89X Returns to Detroit Airwaves After 5-Year Hiatus

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, August 29, 2025 | 3:52pm CT

CIMX-FM (89X) in Windsor-Detroit

Windsor-based CIMX-FM (88.7) -- owned by Bell Media and serving Detroit -- has flipped formats from Country back to Alternative Rock, reviving the iconic 89X brand, reports the Detroit Free Press. The station relaunched with Jane's Addiction's "Stop!", the very same song that debuted the format back in May 1991, signaling a return to its roots.

Now dubbed "Windsor's Alternative," the station's relaunch was teased for a week before the flip, culminating in a symbolic transition. The previous Pure Country 89 format ended with four consecutive Johnny Cash tracks, closing with "The Man Comes Around" just before the switch.

"We've been teasing this for about a week now," said Program Director Brad Gibbs. "It felt like we had the ear of the city this morning. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and we're just so excited to have this brand back... It feels like a full circle moment."

The relaunch campaign, branded as "the relaunch of a movement," also brought back the station's familiar rebellious spirit. On social media, 89X proclaimed: "Windsor's Alternative is back. Did you miss us? Because we missed you!"