TORONTO — Ten years and one month ago, a challenger to Corus-owned Alternative CFNY “Edge 102.1” arrived. It had a limited signal, but captured an audience with a slightly different take on the format. Over time, the music weaved toward flashbacks while championing Canadian acts in the modern rock genre. It hired Josie Dye for morning drive and was the final home of Dave Bookman.
Now, Central Ontario Broadcasting is parting ways with “Indie 88.”
The buyer of CIND-FM 88.1 in Toronto, with a tower atop First Canadian Place in the financial district and sporting a Class B signal thanks to an upgrade awarded by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, is Local Radio Lab Inc.
Paperwork has been submitted with the CRTC for regulatory approval. Unlike in the U.S. with the FCC, the CRTC does not provide public access to asset purchase agreements. As such, details as to the sale price are not immediately known.
CIND is owned, in the eyes of the CRTC, by Rock 95 Broadcasting Ltd., and led by General Manager Megan Bingley and President Doug Bingley, who commented, “We are thrilled that we are handing off the station to an independent voice with a commitment to continue the legacy of INDIE88 and the development of new emerging artists”
The buyer is led by Christopher Grossman, the former majority owner and President of Halliburton Broadcasting Group, which sold its FM radio stations in 2012 to Vista Broadcast Group.
Bingley commented, “The combination of Christopher Grossman’s experience in the Canadian Digital Audio space and having over 40 years experience in the Toronto advertising radio market will ensure a strong forward plan for the station.”
When Indie 88 launched, it took over a signal formerly home to Ryerson University’s CKLN, which lost its license from the CRTC after running afoul of numerous regulations. Indie88 beat out 21 other applications for the coveted frequency.
A power increase came in 2013, boosting the ERP to 4kw from 875 watts. In June 2019, after a previous dial, a second boost in power to 12kw was allowed for CIND, making it audible in locales including Niagara-on-the Lake.
Once the station’s sale is completed, CIND-FM will join CJML-FM 101.3 in Milton, Ont.; CKMO-FM 101.5 in Orangeville, Ont.; and CIMA-FM 92.1 in Alliston, Ont., as Local Radio Lab properties. The three FMs were acquired in June 2021 from My Broadcasting.
