Evanov Communications Sells Montreal Class A FM Station to Ed Torres' Canadian Radio Group

Why It Matters

The deal deepens Ed Torres’ presence in Canada’s key markets, strengthening his group’s bargaining power with advertisers and accelerating industry consolidation. It also ensures continued service for Montreal’s Anglophone listeners, averting a potential station shutdown.

Key Takeaways

• Evanov sold its Ottawa‑Gatineau Class A FM in Sep 2024
• Same buyer now acquiring Montreal Anglophone Class A FM
• Deal rescues a station previously slated for shutdown
• Expands Ed Torres' footprint in Canada’s major markets

Pulse Analysis

Canada’s radio landscape has entered a phase of rapid consolidation, driven by owners seeking scale to offset fragmented advertising dollars and rising content costs. Ed Torres, a veteran broadcaster, has built a diversified portfolio that now includes stations in both the Ottawa‑Gatineau and Montreal markets. By acquiring Evanov’s Class A FM assets, Torres’ group gains access to two of the country’s most lucrative bilingual regions, positioning itself to negotiate better rates with national advertisers while offering localized programming that resonates with English‑speaking audiences.

The Montreal transaction is particularly noteworthy because the station targets the city’s Anglophone community, a niche that has faced limited over‑the‑air options in recent years. Evanov’s decision to sell rather than shutter the outlet reflects a broader industry trend: owners are preferring strategic exits that preserve market diversity over outright closures. For listeners, the change promises continuity of service and potential upgrades in signal quality, while advertisers gain a stable platform to reach a demographic that commands premium ad rates in a market dominated by French‑language media.

Looking ahead, this deal underscores the importance of scale in a digital‑first media environment. As streaming services erode traditional radio’s audience share, owners like Torres are consolidating to leverage cross‑market synergies, share content resources, and invest in digital extensions such as podcasts and targeted streaming. The acquisition not only safeguards a local voice but also signals that well‑positioned broadcasters will continue to dominate the ad‑supported radio model, especially in markets where language segmentation creates distinct revenue opportunities.

Deal Summary

Evanov Communications is selling a Class A FM station serving the Montreal market to Ed Torres' Canadian Radio Group. The deal follows a previous sale of a 2.5 kW Class A FM in the Ottawa‑Gatineau market in September 2024. Financial terms were not disclosed.