Central Ontario Broadcasting has reached a deal to sell its Toronto radio station Indie88 to Local Radio Lab.

The acquisition is still subject to CRTC approval.

Indie88 broadcasts under an adult album alternative format, playing established and up-and-coming alternative rock and indie artists. It is currently owned by Barrie’s Rock95, which itself is a subsidiary of Central Ontario Broadcasting; when the station began broadcasting in 2013, it was Central Ontario Broadcasting’s first entry into the Toronto market.

Local Radio Lab currently owns adult contemporary station FM 92 in South Simcoe, FM 101 in Milton and FM 101 in Orangeville. It was started in 2021 by Chris Grossman, former president of Haliburton Broadcasting Group.

Doug Bingley, president of Central Ontario Broadcasting, said the acquisition and Grossman’s experience in the Toronto advertising radio market will “ensure a strong forward plan for the station.”

“Megan Bingley [Indie88’s current general manager] and her team have done a great job curating Canada’s best new artists in way that creates original, authentic content,” Grossman said in an announcement. “I am looking forward to continuing that work on Indie88, pending CRTC approval.”

According to Indie88’s website, advertisers generate over 14 million monthly impressions across its properties.