Media locks in a partnership with U.S. entertainment broadcaster iHeartMedia.
     
    The Montreal-based telecommunications company said Wednesday that it's pairing with iHeartRadio, the digital music wing of the larger media company, to start a free streaming music service that will compete with the likes of Apple Music, Spotify and Stingray Music.
     
    The early summer launch will connect Bell's terrestrial radio stations to an iHeartRadio app that listeners can access on a wide range of devices such as smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles and automotive entertainment systems.
     
    It will also replace the company's existing Bell Media radio app that's available on a number of devices.
     
    Once operating, the iHeartRadio platform will ensure Bell's 106 licensed radio stations across Canada remain easily accessible as listeners change the way they play their music.
     
    Over the past few years, the options for streaming music online have ballooned as an onslaught of technology companies unveiled services that rivalled the established players in terrestrial radio as well as satellite operator SiriusXM.
     
    Randy Lennox, president of Bell Media's entertainment production and broadcasting operations, said Bell wanted to get ahead of technological shifts, particularly with automakers installing entertainment systems in vehicles that connect to the Internet and easily link up with streaming services.
     
    He said adopting the iHeartRadio brand in Canada will give Bell a more recognizable face with U.S. technology companies who could potentially offer the platform in their vehicles, for example.
     
     
    "We wanted to attach our cart to their horse, so to speak," he said.
     
    "It's prudent for us to recognize that many of these consumer electronics and all of the car manufacturers are located primarily in the U.S. and it's much better to be positioned as a Canadian portion of a North American presentation."
     
    The iHeartRadio Internet platform is a relatively new business launched in the United States in 2011 as part of iHeartMedia — a powerhouse of U.S. terrestrial radio formed when Clear Channel Communications changed its name.
     
    Canada will become the fourth national market for iHeartRadio, after the United States, Australia and New Zealand.
     
    Once the iHeartRadio platform rolls out, Bell plans to offer exclusive video content and access to footage from live events, like its MuchMusic Video Awards show.
     
    iHeartRadio hosts its own music awards show in the U.S., which aired for two years on NBC but will instead be simulcast on smaller Turner-owned channels TBS, TNT & TruTV this April.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Hotline In Manitoba To Let People Know How To Help Syrian Refugees

    Hotline In Manitoba To Let People Know How To Help Syrian Refugees
    It will provide information to anyone looking to make a donation or who wants to volunteer with resettlement efforts.

    Hotline In Manitoba To Let People Know How To Help Syrian Refugees

    NATO Eager To Size Up Justin Trudeau Government As ISIL Threat Emerges In Libya

    NATO Eager To Size Up Justin Trudeau Government As ISIL Threat Emerges In Libya
    BRUSSELS — Stephane Dion hasn't even arrived yet in Brussels, but a lineup is already forming to meet Canada's new global affairs minister.

    NATO Eager To Size Up Justin Trudeau Government As ISIL Threat Emerges In Libya

    Ontario Prepared To Take Roughly 4,000 Refugees This Year: Minister

    Ontario Prepared To Take Roughly 4,000 Refugees This Year: Minister
    TORONTO — Ontario's health minister says the province is prepared to take roughly 4,000 of the 10,000 Syrian refugees set to arrive in Canada by the end of the year.

    Ontario Prepared To Take Roughly 4,000 Refugees This Year: Minister

    Opening Five Safe-Injection Sites Makes Financial Sense For Ontario: Study

    Opening Five Safe-Injection Sites Makes Financial Sense For Ontario: Study
    Ahmed Bayoumi, a medical researcher at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, says three such facilities in that city and two in Ottawa would make financial sense given the increasing effectiveness of hepatitis C treatment.

    Opening Five Safe-Injection Sites Makes Financial Sense For Ontario: Study

    Ontario Police Officer Captures Lone Black Bear Cub In Petawawa, Ont.

    Ontario Police Officer Captures Lone Black Bear Cub In Petawawa, Ont.
    Const. Shawn Peever says police received calls last week from residents who saw no sign of a mother bear and were concerned for the cub.

    Ontario Police Officer Captures Lone Black Bear Cub In Petawawa, Ont.

    B.C. Credit Expert Offers Advice Leading Up To Holiday Shopping Season

    B.C. Credit Expert Offers Advice Leading Up To Holiday Shopping Season
    President Scott Hannah says holiday expenses should be planned and on budget.

    B.C. Credit Expert Offers Advice Leading Up To Holiday Shopping Season