Best Radio Stations in Toronto
10 min read
Can you believe that radio is still a thing?! Before Spotify, Apple Music, and all those other cool streaming platforms, people had to rely on the good ol’ radio for their tunes and news. Sounds like an ancient practice, right? Despite the rise in streaming platforms, don’t think that radio is dead! Radio stations are still going strong, especially in a vibrant city like Toronto. There are some seriously promising radio stations in the 6ix.
From 102.1 The Edge to Indie88, there are many promising Toronto radio stations. Check out our list of the best radio stations in Toronto, each with its own pros and cons.
Best Toronto Radio Stations List
99.9 Virgin Radio
99.9 Virgin Radio is one of the best radio stations in Toronto. It’s our top choice for listeners who want the latest pop hits, gossip, and celeb news.
99.9 Virgin Radio has been around for over 80 years. It all started back in 1938 when the station was first launched as CKLC. Can you even imagine listening to the radio back then? No streaming, no YouTube – just good old-fashioned radio waves. Over the years, the station changed hands a few times and went through a few different formats. Finally, it became the iconic Virgin Radio we know and love today.
99.9 Virgin Radio Summary
99.9 Virgin Radio is the ultimate pop culture radio station in Toronto. It’s the best station to get your daily dose of pop culture. This radio station has made waves for over 80 years around the time of The Great Depression. Can you even imagine a life without streaming or YouTube? We can rely on Virgin Radio for the latest hits, celebrity gossip, and outrageous news.
But what makes 99.9 Virgin Radio so special? Let’s discuss the dynamic duo that makes mornings better – Adam Wylde and Jax! These two are the ultimate morning show team, with their lively personalities and hilarious banter. Adam’s the king of pop culture knowledge, while Jax is a cool, collected one who’s not afraid to call Adam out when he’s being ridiculous. They bring their A-game daily with segments like One Second Song and Missed Connections.
Virgin Radio always keeps its music fresh with the latest and hottest tunes! They’ve got their finger on the pulse of the music world, playing the most popular songs you’ll be singing in the shower all day. But some listeners say they play the same songs over and over again. Come on, Virgin Radio, mix it up a little!
Virgin Radio is heavily involved in its outreach efforts. They’re always giving back to the community, partnering with local organizations to support initiatives like children’s hospitals and mental health awareness. Plus, who doesn’t love a good giveaway or contest? Tune in and call in when they tell you to, and you might score some sweet swag or tickets to your favourite artist’s concert.
99.9 Virgin Radio Review
99.9 Virgin Radio is the best Toronto radio station. With its entertaining hosts, diverse programming, and community outreach, this Toronto-based station is a fan favourite among young listeners.
Entertaining Hosts
99.9 Virgin Radio has entertaining hosts. Adam and Jax make a dynamic duo that brings pop culture news and funny segments. Their entertaining banter will crack up the listeners.
Mainstream Music
Virgin Radio plays the hottest pop hits, but some listeners feel the station plays the same popular songs repeatedly. It also favours mainstream music and doesn’t give enough airtime to indie artists.
Impressive Outreach
Virgin Radio holds impressive contests and giveaways for listeners, including concert tickets and merchandise. The station also partners with local organizations to give back to the community.
KiSS 92.5
KiSS 92.5 is an iconic radio station that has been pumping out tunes in Toronto for over 30 years. In 1988, KiSS 92.5 was launched as a soft rock station CHFI-FM. But in 1993, the station underwent a significant transformation when Rogers Communications purchased it. They rebranded it as KiSS 92.5 and made it the go-to destination for all the latest pop hits!
Since then, KiSS 92.5 has become a mainstay in Toronto’s radio scene. It’s the station you tune in to when you need your daily dose of Shawn Mendes, Ariana Grande, or Drake. They’ve also become known for their signature events like the iHeartRadio MMVAs and Jingle Ball, which bring the biggest names in music to the city.
KiSS 92.5 Summary
KiSS 92.5 has been around since 1988. Back then, it was just a “soft rock” station. But then, in 1993, Rogers Communications bought it and turned it into the ultimate pop destination we all know today! It has become the Toronto radio station for youthful pop music. Who doesn’t need their daily dose of Shawn Mendes and Ariana Grande?
KiSS 92.5 has the most epic morning show, The Roz & Mocha Show! Roz and Mocha are like the dynamic duo of pop culture. They’re always up on the latest celeb gossip. Their segments like the 7am Challenge and Ask Roz and Mocha Anything are pure comedy gold. Plus, they get the best celeb guests on their show!
Many listeners love KiSS 92.5’s killer playlist. They always play the latest pop hits, like they have some crystal ball that tells them what will be the next big thing. Yeah, they might play some songs to death, but that’s because they’re SO good, right? And KiSS 92.5 always gives back to their fans with charity events and cool swag. They even have their own street team!
If you’re looking for the ultimate pop experience with awesome hosts, great music, and a focus on community outreach, then KiSS 92.5 is the Toronto radio station for you!
KiSS 92.5 Review
KiSS 92.5 is a fantastic radio station that has become a mainstay in Toronto’s music scene for over 30 years. With top-notch hosts, great programs, and a focus on community outreach, KiSS 92.5 is the perfect destination for pop hits and pop culture trends.
Funny Hosts
The Roz & Mocha Show is a popular morning show on KiSS 92.5 with great chemistry and entertaining banter. Roz and Mocha tackle everything from funny hypotheticals to serious social issues.
Pop Music
KiSS 92.5 is the ultimate pop station, playing the latest hits and keeping the energy up. However, they stick to mainstream pop and tend to overplay certain songs.
Energetic Events
KiSS 92.5 has a reputation for its active community outreach programs, including the KiSS 92.5 Street Team. This radio station hands out swag and builds relationships with listeners at concerts, festivals, and community events.
Indie88
Indie88 is the ultimate hipster haven in Toronto, slaying the airwaves since 2013. This station is fresh air in the bland world of Top 40 radio. Indie88 plays all sorts of alternative, indie, and local music that’ll make your ears perk up and your heart skip a beat.
Indie88 was born out of a massive breakup! Back in the day, some folks were working at 102.1 The Edge, but things went south, and they ended up getting the boot. But instead of wallowing in sadness, these folks said, “screw it, let’s start our own radio station,” and that’s how Indie88 was born!
Indie88 Summary
Indie88 has been rocking the airwaves since 2013. This radio station specializes in alternative, indie, and local music. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a break from mainstream radio stations.
Indie88 is best known for The Josie Dye Show, hosted by the one and only Josie Dye. She entertains us daily with her infectious personality, hilarious antics, and perfect taste in music. And her Top 20 music segment is the highlight of each week. Her commentary is so on-point and sassy. It’s like listening to your cool older sister dish out the latest gossip.
And speaking of music, Indie88 is the it radio station. This station is the perfect blend of old and new, with alternative, indie, and modern rock hits. Some might say that Indie88 has gone too mainstream with its music selection, but hey – it’s all about evolving with the times, right?
Indie88 knows how to throw a party like nobody’s business. The annual Indie88 Birthday Bash is a celebration of music and good vibes that are not to be missed. And the Sound of Music Festival is like a cooler version of Coachella that takes place in Toronto. With indie artists like The Sheepdogs and USS, food trucks galore, and an arts and crafts market, this festival is the perfect way to kick off the summer season.
Indie88 Review
Indie88 is a beloved Toronto radio station with award-winning programs, excellent music selections, and exciting events. This radio station is highly recommended for anyone who loves indie, alternative, and modern rock.
Cool Programs
Indie88’s most popular show is The Josie Dye Show. Josie Dye, an award-winning radio personality with great taste in music, hosts it. Listeners love her Top 20 segment, where she counts the week’s best songs with sassy commentary.
Alternative Music
Indie88’s music selection includes alternative, indie, and modern rock hits. While the station has lost some of its original indie vibes, it still offers a great mix of new and nostalgic songs.
Fun Events
Indie88 is known for throwing party extravaganzas like the annual Indie88 Birthday Bash. It also hosts the Sound of Music Festival, featuring indie artists, food trucks, beer gardens & an arts and crafts market.
102.1 The Edge
Get ready to rock out and jam with 102.1 The Edge! This radio station has been shaking up the Toronto airwaves for over 30 years. It first hit the scene in 1986. Since then, it has showcased the most popular alternative rock tracks from both new and established artists. Many of the city’s most popular bands, such as Metric, Sum 41, and Billy Talent, started on this station.
The Edge has had a slew of hilarious and unforgettable DJs throughout the years, each with its own unique quirks and catchphrases. Remember Bookie or Brother Bill? How about Barry Taylor or Dean Blundell? They were all a part of The Edge family at some point. Their antics and banter made for some genuinely legendary radio moments.
102.1 The Edge Review
Toronto’s alternative rock music scene wouldn’t be complete without the iconic 102.1 The Edge radio station. The Edge is more than just a radio station. It’s a community, a way of life, and a culture.
The station first hit the scene in 1986. Since then, it has showcased the most popular alternative rock tracks from both new and established artists. Many famous bands started on this station. You may recognize legendary names like Metric, Sum 41, and Billy Talent, all of whom began their careers on 102.1 The Edge.
102.1 The Edge has had a slew of hilarious and unforgettable DJs, each with unique quirks and catchphrases. The current morning show on The Edge features Tucker & Maura. This hilarious duo has kept Torontonians entertained since 2019. Tucker has got jokes for days. His quips and hilarious commentary always keep things lively on the show. Maura is the perfect foil to Tucker’s antics. They banter back and forth, creating a lively atmosphere.
102.1 The Edge is the ultimate spot for alternative rock. Sometimes, the station plays music that may be too niche, often ignoring famous mainstream artists. But that’s okay because its indie focus makes The Edge so unique. We love that it’s edgy, rebellious, and doesn’t care about catering to the mainstream. Plus, the station hosts spectacular music events, such as the Edgefest Music Festival. It’s like the Super Bowl of alternative music!
102.1 The Edge Review
102.1 The Edge is an alternative rock radio station. It showcases both new and established artists. Many of the city’s most popular bands start their careers on this popular Toronto radio station.
Energetic Programs
Tucker & Maura is the morning show on The Edge, featuring a hilarious duo that has been keeping Torontonians entertained since 2019. Tucker’s sharp wit and hilarious commentary perfectly complement Maura’s effervescent personality.
Niche Music
The Edge plays niche alternative music, from classic alt-rock bands to the hottest indie artists. The music is edgy, rebellious, and doesn’t care about catering to the mainstream, although it may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Affordable Events
Edgefest Music Festival is like the Super Bowl of alternative music, with mosh pits and sing-alongs. The Edge team always ensures the event is affordable, so even broke college students can afford to attend the event.
Flow 93.5
Flow 93.5 is an R&B and hip-hop radio station. Founded in 2001, it was the only radio station focused on these genres. Its music selection was groundbreaking, considering the music scene in Toronto at the time. Many listeners were hyped! The station quickly became a cultural phenomenon, with Toronto’s diverse communities coming together to celebrate the music they loved.
Flow 93.5 has since become a staple in Toronto’s music scene. This radio station allows local artists to showcase their talent to many Torontonians. It played a crucial role in the development of Toronto’s music industry. The radio station also collaborates with the best singing lessons in Toronto to uncover emerging talents locally.
CHUM-FM
CHUM-FM has been a Toronto staple for over 60 years. Founded in 1963, it’s still going strong with its catchy jingles and the sultry voices of its DJs! Did you know it was once called 1050 CHUM and played Top 40 hits in the 60s and 70s? They even hosted a concert series called “Club 1050” with performances from icons like the Rolling Stones and the Beach Boys.
As time went on, CHUM-FM started playing more album-oriented rock and pop hits, catering to the laidback tastes of the city’s hipsters and yuppies. In the 80s, the station focused on soft rock, ballads, and easy-listening tunes. The station is famous for its “Love Songs” program, which has been the soundtrack to many a romantic evening.
CHUM-FM remains one of Toronto’s most beloved radio stations despite some changes in ownership and format. Its loyal fan following tunes in for the latest hits, throwback classics, and the hilarious banter of their favourite hosts. This radio station is a vital part of the city we know and love.