TORONTO – In one of its first branding moves since acquiring Newcap Radio, Stingray announced the return of FLOW 93-5, Canada’s first and only hip-hop radio station, in Toronto.
Originally launched in 2001 as an independent station, FLOW 93-5 not only played hip-hop but was also in touch with the community and reflected its interests. It went through some music and format shifts before and after it was sold to CTVglobemedia in 2010 and was one of the stations sold to Newcap when Bell Media bought Astral Media and was forced to divest a number of radio stations.
Stingray’s deal to acquire Newcap Broadcasting closed last fall.
“When FLOW 93-5 disappeared from Toronto’s radio landscape in 2016, it left a massive void,” reads the Stingray release. “FLOW 93-5’s loyal, almost cult-like fan base, advocated for its return – illustrating that FLOW 93-5 is one of the strongest brands this city has ever seen.”
“There has never been a better time to welcome back FLOW 93-5. Extensive research has told us that Toronto understands FLOW 93-5 means hip-hop, it means community and that it evokes excitement,” said program director Josie Fenech in the release. “Our core artists are not only hip-hop’s biggest stars; they are global celebrities breaking sales records and dominating the charts. Drake, The Weeknd, Cardi B, Travis Scott, Nicki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar, and Post Malone are part of our musical foundation.”
