Move over FLOW 93.5 with all your wack music!
Well, I’m not getting too excited, but I’m hoping that they have more going on than just the same 10 songs being repeated over and over and over again. I’m hoping for some community news programming, some world music, old school and gospel, some talk shows and maybe, gasp!, a Quiet Storm program late nights.
So, I will check it out, but I’m not canceling my XM satellite subscription just yet.
Read the news story from Toronto-Lime.com:
CARN 98.7 FM begins testing its signal!
After many unforeseen delays and obstacles, CARN Radio is proud to announce that it commenced the testing its 98.7 FM frequency on Monday, May 31st, 2010 at 10am EST. CARN is aimed at servicing Toronto’s vibrant Black and Caribbean population in the Greater Toronto Area and surrounding environs. Tune in now to hear it!!!!
“This is a great day for our community,” says Fitzroy Gordon, President of CARN. “We wish to thank everyone for their patience and support while we sorted out a petition against CARN.”
In April 2006, the Canadian Radio and Television Commission (CRTC) approved a new commercial radio license for CARN Radio subject to it having an approved airways frequency. The frequency chosen after much technical and engineering testing was 98.7 FM. There is a Canadian broadcast rule which stipulates that if any frequency license holder has a second adjacent license to an incumbent broadcaster, then approval from the incumbent license holder is required before the second adjacent license holder can commence broadcasting. CBC Radio 99.1 FM is the incumbent broadcaster to CARN Radio 98.7 FM.
CARN had to lobby the CBC, the CRTC, Industry Canada, and the Government of Canada in its quest to get support for this second adjacent license. Finally, in July 2009, the Government of Canada, under the Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper, granted CARN Radio permission to run tests on its 98.7 FM frequency. Toronto’s community held a celebration on Sunday, September 27th, 2009 to a packed house of well-wishers, politicians, media, and church elders.
CARN’s initial broadcasting test will comprise a music-only format, with occasional public service announcements, while its engineers work out technical matters. Before the switch was turned on, Fitzroy Gordon said a prayer of thanks to God for His greatness and for this great day for CARN. Then he flipped the switch turning on CARN at 10am with its first song being “One Love” by Bob Marley.
The Accidental Natural 
That’s great news next time in the ride i’m tuning in…. hope don’t hear a bunch of US artist with one two Canadian songs splashed in like flow.
I listened for the first time yesterday. Music is good, but they need to mix it better and the signal is not very strong….it was fine when I was in Toronto, but as soon as I got to Scarborough I had difficulty hearing it and was forced to switch back to my regular station…
Trying to find out if he needs newscasters. GIVE US. GIVE US.
I heard it yesterday. They played a GOSPEL SONG, YO. At 7:30 PM. FLOW HAS FAILED US. GIVE US! GIVE US!
I tuned in this afternoon and it wasn’t too bad. Like Madeline said, I hope that they start mixing it better — some reggae, then Return of Mack followed by soca? That just doesn’t flow too well. And the signal was bad as we drove through Scarborough. Once I got to Ajax, it was crystal clear. I assume they will boost the frequency once the test period is over… at least I hope they will boost the frequency. Thanks for the comments, all!
As we all know this is just a testing phase, so I’m sure the music will be programmed when the testing phase is completed. I do remember very clearly when FLOW93.5 was testing they too played a random mix of music. Two things I would love to hear on this station is an Informative as well as funny talk show for the morning drive to work (similar to Tom Joyner Morning Show) and also a quiet storm show in the night.
I loved it!!! love the new radio station!!!!!!! finally we have some diversity in radio broadcasting… keep it up!
I not holding my breath on CARN plus they need a better name man. That name sound wrong
Wow!! This station is awesome. The variety in music is welcomed. It was so nice not to hear the same song over and over and over again. I really hope that this station will stay and stand true to what Black and Caribbean music really is.
I just tuned in and i am praying that this “Black” radio show gives us what we need in a radio station. Information and entertainment that is relevant to us. All Caribbean Islands needs to be recognized music and information shared. Our African heritage needs to be recognized. There is a lot of Vibrant music in our communities. leaders, visionaries, artists both new and old.
Dont be limited with your vision.
I have been listening to the station and loving it. Amazing Amazing Amazing…. I am so Happy and sad at the same time that it took so long to have such a station. Please advertise as much as possible and get this good news out..I am willing to support this Station 100%…Yahoo…….
I listen this morning for the first time and i give it 2 tumbs up. I like the mixture…keep them oldies but goodies coming along with some concious reggea from Greggory Isaac. I hope you dont change the mix up once it’s pass the testing phase like Flow did. Keep me jammin…
Finally a radio station that plays good music, all the time!
I love the mix of old school, reggae,funk, calypso,soul, and gospel.
I came upon the station by accident, but I was hooked right away
You’ve got a new fan.
Keep the tunes coming and please don’t change your format, I know I’m not alone when I say “It’s about time!”
Rudy (Stoney Creek)
This is an excellent radio station but the only problem I have, is hearing one song repeated about 5 times for the day. I hope it stays Black and Caribbean and keep up the good work.
What happened to the station? I no longer can pick up anything, and it looks as if CBC has increased its frequency.
From what I understand — and I don’t know all the goings-on at the station — it was just a test period. Check out their Facebook page for more information and to get updates from the station: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=128845130467879&ref=ts