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Rob Farina to Help Launch iHeartRadio in Canada

TORONTO (March 29, 2016) – Bell Media today announced that experienced radio executive Rob Farina will join Bell Media as a senior advisor in support of the coming launch of iHeartRadio in Canada.

Farina’s role will primarily involve the development, launch, and overall execution for this new and exciting Canadian brand extension. Farina will focus on iHeartRadio partnerships with the broadcast and music industry, as well as growing strategic relationships within the automotive and consumer electronics industries.

“We’re delighted Rob is joining us as we launch the vibrant and growing iHeartRadio brand and all of its various strategic applications,” said Randy Lennox, President, Entertainment Production and Broadcasting. “We couldn’t be happier to have Rob on board.”

“This year promises to be pivotal for Canadian radio listeners, as they will soon have access to a truly game-changing digital service,” said David Corey, Vice-President, Programming, Bell Media Radio. “We know Rob’s significant experience and extensive network will help elevate the launch of the iHeartRadio service in Canada.”

“I am elated to work with Randy, David, and the Bell Media team on the launch of the iHeartRadio platform here in Canada,” said Farina. “Our goal is to create an incredible national brand for consumers, one that is synonymous with well-curated formats and a diverse range of personalities in both official languages.”

Farina was Program Director for Toronto’s CHUM FM, then Vice-President of Programming for CHUM Radio, before joining Astral Media as Executive Vice-President, Content and Platforms. He moved to Los Angeles to launch Black Box, a music company that provides strategy, artist development, and digital marketing services. Most recently, Farina was the Vice-President Programming and Innovation for Rogers Media’s radio division, and also served on the Senior Content Council at Rogers.

Farina commences his advisory role effective May 1, 2016.

Earlier this year, Bell Media in conjunction with iHeartMedia announced the two leading media companies exclusively partnered to bring the iHeartRadio brand to Canada in 2016. The iHeartRadio digital service in Canada will showcase content from Bell Media, the country’s largest radio broadcaster with 106 licensed radio stations in 54 markets across the country. Earlier this month, Bell Media announced the debut of the newly minted iHeartRadio Fest, formerly known as CHUM FM FanFest during Canadian Music Week on Friday, May 6. As well, Bell Media has announced it will present the first-ever broadcast in Canada of the IHEART RADIO MUSIC AWARDS on Saturday, April 9 on CTV.

Since its launch in 2011 at the inaugural iHeartRadio Music Festival, iHeartRadio has continued to be a leading digital service in the United States and has achieved 80 percent brand awareness in only a few short years. Upon launch, iHeartRadio in Canada will provide instant access to the live radio feature offering listeners throughout Canada all of Bell Media’s broadcast and digital-only radio stations across mobile, auto dashes, tablets and smartphones, gaming consoles, wearables, and more.

A leader in innovative radio programming throughout Canada, Bell Media features the country’s most dynamic, popular, and respected radio brands, including Toronto’s CHUM FM, Canada’s #1 FM station, and the ÉNERGIE group in Québec, as well as international brands like Virgin Radio

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