CRTC awards three remaining FM licences for Toronto market

The CRTC has granted the last FM frequency spaces in the Toronto market to a company that will broadcast "urban music" and other genre created or inspired by black musicians and to a broadcaster specializing in Native programming. B. Denham Jolly, applying for Milestone Radio Inc, landed the FM 93.5 frequency for a hip-hop, rap and rhythm and blues music station aimed at 25-44 year olds. Fans of urban music, a style that evolved from rap in the 1980s, were angry when the CRTC rejected earlier applications for a hip-hop station in favour of classic rock and young country applications. Gary Farmer (Aboriginal Voices Radio), and CHWO Ontario Inc were granted AM licences. AVR is aimed at Native Canadian listeners, while CHWO is being programmed for people over 50. "We found these three applications to be the strongest in terms of what would best serve the needs of Toronto and meet the objectives of the Broadcasting Act," Andrée Wylie, CRTC vice-chair, broadcasting, said in a June 16 statement announcing the licences. According to Milestone, the format will be "a modern day reflection of the rich musical traditions of black musicians and black-influenced music over the past century." This will include R&B, hip-hop, plus reggae and calypso. The station will also offer local spoken-word programming and local talent. Aboriginal Voices Radio will air on 106.5 FM, offering a diversified programming schedule of music, open line programs, round table discussions, spirituality and teachings, language and cultural lessons, as well as news from an aboriginal perspective. Indigenous languages will be woven into the programming according to the community's need and available resources. New Adult Standards Radio will offer a radio format geared towards listeners 50 and above, essentially taking on the listener base that used to be served by CFRB and CKEY. The music will be a mix of easy listening, '50s pop, big band, swing and nostalgia. In addition to the regular news, weather, sports, traffic and business reports, the program hosts will provide anecdotes, humorous stories, personal insights and thoughts for the day. The AM 740 frequency reaches a very wide area to serve a large group of listeners who are currently not directly served by commercial broadcasters using popular music-based formats.

CRTC awards three remaining FM licences for Toronto market

Broadcast | June 22, 2000

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