Looking for somewhere to tune in for information, ideas or your favorite music? Here in Toronto we can pick up a lot of great signals - so many that it can be hard to find one that's right for you. Here are a few of Toronto's best radio stations to get you started.
Remember that these days visiting the station's website will not only let you listen online, but most also have extra material in the form of blogs, news items, archived shows, podcasts, host bios and more.
TORONTO AM STATIONS
590 AM
The FAN 590
Sports radio
The Fan broadcasts full games from the Jays, Raptors and Argos and has plenty of lively discussion and opinion on what's happening in the world of sports. Beyond the obvious pro sports, they also have weekly shows dedicated to golf, mixed martial arts, and high school sports.
www.fan590.com/
680 AM
680 News
News and information
680 is a great go-to for quick information. At most, you'll only ever have to wait ten minutes for the next traffic and weather update or half an hour for sports or business reports. And of course up-to-date news items fill in the rest of the time. The website is particularly handy for quick info such as lottery results and the Storm Centre that will let you know about school closures.
www.680news.com
1010 AM
CFRB 1010
News and call-in talk
CFRB is a hub of discussion on current events, politics, and lifestyle topics. The call-in format is fun and exciting, but it's the hosts who really set the tone. You'll likely discover there are hosts you love and hosts you can't stand (that's been my experience, anyway). Regular news, traffic and weather updates occur throughout every hour.
www.cfrb.com
1050 AM
1050 CHUM
Oldies
Once a Top 40s powerhouse, Chum now continues to play the hits that made it big in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Weekends include lifestyle shows such as the Wine Ladies and Deena Speaks Dog.
www.1050chum.com
TORONTO FM STATIONS
91.1 FM
Jazz FM 91
Jazz
Jazz FM fills the each weekday with pure jazz from 10am to 3pm, only getting into traffic and news in the early morning and late afternoons. Evenings and weekends get more specialized, making Jazz FM a great choice for both dedicated jazz lovers and causal listeners seeking a nice workday alternative.
www.jazz.fm
92.5 FM
JACK FM
Modern rock, classic rock and alternative
"Playing what we want" is the Jack motto, and it's true that each DJ's personality comes through in their selection. If the music isn't enough to keep you entertained, visit the website to play old-school video games in the Retro Arcade.
www.925jackfm.com
93.5 FM
The New Flow 93.5
R&B, Dance, Hip-Hop, Reggae, House
The New Flow promises to get you moving with the best in urban music and insights into the local scene.
www.flow935.com
94.1 FM
CBC Radio Two
Classical
Although it's currently predominantly classical, come September 2008 the mandate is broadening to include jazz, folk, world, R & B, singer-songwriter and roots
www.cbc.ca/radio2
95.3 FM
The New Country 95.3
New country and rock
Although this station is actually based in Hamilton, it's the choice for Toronto country fans as well.
www.country953.com
97.3 FM
EZ ROCK
Soft rock and adult contemporary
With a no-repeat workday and plenty of quick call-in contests, EZ ROCK is designed to keep an office full of diverse workers happy. You probably won't love every song they play during the day, but you'll enjoy most of them and be thrilled to hear a few. Other shows mix music with positive and some times inspirational talk.
www.ezrock.com
99.1 FM
CBC Radio One
News, talk, documentary and drama
CBC explores Canada as a place, a people, and a culture. Radio One is also a good source for world issues and big ideas, and is a last bastion for radio drama.
www.cbc.ca/radioone/
102.1 FM
The Edge
Modern rock, classic rock, punk, alternative
Still referred to by some long-time listeners by the call-letters CFNY, The Edge is arguably slightly less edgier than it was in its early days, but it still rocks pretty hard. If you love the stories behind the music, don't miss Alan Cross' History of New Music on Sundays and Mondays.
www.edge102.com
104.5 FM
CHUM FM
Dance, R&B, Pop Rock, Soft Rock, 80's, etc
CHUM FM is a true variety station. Turn them on for an afternoon to see what's on, or use the website to find a theme show that works for you.
www.chumfm.com
107 FM
Q107
Classic rock
Some DJs take an in-depth look at decades, albums or artists while others mix it up with classic rock hits.
www.q107.com
