Whiteoaks Communications Group Limited

What Whiteoaks Communications Group Limited does

Whiteoaks Communications Group Limited is a privately held, family-owned Canadian independent broadcaster founded in 1956 by Howard and Jean Caine in Oakville, Ontario. The company operates a portfolio of six distinct radio stations across Southern Ontario: 97.7 HTZ-FM (active rock, Niagara), Dream 105.7 (adult contemporary, Niagara), Legend 102.9 (adult hits, Hamilton), CKTB News (local news/talk, St. Catharines-Niagara-Hamilton), JOY Radio (Christian music/talk, GTA-Hamilton), and CJMR 1320 (multicultural/multilingual, Mississauga-GTA). Distribution spans traditional AM/FM broadcast, FM-HD digital subchannels (102.9 FM-HD2 carrying CKTB News and 102.9 FM-HD3 carrying JOY Radio, launching 2026), web streaming at station websites, the MyJoyRadio mobile app, podcast distribution via Triton Digital and Omny Studio, and third-party platforms including iHeartRadio and TuneIn. The company holds CRTC broadcast licences through wholly owned subsidiaries Trafalgar Broadcasting Ltd. and Golden Horseshoe Broadcasting Ltd.

The business model is advertising-supported, with revenue generated primarily through the sale of radio advertising across the station portfolio, supplemented by digital advertising (Google Ad Manager, AdSense, EQ Works, TargetSpot, Meta Pixel retargeting), out-of-home advertising with national coverage and local Southern Ontario presence, and brand partnerships and event sponsorships tied to signature community events (RockSearch band competition, Help Kids Shine radiothon, Mountain of Hope toy drive, CJMR Seva Food Bank radiothon). Advertising campaigns are sold through a structured three-tier packaging model with budget ranges from $1,000 to $50,000+ on multi-year contracts, sold by an in-house sales team led by a Vice President of Sales. Customer segments are highly fragmented local, regional, and national advertisers in Southern Ontario, with audience targeting enabled by Numeris ratings and StatsRadio measurement.

In June 2025 the company completed the largest expansion in its history, taking operational control of 97.7 HTZ-FM and 610 CKTB from Bell Media and launching Dream 105.7 and Legend 102.9 as new brands. Whiteoaks is now actively rolling out FM-HD digital distribution in 2026 to extend coverage into the Hamilton market. The company is led by third-generation Caine family President Matthew Caine, supported by a management team across sales, finance, media operations, marketing, engineering, and IT. Headcount is reported in the 11-50 range.

Name

Whiteoaks Communications Group Limited

Legal name

Whiteoaks Communications Group Ltd.

Website

https://whiteoaksgroup.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1956

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Whiteoaks Communications Group is a family-owned Canadian independent broadcaster operating six radio stations across Southern Ontario — including HTZ-FM, Dream 105.7, Legend 102.9, CKTB News, JOY Radio, and CJMR 1320 — selling radio, digital, out-of-home, and event sponsorship advertising to local, regional, and national brands.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Radio Broadcasting and Advertising

NAICS

Radio Broadcasting Stations (51611)

SIC

Radio Broadcasting Stations (4832)

akta.pro primary industry

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

akta.pro secondary industries

Local Radio Station Groups (Owned & Operated/Station Chains) (MPABACAC), News/Talk Radio Networks (MPABABAD), Non-Interactive Digital Radio (Lean-Back Streaming) (MPAIACAB)

Keywords

• Radio broadcasting
• Digital audio advertising
• Out-of-home advertising
• Brand partnerships
• Local radio stations

Headquarters

HQ city

Oakville

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Radio Advertising: The primary revenue driver is radio advertising sold across the station portfolio (HTZ-FM, Dream 105.7, Legend 102.9, CKTB News, JOY Radio, CJMR). Advertisers can purchase local radio ads, brand integrations, and promotional sponsorships. Campaigns are priced by budget tiers ranging from $1,000 to $50,000+.
2. Digital Advertising: Digital placements across Whiteoaks-owned websites, streaming platforms, and programmatic advertising networks (Google Ad Manager, Google AdSense, EQ Works, TargetSpot). Revenue is generated through display ads, pre-roll audio, and personalized advertising based on browsing behaviour.
3. Out-of-Home Advertising: Out-of-home advertising sales leveraging Whiteoaks' national coverage and local market presence, offering brands physical visibility in communities across Southern Ontario.
4. Brand Partnerships & Sponsorships: Sponsorship and brand partnership revenue derived from live events (RockSearch, radiothons, community drives), promotional integrations, contest sponsorships, and influencer-style on-air mentions. Partners include community organizations and local businesses.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Whiteoaks Communications Group operates a portfolio of six local radio stations across Southern Ontario — 97.7 HTZ-FM (active rock), Dream 105.7 (adult contemporary), Legend 102.9 (adult hits), CKTB News (news/talk), JOY Radio (Christian music/talk), and CJMR 1320 (multicultural/multilingual) — and sells radio, digital audio, out-of-home, and brand partnership advertising inventory to local, regional, and national advertisers through its dedicated sales organization.

Product overview

Whiteoaks Communications Group operates a portfolio of radio stations across Southern Ontario, combining local radio broadcasting with digital audio, advertising services, and creative content. The company's portfolio includes six distinct radio brands: 97.7 HTZ-FM (rock), Dream 105.7 (adult contemporary), Legend 102.9 (adult hits), CKTB News (news/talk), JOY Radio (Christian music/talk), and CJMR 1320 (multicultural/multilingual). The company delivers content across multiple platforms including traditional radio broadcasting, FM-HD digital channels, streaming via web and apps, and third-party platforms including iHeartRadio and TuneIn. Advertising services span radio, digital, out-of-home, and brand partnership channels.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MyJoyRadio App: Mobile application for JOY Radio streaming and on-demand content.

Products and services

• 97.7 HTZ-FM Active rock radio station serving Niagara and Hamilton areas, reaching rock fans with personalities including Soper & Brown, Ashleigh Darrach, Joey Bricks, and Jonathon Howe, and home to the RockSearch competition and HTZ Nation community.
• Dream 105.7 Adult contemporary music radio station serving the Niagara region with modern pop, upbeat throwbacks, and hosts Curtis & Melani, Kayla, Aiko, and Asta. Reaches the largest female audience in the Niagara region.
• Legend 102.9 Adult hits radio station based in Hamilton playing music that connects generations, with hosts Sunni & Hayes, Taylor Kaye, and Darrin Laidman. Builds connection with culturally nostalgic adults balancing careers and family.
• CKTB News Local news and talk radio station formerly known as 610 CKTB, serving as the region's daily destination for breaking stories and local conversation across St. Catharines, Niagara, Hamilton, and surrounding regions. Features Steph Vivier, Gene Valaitis, Jon Mark, and Bonnie Heslop.
• JOY Radio Christian music and talk radio station serving the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton, blending uplifting Christian music with faith-based content featuring James Kurtis and Hollie Taylor. Now in its 25th year of broadcasting.
• CJMR 1320 Multicultural radio station broadcasting in more than a dozen languages across the GTA. The Voice of the City reflects GTA diversity and connects advertisers with multicultural audiences.
• Radio Advertising Services Local radio ad placements across the six-station Whiteoaks portfolio, reaching audiences through voices they trust with frequency that feels natural. Sold as part of budget-tiered integrated campaigns from $1,000 to $50,000+.
• Digital Advertising Services Digital placements across owned websites, streaming platforms, and programmatic networks (Google Ad Manager, Google AdSense, EQ Works, TargetSpot) with personalized advertising based on browsing behavior.
• Out-of-Home Advertising Physical advertising placements leveraging Whiteoaks' national coverage and local Southern Ontario presence, helping brands build visibility and familiarity in communities where target audiences live, work, and travel.
• Brand Partnership and Sponsorship Services Sponsorship and brand partnership activations through live events (RockSearch, Help Kids Shine, Mountain of Hope, CJMR Seva Food Bank Radiothon), promotional integrations, contest sponsorships, and influencer-style on-air mentions.
• MyJoyRadio App Mobile application providing JOY Radio streaming and on-demand content to listeners across web, smart speakers, and connected platforms.

Quantifiable outcome

• 10M+ annual listener connections
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration13 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• iHeartRadiocoreTechnology or Integration · 1 May 2026Third-party streaming platform partner enabling Whiteoaks stations to reach audiences beyond Southern Ontario. JOY Radio and all Whiteoaks stations are available on iHeartRadio alongside streaming at station websites, MyJoyRadio app, and TuneIn. iHeartRadio is a key channel in Whiteoaks' multi-platform distribution strategy as it advances FM-HD and digital audio expansion.
• TuneIncoreTechnology or Integration · 1 May 2026Third-party audio streaming platform partner extending Whiteoaks station reach to TuneIn's global listener base. TuneIn serves as one of several digital access points (alongside iHeartRadio, station websites, and MyJoyRadio app) in Whiteoaks' multi-platform audio distribution strategy.
• NumeriscoreTechnology or Integration · 1 February 2026Official Canadian radio audience measurement partner providing ratings and audience data. Numeris is the primary source of audience measurement for Canadian broadcasters, critical for ad sales credibility and rate negotiation.
• Long & McQuade Musical InstrumentsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026RockSearch 2026 partner providing prize contributions for The Jailbirds as competition winners. Long & McQuade's involvement supports emerging Canadian rock artists through equipment prizes, aligning with the music retailer's brand values.
• Warehouse Concert HallminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Venue partner for RockSearch 2026 live finale. The Warehouse Concert Hall provided the stage for The Jailbirds to claim the championship in front of HTZ Nation and industry judges.
• RibStock FestivalminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Performance opportunity provided to RockSearch 2026 champions The Jailbirds as part of the prize package. RibStock Festival is a regional music festival in Niagara.
• Because BeerminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Performance opportunity provided to RockSearch 2026 champions The Jailbirds as part of the prize package. Because Beer is a regional craft beer festival in Niagara that hosts live music.
• Niagara Children's CentrecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Annual 'Help Kids Shine' fundraising campaign partner supported by CKTB, Dream 105.7, and HTZ-FM. The 2026 campaign raised $387,617 for the Centre, which provides therapy and support services for children with special needs across Niagara. The campaign has become an annual tradition driving both community impact and station fandom.
• Tandia Financial Credit UnionminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 November 2025Community partner for Legend 102.9's Mountain of Hope toy drive in support of Salvation Army Hamilton at Limeridge Mall. Tandia's support helped amplify the campaign's reach and credibility within the Hamilton community.
• Michael St. Jean RealtyminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 November 2025Community partner for Legend 102.9's Mountain of Hope toy drive in support of Salvation Army Hamilton at Limeridge Mall.
• Red Hill ToyotaminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 November 2025Community partner for Legend 102.9's Mountain of Hope toy drive in support of Salvation Army Hamilton at Limeridge Mall.
• Seva Food BankcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2025Annual radiothon beneficiary partner for CJMR 1320's 15th Annual Guru Nanak Gurpurab Radiothon. Raised more than $150,000 and 30,000 lbs of food to support families across Peel experiencing food insecurity. The long-standing 15-year partnership reflects deep community trust and shared commitment to addressing food insecurity in the multicultural GTA.
• Salvation Army HamiltoncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2025Annual 'Mountain of Hope' toy drive beneficiary partner with Legend 102.9 at Limeridge Mall. The campaign collected toys and donations for children across Hamilton during the Christmas season, with Salvation Army providing the on-site kettle operations and charitable infrastructure.
• CAA NiagaracoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 May 2025CAA Niagara was the title sponsor of HTZ-FM's 'Make Carl Drive' campaign, powering Soper & Brown's cross-country drive from Niagara to Halifax. CAA provided the vehicle and operational support for the fundraising initiative, which raised $20,398.68 for Niagara Children's Centre. The partnership exemplifies a brand alliance between a community radio station and a regional membership organization.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves16 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Evanov Radio Group: Canadian independent radio group operating a portfolio of stations across multiple provinces and formats. Closest comparable to Whiteoaks in business model: family-rooted, multi-station, community-focused broadcaster with combined AM/FM and digital distribution.
• Jim Pattison Broadcast Group: Western Canadian independent radio group operating a portfolio of stations across BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Closely comparable to Whiteoaks as a multi-station independent operator with diversified formats and strong local identity.
• Durham Radio Inc. Ontario-based independent radio broadcaster with a portfolio of stations serving Durham Region and the eastern GTA. Comparable in being a multi-station independent operator focused on hyper-local content and community sponsorship.
• ZoomerMedia Limited: Toronto-based independent media company operating radio (Zoomer Radio) and television properties targeted at a defined demographic. Comparable to Whiteoaks in operating niche, audience-targeted radio assets under a smaller-scale independent ownership structure.

Broad incumbents

• Bell Media: Bell's broadcast and media subsidiary and the seller of the stations Whiteoaks acquired in 2024-2025. Still operates significant radio assets across Canada and competes for advertisers and audience attention in the same Southern Ontario markets.
• Stingray Group: Montreal-based music, media, and technology company that acquired Newcap Radio in 2023, operating a portfolio of radio stations across Canada. Comparable in the radio segment and competes for digital audio ad spend through Stingray's music streaming business.
• Rogers Radio: Radio division of Rogers Communications, one of Canada's largest media conglomerates, operating major-market stations (CHFI, KiSS, 680 News, etc.). Overlaps with Whiteoaks in Southern Ontario advertising markets and audience segments but operates at vastly greater scale.
• Corus Entertainment: Canadian media company operating radio (Corus Radio Network) and television properties including Global TV. Competes with Whiteoaks for national and regional ad budgets and operates in overlapping Ontario markets.
• iHeartMedia: Largest U.S. radio broadcaster and operator of the iHeartRadio streaming platform, which is a Whiteoaks distribution partner. Competes indirectly for digital audio ad inventory and streaming listener attention across Canada.
• CBC/Radio-Canada: Canada's public national broadcaster operating CBC Radio One, CBC Music, and Radio-Canada. Competes with CKTB News for local news audiences and advertisers in Southern Ontario and Hamilton despite non-commercial mandate.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/977htzfm
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/whiteoaks-communications-group

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries2 records

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 Whiteoaks Communications Group Limited