Farina To Run Radio For Bell Media

Veteran Canadian broadcasting exec Rob Farina has been named Head of Radio Content, Strategy, and iHeartRadio for Bell Media, effective May 29. The announcement follows the yesterday’s announcement that David Corey is stepping down as the company’s Vice President of English Radio Programming after 10 1/2 years for a new opportunity back in the U.S.

In making the announcement, Nikki Moffat, President, Radio and Local TV of Bell Media said, “Rob is a tremendous asset to our radio operations and I am delighted to have him on board in this new role at Bell Media. He is an extremely talented radio executive and I’m confident that he will continue to elevate iHeartRadio along with all of our Bell Media Radio properties across Canada, while driving growth, profitability, and innovation.”

Farina (pictured) rejoined Bell Media in May 2016 as Senior Adviser for the launch of iHeartRadio Canada, and was later upped to Head of iHeartRadio, Syndication and Strategic Initiatives. In his newly enhanced position he will now also be responsible for content for Bell Media Radio, including Canada’s No. 1 radio station, 104.5 CHUM FM/Toronto. Farina will develop programming to solidify Bell Media Radio’s leadership position across the Canadian market, while continuing to deliver growth in digital radio. He will continue to oversee Orbyt Media, Canada’s premier radio content syndication group.

Earlier in his career Farina programmed CHUM-FM and was later elevated to VP of Programming for CHUM Radio, before joining Astral as EVP, Content and Platforms. He later moved to Los Angeles to launch Black Box, a music company that provided strategy, artist development, and digital marketing services. Farina was also VP of Programming and Innovation for Rogers Media’s radio division. Corey is expected to announce his next move within a few weeks.