1 (905) 554-2730 memberservices@oab.ca

The Ontario Association of Broadcasters (OAB) is proud to announce

DOUG BINGLEY

is recipient of the 2025 OAB Hall of Fame Award

 

 

The Hall of Fame Award is a Board-nominated honour presented to individuals who have spent most of their careers working in private broadcasting and have demonstrated a commitment to the highest standards of broadcast excellence.

 

Doug Bingley is the founder and President of Central Ontario Broadcasting, a company he launched in 1988 with the creation of Rock 95 (CFJB-FM) in Barrie, Ontario. What began as a single local rock station quickly grew into a regional media presence with the addition of KOOL FM (CKMB-FM) in 2001.

In 2013, Doug expanded into the Toronto market with the launch of Indie88 (CIND-FM), Canada’s first radio station dedicated to independent music. Indie88 became a cultural force in the city, known for its creative programming and strong community engagement. Under Doug’s leadership, the station thrived both artistically and commercially until its sale in 2024.

Doug’s broadcasting journey began in the 1970s, working as a broadcast technician and videotape editor at TVOntario and CBC.  His technical expertise and passion for media later led him to a successful stint in telecommunications with Bell Canada.

In the 1990s, Doug co-founded International Broadcasting and Communications, Inc., a Russian-Canadian joint venture that established a seven-station network in St. Petersburg under the RadioHits brand. He played a key role in upgrading local transmitters and introducing a fresh adult contemporary format to a rapidly evolving radio market.

Doug is a prominent industry advocate, a former President of the Ontario Association of Broadcasters, where he champions policies to support the sustainability of local radio in the face of growing digital competition. He continues to work for a regulatory environment that empowers Canadian broadcasters to invest in local talent and community programming.

Beyond his professional achievements, Doug is a lifelong radio enthusiast. He earned his amateur radio licence in 1969 (call sign KM4QGY) and continues to enjoy restoring vintage radios, blending his love of history, electronics, and the early magic of broadcasting.

Broadcasting is a family tradition for the Bingleys. His daughter Megan managed Indie88 until its sale, his son Matt is a reporter at Global News, Mike works in education and corporate communications, and Ben is a musician and bassist in a rock band.

Doug Bingley’s career reflects a deep commitment to innovation, community service, and the enduring power of radio.

Join Us in Celebration

 

Doug Bingley will be honoured at the OAB Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, October 28th, 2025. We invite industry colleagues and friends to join us in celebrating his remarkable contributions to broadcasting.

 

📍 Location: Delta Hotels Toronto Airport & Conference Centre, 655 Dixon Road, Toronto

🗓️ Dates: October 27–28, 2025

 

Let’s rethink, reconnect, and reimagine the future of broadcasting — together.

 

👉 Register today and join the celebration!