iHeartMedia Extends Content Partnership With Canada’s Bell Media.

iHeartMedia and Canada’s Bell Media have announced a long-term extension of their partnership, which began in 2016 with the launch of the iHeartRadio Canada digital audio platform. It currently offers more than 360 licensed Canadian radio stations across 170 markets, hundreds of thousands of podcasts, playlists, and on-demand content.

“The creation of iHeartRadio Canada has been instrumental in evolving the digital audio landscape in Canada, greatly expanding the choice of incredible content available to listeners,” says Dave Daigle, Bell Media VP of Local TV, Radio, and Bell Media Studios. “The renewal of this successful partnership ensures iHeartRadio Canada continues to deliver exceptional content and innovative listening experiences to our audiences, further solidifying our position as a leader in the Canadian media industry.”

The extension of the deal between both companies gives Bell Media Canadian representation of iHeartRadio’s podcast portfolio — creating additional advertising opportunities for reaching Canadian listeners — along with continued support for iHeartRadio-branded live music events and other entertainment experiences in Canada.

Additionally, iHeartRadio Canada has enhanced its free app — currently available across Canada on web, iOS, Android, Google Assistant, and automobiles — with features including: custom presets allowing listeners to save up to 15 of their favorite stations, playlists or podcasts; a scan button to more easily sample nationwide radio stations; a dial mimicking that of car radios, making it easier to explore stations across Canada; access to “What’s Trending” rankers of top podcasts, playlists and artist radio stations; and lyrics for the song currently playing on any audio music source, making iHeartRadio Canada the only digital radio app to offer the feature. 

According to Comscore Mobile Metrix, iHeartRadio Canada’s mobile app ranks first with radio listeners across Canada. 

“This renewed agreement with Bell Media reflects our shared commitment to delivering the best in audio entertainment to Canadian listeners and advertisers,” says Michael Biondo, iHeartMedia President of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships. “In the years to come, we’ll continue expanding iHeartRadio Canada with innovative features, exclusive content, and unique opportunities for brands to connect and engage with audiences across the country.”