iHeartMedia & Bell Media Extend Partnership: iHeartRadio Canada Enhances Digital Audio Experience
iHeartMedia, one of the world’s largest media and entertainment companies, has announced a long-term extension of its content partnership with Canada’s Bell Media. This collaboration, which first began in 2016, has transformed the Canadian digital audio landscape, bringing millions of listeners access to a vast array of radio stations, podcasts, playlists, and on-demand content.
I Translated Podcast Cover Art Featuring iHeartMedia’s Global Language Launch – Spanish, French, Arabic, Hindi, Mandarin, Portuguese
With this renewal, iHeartRadio Canada is set to continue its mission of delivering innovative audio experiences, enhanced app features, and expanded opportunities for advertisers looking to engage Canadian audiences.
Since its launch, iHeartRadio Canada has become a staple for Canadian audiences seeking diverse digital audio content. The platform currently offers:
Over 360 licensed Canadian radio stations across 170 markets
Hundreds of thousands of podcasts spanning news, entertainment, and lifestyle categories
Curated playlists for all moods, occasions, and genres
On-demand content for personalized listening
“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,” said Dave Daigle, Bell Media VP of Local TV, Radio, and Bell Media Studios.
With the renewal of the partnership, iHeartRadio Canada continues to innovate listening experiences while solidifying its status as a leading Canadian media platform.
Enhanced Features of the iHeartRadio Canada App
The iHeartRadio Canada app, available across iOS, Android, web, Google Assistant, and connected automobiles, has received several updates to enhance the listener experience:
Custom Presets
Listeners can now save up to 15 favorite stations, playlists, or podcasts, making it easier than ever to access preferred content instantly.
Smart Scan Button
A scan feature allows users to quickly sample nationwide radio stations, providing seamless access to new content.
Dial Feature for Cars
The app now includes a dial interface mimicking traditional car radios, enabling intuitive navigation for drivers.
Trending Content
iHeartRadio Canada offers “What’s Trending” rankings, showcasing the most popular podcasts, playlists, and artist radio stations in real time.
Lyrics Integration
Unique to the platform, the app displays lyrics for the song currently playing, regardless of the audio source, making it the only digital radio app in Canada to offer this feature.
According to Comscore Mobile Metrix, iHeartRadio Canada’s mobile app ranks first among radio listeners across Canada, demonstrating its widespread popularity and usability.
Expanding Advertising Opportunities for Brands
The extended partnership gives Bell Media Canadian representation of iHeartRadio’s podcast portfolio, opening new avenues for advertisers to reach targeted Canadian audiences. Key benefits include:
Localized advertising options across top-rated podcasts
Opportunities in live music events and iHeartRadio-branded entertainment experiences
Exclusive promotional campaigns with a national reach
“This renewed agreement with Bell Media reflects our shared commitment to delivering the best in audio entertainment to Canadian listeners and advertisers,” said Michael Biondo, iHeartMedia President of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships.
The Importance of iHeartRadio Canada in the Media Ecosystem
iHeartRadio Canada has not only become a primary choice for digital audio content but also an essential platform for advertisers and content creators. Its integration of traditional radio with digital platforms provides a unique bridge between conventional and modern audio consumption.
Key Highlights:
Comprehensive content library: From live radio to exclusive podcasts, the platform serves all audience segments.
Cross-platform accessibility: iHeartRadio Canada is accessible on mobile, desktop, and connected devices, ensuring uninterrupted listening.
Interactive features: Lyric display, trending charts, and curated playlists make the platform engaging and user-friendly.
How This Partnership Benefits Canadian Listeners
For listeners, the renewed partnership promises:
Enhanced content variety with new podcasts, playlists, and stations
Innovative app features that improve user experience
Access to exclusive live events across Canada
Seamless integration with smart devices and in-car systems
Listeners can also discover new music, stay updated on trending podcasts, and enjoy interactive features, positioning iHeartRadio Canada as the go-to platform for digital audio.
Industry Impact: Shaping Canada’s Digital Audio Market
This partnership sets a benchmark in the Canadian digital audio sector, showcasing how collaboration between global and local media giants can:
Drive innovation in app-based audio platforms
Expand monetization opportunities for content creators
Strengthen audience engagement through personalized experiences
With over 170 markets covered, iHeartRadio Canada continues to lead in digital audio innovation, influencing both listener habits and advertiser strategies.
Looking Ahead: Future of iHeartRadio Canada
The partnership signals ambitious plans for iHeartRadio Canada, including:
Expansion of podcast content, with more Canadian voices and international shows
Exclusive live events, ranging from concerts to interactive experiences
Continuous app upgrades, introducing AI-driven recommendations and smarter interfaces
Deeper integration with smart home devices, enhancing accessibility and user convenience
This vision aligns with both companies’ commitment to innovation, audience satisfaction, and revenue growth in the rapidly evolving digital media landscape.
Conclusion
The iHeartMedia-Bell Media partnership extension underscores the growing importance of digital audio in Canada. With innovative app features, diverse content, and expanded advertising opportunities, iHeartRadio Canada remains at the forefront of the industry.
As the platform continues to evolve, Canadian listeners can look forward to richer audio experiences, exclusive content, and enhanced connectivity across all devices.
With this renewed collaboration, iHeartRadio Canada is not just a media platform—it is redefining the way Canadians listen, engage, and interact with audio content.
