Madison Keegan
Bell Media – Astral
Bell Media Enhances In-Car Advertising Capabilities & Listener Experience Across FM Radio Network
– New technology delivers enriched programming and advertiser information and seamless listening for audiences across Canada –
Key Tags: @BellMediaPR, @TheLede_CA
TORONTO (April 16, 2026) – Bell Media today announced the launch of an enhanced in-car advertising and listening experience across all FM radio stations nationwide, including leading stations such as CHUM 104.5, VIRGIN RADIO, ÉNERGIE, ROUGE, PURE COUNTRY, and more, bringing enriched programming information and seamless listening to audiences across Canada. The latest capability allows advertisers to amplify their audio message, syncing a display text and brand logos on in-car dashboard displays with Bell Media’s AdSyncs offering, bringing a terrestrial counterpart to complement iHeartRadio App display ads. Additionally, designed to support today’s connected vehicles, the technology also ensures a more seamless listening experience. When drivers travel outside the range of a station’s over-the-air FM signal, compatible vehicles can automatically switch to streaming the station, allowing audiences to stay connected to their favourite stations and programming. “This enhancement transforms in-car radio into a higher-impact, more accountable platform for advertisers,” said Matt McGowan, SVP Business Solutions, Bell Media. “By pairing audio with synchronized visuals at scale, we’re delivering greater storytelling power and stronger outcomes for brands across Canada.” “With so much radio listening happening in the car, this enhancement helps make the experience even more engaging for our audiences,” said Dave Daigle, Vice President, Local TV, iHeartRadio & Bell Media Studios. “Providing listeners with more information about what they’re hearing, while ensuring uninterrupted access to their favourite stations, is another way we’re continuing to evolve the radio experience.” Research shows visual radio messaging can significantly strengthen brand impact. A recent study by Quu found that synchronized visual radio ads increased purchase intent by 89%, brand favourability by 58%, and slogan familiarity by 57%. The launch reflects Bell Media’s continued focus on enhancing how Canadians experience radio across platforms while supporting innovation across the company’s audio ecosystem.About Bell Media
Bell Media is Canada’s leading media and entertainment company with a portfolio of assets in premium video, audio, out-of-home advertising, and digital media. This includes leading Canadian-owned streamer, Crave; Canada’s most-watched television network, CTV; a powerful suite of specialty channels; the most-trusted news brands, CTV News and Noovo Info; Canada’s cross-platform sports leaders, TSN and RDS; leading out-of-home advertising network, Astral; Québec’s fast-growing conventional French-language network, Noovo; the country’s leading audio app, iHeartRadio Canada; and a range of award-winning original productions, brands, and services. Bell Media is majority owner of global content distributor, Sphere Abacus, and is partner in Sphere Media, Blink49 Studios, Montréal’s Grande Studios, and Dome Productions, one of North America’s leading production facilities providers.
Bell Media delivers end-to-end advertising through the Bell Marketing Platform, powered by Bell First Party Data, helping brands plan smarter, activate seamlessly, and measure campaigns to drive real business outcomes at scale. Bell Media is part of BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada’s largest communications company. 1Learn more at BellMedia.ca.
1 Based on total revenue and total combined customer connections.
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