Blackburn Radio Inc. has debuted a new look to go with its new name.
The company has announced a name change, to better reflect the ever-changing multimedia industry. Effective Wednesday, the business will be known as Blackburn Media Inc.
"As the news, entertainment and digital engagements with our company partners and communities grow and evolve, the name change signifies the ongoing evolution of the Blackburn Company to provide the level of content and engagement they expect," said Blackburn Media President Ron Dann.
The Blackburn company has been in the business for nearly 170 years after The Canadian Free Press newspaper was purchased in 1852 by Josiah Blackburn. The paper was later renamed The London Free Press before his son, Arthur Blackburn took over operations. In 1922, the company was granted one of the first radio licences in Canada.
Almost two centuries later, Blackburn Media Inc. has established five local news portals and 13 radio stations in cities and towns across Ontario, including London, Windsor, Sarnia, Chatham, Wingham, and Leamington. In February, Blackburn Media Inc. launched The 519 Podcast, a news-talk style audio show.
"Blackburn Radio has a long history of serving great communities in mid and southwestern Ontario," said Blackburn Media Director of Operations Walter Ploegman. “Our mission is to connect people and build communities with an innovative blend of on-air, online, interactive and mobile media services. We have been working in the digital arena successfully for over a decade now, and the change to Blackburn Media reflects that transformation and growth, establishing a clear path for the company moving forward."
Blackburn Media's new logo was designed to represent transition and growth, to better demonstrate the path the company is taking going forward.
"We recognize that interaction within our communities takes place at many different levels with the implementation of our digital offerings," added Digital Media Manager Amanda Crapper.
As Blackburn Media Inc. moves forward in the digital media world, the company has committed itself to being the leading independently owned broadcasting company in southwestern Ontario and to the local communities in which it operates.