TORONTO – Bell Media Radio has launched the first HD radio signals broadcasting from Toronto’s CN Tower, providing all four of its Toronto radio stations in noise-free, digital audio alongside their regular analog audio broadcasts.
The stations’ transition to this new technology introduces a digital signal over its traditional radio frequency, enriching the audio experience for listeners in Toronto and the GTA by delivering digital radio’s trademark crystal clear sound, reads the news release. HD Radio can be enjoyed at home, on the road, or on the go, with portable or in-dash HD Radio devices receiving a signal over traditional radio waves, requiring no internet connection or monthly fee.
The new digital HD signal of Toronto’s 99.9 Virgin Radio also carries NEWSTALK 1010 on its second HD channel, while 104.5 CHUM FM carries TSN 1050 on its secondary HD channel.
The Toronto stations join Bell Media Radio stations already broadcasting HD Radio signals in Montreal (Rouge FM 107.3, TSN Radio 690, CJAD 800), Ottawa (MAJIC 100, 580 CFRA, TSN Radio 1200), and Vancouver (103.5 QMFM and TSN Radio 1040/1410).
“We are delighted to elevate the AM and FM listening experience by unveiling the station’s availability over HD Radio,” said Rob Farina, Bell Media’s head of radio content, strategy, and iHeartRadio, in the release. “Adopting HD Radio allows us to serve our listeners with richer, cleaner sound, more diverse content, and better coverage in urban areas for our AM stations, which our listeners can also easily access on the same frequency.”
Bell Media Radio has 105 licensed radio stations in 54 markets across Canada operating as part of the iHeartRadio Canada network.
