Indie 88 Expands Branding Across Ontario Stations, Rebrands as ‘Indie FM’
Toronto, ON – December 3, 2025 – Local Radio Lab is unifying its Ontario stations under the “Indie FM” brand, expanding the reach of its popular Indie 88 (CIND-FM) Toronto format. The rebrand, a year in the making, encompasses four additional stations across the province: CIMA-FM Alliston, CJML-FM Milton, CKMO-FM Orangeville, adn CJFB-FM Bolton.
The stations, previously operating under individual local brands, will now share a unified identity as Indie FM, promising a network-wide refresh including new talent, updated programming, and collaborative contests.
“This rebrand has been a year in the making and we’re thrilled to finally show off what we’ve been working on behind the scenes,” said General Manager Joel Grossman. “Bringing our stations together under the Indie FM brand will allow us to launch a new talent line-up, updated programming and joint competitions across the network. We’re very proud of the direction Indie FM is headed and I’d like to personally thank everyone who listens and supports us.”
station Details:
* CIND-FM (Indie 88) Toronto: 88.1 MHz, 12 kW ERP, Livestream
* CIMA-FM Alliston: 92.1 MHz, 3.75 kW ERP, Livestream
* CJML-FM Milton: 101.3 MHz, 2 kW ERP, Livestream
* CKMO-FM Orangeville: 101.5 MHz, 625 Watt ERP, Livestream
* CJFB-FM Bolton: 102.7 MHz,1.1 kW ERP, livestream
Listeners can find more data about each station at their respective local news websites: South simcoe Today, Milton Now, Orangeville Today, and Bolton Now.
What impact will the five new stations have on the reach of self-reliant artists in Ontario?
Indie FM Expands: Five New Stations Launch Across Ontario
reaching More Listeners: A province-Wide Boost for Independent Music
Indie FM, Ontario’s champion of independent music, is significantly expanding its reach with the launch of five new radio stations across the province. This expansion marks a pivotal moment for independent artists and music lovers alike, offering increased exposure and a wider platform for diverse sounds. The new stations will be broadcasting in key Ontario regions,bringing locally-focused,alternative radio programming to previously underserved communities. This initiative directly addresses the growing demand for alternative radio options beyond mainstream commercial stations.
New Station Locations & Frequencies
Here’s a breakdown of the new Indie FM stations, their locations, and broadcast frequencies:
* Kingston: 98.7 FM – Serving the Kingston and surrounding areas, focusing on local Kingston music scene and Queen’s University student artists.
* Sudbury: 102.1 FM – bringing independent sounds to Northern Ontario, with a focus on Francophone artists and Northern Ontario talent.
* Guelph: 94.3 FM – Targeting the vibrant Guelph music community and the University of Guelph student population.
* Sarnia: 89.9 FM – Expanding Indie FM’s presence in Southwestern Ontario,serving Sarnia-Lambton and surrounding areas.
* North Bay: 91.5 FM – Reaching listeners in North Bay and the surrounding region,with a focus on Northern Ontario artists and community events.
These frequencies are now live as of december 3rd, 2025, and are available for listening on customary FM radios, and also through the Indie FM website and mobile app. Listeners can also utilize streaming services for access.
What This Means for Independent Artists
The expansion of Indie FM represents a meaningful chance for independent musicians across Ontario. Historically,gaining radio airplay has been a major hurdle for artists outside of major label systems. Indie FM’s commitment to showcasing independent talent provides a crucial platform for:
* Increased Exposure: Reaching a wider audience across diverse regions of Ontario.
* Community Building: Connecting with local music scenes and fostering a supportive network.
* Revenue generation: Potential for increased music sales, streaming numbers, and concert attendance.
* Career Advancement: Gaining recognition and building momentum for long-term success.
Indie FM actively encourages submissions from Ontario-based independent artists. Details on submission guidelines can be found on their website (https://www.zhihu.com/topic/19872807 – Note: This link is from the provided search result and may need verification for accuracy).
Programming Highlights & What to Expect
Each station will feature a unique blend of programming tailored to its local community. Expect to hear:
* Local Music Focus: A significant portion of airtime dedicated to artists from the station’s broadcast region.
* Genre Diversity: A wide range of independent genres, including indie rock, alternative, folk, electronic, hip-hop, and more.
* Live Sessions & Interviews: Opportunities to hear exclusive performances and interviews with emerging artists.
* Community Programming: Shows dedicated to local events, arts organizations, and community initiatives.
* Specialty Shows: Genre-specific programs and themed broadcasts catering to niche interests.
The Rise of Independent Radio & Listener Demand
the success of Indie FM is indicative of a broader trend: a growing demand for alternative radio options. Listeners are increasingly seeking out stations that prioritize diverse music, local content, and a connection to their communities. This shift is driven by:
* Radio Format fatigue: Disillusionment with the repetitive playlists and commercial focus of mainstream radio.
* support for Local Artists: A desire to support independent musicians and the local music scene.
* Community Connection: A preference for radio stations that reflect the unique character of their communities.
* Discovery of New Music: A desire to discover new and emerging artists beyond the mainstream.
How to Tune In & Stay Connected
Listeners can tune into the new Indie FM stations via:
* FM Radio: Using the frequencies listed above.
* Indie FM Website: Streaming live audio at [Indie FM Website – Replace with actual website address].
* Indie FM Mobile App: Available for iOS and Android devices.
* Social Media: Follow Indie FM on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, contests, and behind-the-scenes content.
Supporting Indie FM: Sponsorship & Donations
Indie FM operates as a not-for-profit association, relying on the support of sponsors and listeners. Businesses can support Indie FM through sponsorship opportunities, while listeners can contribute through donations.These contributions are vital to ensuring the continued growth and success of independent radio in Ontario. Details on sponsorship and donation options can be found on the Indie FM website.
