Few stations reinvent themselves as often as CISO-FM has, and even fewer land on a format that actually sticks. Licensed by the CRTC in 2009 and launched in February 2011 as the adult contemporary "Sunshine 89.1," the Orillia, Ontario station spent its first years searching for an identity before settling into the one that fits it now: modern rock, broadcast as 89.1 Max FM.
From Sunshine to Max: A History of Reinvention
According to the station's broadcast history, CISO-FM rebranded as Max FM in November 2018 with a classic hits format built around the 70s, 80s and 90s. That lasted barely six months. By May 2019, owner Bayshore Broadcasting shifted the station to a modern rock format while keeping the Max FM name and branding intact, a decision that has stuck ever since.
Modern Rock for Cottage Country
The station's coverage area, stretching across Barrie, Orillia and Muskoka, sits at the edge of Ontario's cottage country, a region better known for lake culture than rock radio. Max FM has carved out a niche there anyway, giving listeners heavier, guitar-driven programming that stands apart from the softer adult contemporary and classic hits stations that dominate the rest of the dial in the area.
More Than a Playlist
Beyond the music, the station leans hard into local identity. Shows like Monday Night Metal and Beyond the 89 give rock fans dedicated programming blocks, while features like Pet of the Week and the No Repeat Workday contest keep the tone community-focused. The station also runs a Local Tracks feature that promotes homegrown musicians, giving Orillia-area rock acts a rare shot at regional airplay alongside the bigger names in the genre.