89X CIMX

What 89X CIMX does

89X CIMX operates an alternative rock AM/FM radio station serving the Windsor, Ontario market under the brand 'Windsor's Alternative.' The station is owned and operated by Bell Media, a subsidiary of BCE Inc. (TSX: BCE), and functions as one of multiple regional broadcast properties within Bell Media's radio portfolio. Its core offering is live alternative rock programming featuring artists such as Foo Fighters, Green Day, The Black Keys, The Killers, and Mumford & Sons, supplemented by an on-demand podcast portfolio (The Morning X, Matt Sound Bites, Encore: The Stories Behind The Songs You Love, Etalk, Bromance with Dylan Playfair and Ty Smith, and Behind The Christmas Hits with Drew Savage) and listener-engagement contests including Rock The Park Double Shot and OLG Jackpot Radio with 89X.

Content distribution combines traditional over-the-air broadcast with the iHeartRadio digital streaming platform, accessible via web, iOS, Android, Google Assistant, and in-automobile integration. The station's website (89xradio.com) acts as a content hub linking to on-demand podcasts, artist radio features, contest entry, and listener engagement touchpoints (call-in at 519-792-5000, SMS short-code 898989). This cross-platform distribution is enabled by 89X's integration with iHeartRadio Canada, providing digital infrastructure through the broader iHeartMedia ecosystem rather than internally developed technology.

The business model is classic broadcast radio: free-to-listener programming monetized through advertising. The station serves a single defined geographic segment — residents of Windsor, Ontario and surrounding areas seeking alternative rock music not typically available on mainstream commercial stations — with no listener-facing pricing. Station-level revenue is not separately disclosed; financial reporting, strategic decision-making, and corporate functions are consolidated within Bell Media's broadcast segment inside BCE Inc.

Name

89X CIMX

Legal name

89X CIMX

Website

https://89xradio.com

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

89X CIMX is an alternative rock radio station serving Windsor, Ontario, owned by Bell Media (BCE). It delivers live broadcasting, podcasts, artist radio, and contests via the iHeartRadio digital platform across web, mobile, and automotive channels.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Radio Broadcasting

NAICS

Radio Broadcasting Stations (516110), Radio Broadcasting Stations (51611)

SIC

Radio Broadcasting Stations (4832)

akta.pro primary industry

Commercial Terrestrial Radio Broadcasting (AM/FM) (MPAIAEAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Internet Radio & Streaming Broadcast Stations (Simulcast/Online-only) (MPAIAEAE)

Keywords

• Alternative rock radio
• Radio broadcasting
• Digital audio streaming
• Podcast production
• Music entertainment

Headquarters

HQ city

Saint-georges-de-windsor

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

89X CIMX operates an alternative rock radio station serving Windsor, Ontario, delivering live broadcast programming over AM/FM terrestrial signal and the iHeartRadio digital streaming platform. The station supplements its live format with on-demand podcasts, artist-based streaming channels (Foo Fighters, Green Day, The Black Keys, The Killers, Mumford & Sons), and listener engagement contests. Content is accessible free of charge to consumers across web, iOS, Android, Google Assistant, and automobile integrations.

Product overview

89X Radio is a traditional broadcast radio station serving Windsor, Ontario with an alternative rock music format. The station operates as part of the Bell Media group and distributes content through the iHeartRadio digital platform. The product portfolio includes the core broadcast radio service, multiple podcast shows (The Morning X, Matt - Sound Bites, Etalk, Bromance, Behind The Christmas Hits, Encore), a contest platform, and Artist Radio features. Content is accessible via the station's website, mobile apps (iOS and Android through iHeartRadio), and live broadcast.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 89X Radio A live alternative rock radio station serving Windsor, Ontario, broadcasting 24/7 over AM/FM terrestrial signal and streaming digitally through the iHeartRadio platform. Delivers rock music programming, local news, community engagement, and contest content to listeners free of charge.
• The Morning X An on-demand morning show podcast available on the iHeartRadio platform featuring rock music discussions and entertainment content from 89X Radio.
• Matt - Sound Bites An on-demand podcast featuring curated sound clips and audio highlights from 89X Radio's programming, distributed via the iHeartRadio platform.
• Encore: The Stories Behind The Songs You Love An on-demand podcast exploring the backstory, history, and creative origins of popular rock songs, available on the iHeartRadio platform.
• Etalk An on-demand podcast covering entertainment news and celebrity interviews, distributed through the iHeartRadio platform.
• Bromance with Dylan Playfair and Ty Smith An on-demand podcast hosted by Dylan Playfair and Ty Smith covering entertainment and lifestyle topics, available on the iHeartRadio platform.
• Behind The Christmas Hits with Drew Savage A seasonal on-demand podcast hosted by Drew Savage exploring the stories behind popular Christmas songs, distributed through the iHeartRadio platform.
• Rock The Park Double Shot Contest A recurring listener contest offering the chance to win pairs of tickets to Rock The Park music events, promoted via 89X Radio broadcasts.
• OLG Jackpot Radio with 89X A co-branded radio contest partnership between 89X Radio and OLG (Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation) offering jackpot prizes to listeners.

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Bell MediacoreOthers89X Radio is owned and operated by Bell Media, one of Canada's leading multimedia companies. Bell Media provides broadcast infrastructure, content distribution, and corporate support for the station.
• iHeartRadiocoreTechnology or Integration89X Radio content is distributed through the iHeartRadio platform enabling digital streaming, podcast on-demand, and artist radio features. The partnership provides technological infrastructure for cross-platform listening experiences.
• OLG (Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerJoint promotional partnership for OLG Jackpot Radio with 89X contest, providing prize opportunities for listeners.

Scale indicators1 record

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• 102.1 The Edge: Toronto-based alternative rock radio station also owned by Bell Media. Directly comparable as a Bell-operated Canadian alternative rock format station with the same corporate backing and iHeartRadio distribution model.
• Sonic 102.9 FM: Edmonton-based alternative rock radio station. Comparable in format specialization, Canadian market dynamics, and reliance on iHeartRadio-style digital streaming distribution.
• CFOX 99.3 FM: Vancouver-based modern rock radio station serving a major Canadian market with a similar alternative rock format and active digital/streaming presence. Comparable in format, content strategy, and Canadian market context.
• CHOM 97.7 FM: Montreal-based rock radio station with classic and modern rock programming. Comparable as a Bell Media-owned Canadian rock format station with established listener base and similar digital streaming distribution.
• 101.5 The Wolf: Calgary-based rock radio station with active digital and on-demand content. Comparable as a Canadian alternative/classic rock format station competing for similar demographic advertisers.
• Indie88 (CHVR-FM): Toronto-area independent alternative/indie rock radio station. Comparable in targeting alternative rock audiences in the Canadian market, though operating as an independent rather than Bell Media property.

Broad incumbents

• SiriusXM Canada: Subscription satellite radio service operating across Canada offering commercial-free music including alternative rock channels. Comparable as a competing audio entertainment platform targeting the same demographic with a different distribution model.
• iHeartMedia: Largest U.S. radio broadcaster and operator of the iHeartRadio platform that powers 89X CIMX's digital distribution. Comparable as the underlying platform enabling the station's streaming and podcast reach, though operating at vastly greater scale.
• Bell Media: Parent company and one of Canada's largest multimedia conglomerates operating television, radio, digital, and out-of-home advertising. Comparable as the corporate operator owning 89X CIMX and managing broader radio/TV assets.
• Spotify: Global audio streaming platform offering curated alternative rock playlists and artist channels. Comparable as a competitor for listener attention and advertiser dollars in the digital audio space, though operating at vastly larger scale.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about 89X CIMX