In Business Since 1852
The Blackburn family has been in the Canadian media business for 160 years. Over the course of five generations the family has played a pioneering role in newspaper publishing, radio, television, database marketing and digital media.
In 1922 Arthur Blackburn was granted one of the first radio licenses in Canada. Since then Blackburn Media Inc. has established a successful tradition of marrying state-of-the-art technology with high quality local programming and community service.
Blackburn Media Inc.’s vision is to be the leading independently owned broadcasting company in Southwestern Ontario, with a deep commitment to our region and to the local communities in which the company operates.
The dramatic digital transformation of all media continues to demonstrate the vital importance of local radio and its power to engage listeners and activate audiences. Our mission is to connect people and build communities with an innovative blend of over-the-air, online, interactive and mobile media services.
1852
The Canadian Free Press newspaper is purchased by Josiah Blackburn, and renamed to the London Free Press.
1900
Josiah Blackburn passes away and is succeeded by his son, Arthur Blackburn.
1922
Blackburn is granted one of the first radio licenses in Canada and opens their first radio station, CJGC-AM.
1932
Unhappy with the growth of radio, Aurthur Blackburn strikes up a deal to merge CJGC-AM with Windsor’s CKOK-AM. CKLW-AM is born, with the goal to serve both the London and Windsor Market.
1933
The merger between CJGC and CKOK sparked outrage from London residents and businessmen, forcing the Blackburns to withdraw from their partnership and open a new station in London, CFPL-AM.
1936
With Arthur Blackburn’s passing, the company is taken over by his son Walter. Despite being only 21 and fresh off of receiving his HBA from the University of Western Ontario, Walter Blackburn would now be in charge of CFPL-AM and the London Free Press.
1946
In an effort to get to breaking news scenes quickly, The London Free Press purchases a twin engine Cessna Crane aircraft to transport their reporters.
1947
The Blackburn Group applies for a licence to operate a new FM station in London. Upon approval, CFPL-FM is created.
1953
Looking to expand their media empire, The London Free Press Printing Co. Ltd. files an application for the operation of a television station to serve the London area. Shortly after the application, the CBC approves the request; thus, creating CFPL-TV.
1971
Blackburn Group continues its media expansion by acquiring CKNX-TV and CKNX-AM Radio in Wingham, Ontario.
1977
After seeing the success of CKNX-AM in the Wingham market, Blackburn decides to launch an FM station under the same call letters, CKNX-FM.
1992
Blackburn decides to shift their business focus to the radio industry, and sells both CFPL-TV and CKNX-TV to Baton Broadcasting.
1994
Looking to expand into more markets across Ontario, Blackburn acquires CFCO-FM Chatham, CHYR-FM Leamington, and CFGX/CHKS-FM Sarnia.
1997
Blackburn sells The London Free Press to the Sun Media Corporation.
1998
After seeing success in Sarnia, Blackburn Group acquires CHOK-AM, giving them control over all three radio stations in Sarnia.
2005
Blackburn launches a new station in Wingham, CIBU-FM. Blackburn would also acquire the Chatham stations CFCO-AM, CKSY-FM, CKUE-FM, and CKUE-FM-1 (Windsor).
2007
Despite already owning two stations in the Windsor market, CKUE-FM-1 and CHYR-FM, Blackburn continues expansion and opens a new station, CJSP-FM.
2008
The Windsor expansion does not end with CJSP-FM, as Blackburn launches another commercial radio station in Windsor, CJWF-FM.
2011
Blackburn returns to its London roots by launching CKLO-FM.
2021
Blackburn Radio Inc. changes its name to Blackburn Media Inc to better reflect the evolution and direction of the company.