As expected Bell Media relaunched “89X” at 8:08 this morning.
The launch package tied in the history of the original “89X” as Windsor’s second “Big 8” following 60s/70s Top 40 powerhouse 800 CKLW, but noted the station will emphasize the Canadian market going forward over Detroit positioning as “Windsor’s Alternative”. The station will announce locally programmed morning, workday and afternoon drive shows in the coming weeks.
The newly relaunched “89X” launched jockless with Jane’s Addiction “Stop” being the first song heard just like it was on the original incarnation of the station in 1991 (as well as the final song in November 2020). It was followed by a promo by Eminem noting that he was heard first on 89X into “Lose Yourself”. A similar promo from Blink 182’s Mark Hoppus followed into “All The Small Things”.
Bell Media Southwestern Ontario Regional Program Director Brad Gibb led the relaunch of the station. Gibb, who began his career as an intern on the station’s “Morning X” in 1998 said, “I grew up listening to the original 89X, and the station’s music and personalities helped shape who I am both personally and professionally. I feel very fortunate to drive the re-birth of 89X and have this full circle moment.”
Bell Media Southwestern Ontario Radio/TV General Manager Jennifer McLellan added, “This return to the station’s roots celebrates the rich heritage and unmistakable spirit of 89X here in Windsor-Essex, and reconnects us with loyal listeners who have always been the heart of our community. 89X is a legendary station that defined Windsor’s airwaves and became the soundtrack to countless memories across our community, and we’re excited to have both familiar listeners and a new generation discover what makes 89X so special.”
Listen to the relaunch of 89X at FormatChange.com.
The entire first hour of the relaunched 89X featured:
- Jane’s Addiction – Stop
- Eminem – Lose Yourself
- Blink 182 – All The Small Things
- Nirvana – In Bloom
- The White Stripes – Seven Nation Army
- Red Hot Chili Peppers – Give It Away
- The Killers – Mr. Brightside
- Fatboy Slim – Praise You
- The Black Keys – Lonely Boy
- Arkells – Oh, The Boss Is Coming
- The Offspring – Come Out and Play
- Audioslave – Doesn’t Remind Me
- Twenty One Pilots – Stressed Out
- Mumford & Sons – Rushmere
- The Strokes – Last Nite
- Weezer – Say It Ain’t So
Original Report 8/25: Bell Media’s “Pure Country 89” 88.7 CIMX-FM Windsor ON/Detroit is teasing a change on Thursday, August 28 at 8:08am.
The station is now running jockless with promos between songs mostly in Spanish prompting listeners to tun in at that time. CIMX-FM recently parted ways with its local talent with both morning show producer Nate Carr and afternoon host Chris Byrne exiting the station. The station had been airing Premiere Networks’ “Bobby Bones Show” in both mornings and nights with Bell’s national “Pure Country” midday show hosted by Shannon Ella in middays.
We reported last week on domain registrations and rumors in the market expecting the station to return to its former “89X” identity. The original “89X” debuted in 1991 and focused mainly on the Detroit market until Bell Media closed its Detroit sales office and cut most of its airstaff in 2017. It would then flip from Alternative to Country in November 2020 simultaneously with Bell sister AAA “93.9 The River” CIDR Windsor becoming CHR “93.9 Virgin Radio“. Audacy concurrently launched “Alt 98.7” WDZH to fill the holes created.
All of the Spanish promos running tease the return as well promoting things such as “bringin back something familiar”, a “revolution”, and “Canada’s greatest export returning”, ”
