TORONTO – The CBC officially announced its controversial revamp of its Radio 2 network today with the introduction of more popular and cross cultural music and a de-emphasizing its classical content.
Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 2, Canadians will wake up to the sound of an all-new Canadian adult music network as CBC Radio 2 launches a revitalized schedule, including four new programs and four new genre-specific online music channels. “The new Radio 2 brings listeners what they won’t hear anywhere else on Canadian airwaves” claims the CBC. It will now feature Canadian and international music, from roots to urban and jazz to classical.
The new schedule is sure to be controversial among many loyal Radio Two listeners who have criticized the CBC for downgrading classical content in the past.
“The final phase in Radio 2’s transformation is a monumental achievement and we’re excited to offer vibrant, stimulating and diverse music to Canadians,” said Chris Boyce, programming director, CBC Radio. “The new programs will showcase the best of this country’s songbook and provide national exposure for Canadian artists.”
The overhaul of its programming follows a CBC listener survey which found the station needed to deliver programming that is more relevant to Canadian listeners and better reflects the diversity of music being made in Canada today. As a result the CBC has introduced “reinvigorated weekend classical programming” and evenings full of jazz, live performance and contemporary music.
Weekdays begin with Radio 2 Morning, hosted by CBC Radio favourite Tom Allen. From 6 – 10 a.m., listeners wake up to a mix of contemporary artists and familiar favourites. The show features a cross-genre look at the best of our nation’s music. The weekend edition of Radio 2 Morning airs Saturdays, 6 – 10 a.m. and Sundays, 6 – 8 a.m. with host Molly Johnson. Johnson, an acclaimed international jazz sensation, brings her firsthand experience and perspective as a Canadian performer to the airwaves.
Radio 2’s classical core takes the prime daytime slot as Tempo airs weekdays from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., giving listeners five hours of celebrated classical music. Host Julie Nesrallah, mezzo-soprano and Ottawa native, brings her stage voice to the airwaves with a fresh perspective as artist and performer. “With anecdotes, insight and the occasional studio guest, Nesrallah’s vibrant delivery and intimate knowledge of classical music makes for an upbeat and informative show,” says the CBC in a statement.
Radio 2 Drive, airing from 3 – 6 p.m. weekdays, is hosted by innovative Canadian funk/hip hop artist and passionate music fan Rich Terfry (he performs as Buck 65). Radio2 Drive boasts 75% Canadian content from a range of contemporary musical genres with a focus on singer-songwriters. Terfry will be joined in-studio from time-to-time by artists for interviews and live performances.
Farrago with Jurgen Gothe wraps up the weekend, Sundays from 5 – 6 p.m. Gothe presents listeners a medley of music drawn primarily from his own collection with his unique and off-the-cuff commentary.
CBC Radio 2 is also launching four new online music channels, dedicated to classical, jazz, Canadian songwriters and Canadian composers. The CBC is promising that each will deliver a steady stream of quality programmed music at cbc.ca/classical,cbc.ca/jazz, cbc.ca/canadiansongwriters, and cbc.ca/canadiancomposers respectively. These streams it says will enhance CBC Radio 2’s comprehensive and interactive website that includes blogs, music podcasts, concerts on demand, and live streaming of concerts and special events.
