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This couldn't be farther from Southern Ontario, but it's a feel good story that finally has a great ending.
For a very long time, an online-only station called "Cabin Radio" has been trying to get an FM licence, so this Pinocchio could finally become a real boy. It serves Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories and does so quite well, with amazing community involvement and an actual newsroom. After years of being told there was no room for another commercial station in the city, the terrible forest fires forced the Commission to take another look.
And now, after all these years, Cabin Radio has finally achieved its long sought goal - an actual FM licence. They've been granted the 93.9 frequency and are gearing up for a broadcast debut (date TBD.) They beat out Vista Radio, which already has a station in the market and was trying to get another one.
“Yippee-ki-yay, Yellowknifers,” Cabin Radio’s owners said in a statement after the decision was announced.
“Over the past six years, thousands of people have stopped our staff and asked: ‘Hey, did you guys hear from the CRTC yet?’
“Shout it from the rooftops: Yes, we have heard from the CRTC.”
I have never heard this station and will likely never have much reason to tune in. But it proves that sometimes the little guy can win and I think this a well deserved decision that took way too long. They're promising a vast playlist of "hit music from the past 60 years alongside northern and Indigenous music on a daily basis
Congrats to all of them. You've finally turned your Cabin into a real home!
Cabin Radio granted licence to broadcast on FM in Yellowknife
CRTC Decision
Last edited by RadioActive (July 30, 2025 12:02 pm)
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I can't imagine the FM band would be congested in Yellowknife.
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It wasn't a crowded band. It was the Commission's determination that the market could not support another commercial radio station enough to make it financially successful. They obviously changed their minds.
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Listen here:
Congrats to them as they deserve it.
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The most interesting part of this Q&A with Cabin Radio co-owner Ollie Williams is this odd response.
Q: "Why the call letters CJFC?
A: We will never tell, but it’s a good story."
Damn. Now I really want to know! He also reveals why they picked 93.9 and gives a sample of the music they'll play - which they already do.
Q&A: The CRTC said yes to Cabin Radio. What happens next?
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RadioActive wrote:
The most interesting part of this Q&A with Cabin Radio co-owner Ollie Williams is this odd response.
Q: "Why the call letters CJFC?
A: We will never tell, but it’s a good story."
Damn. Now I really want to know! He also reveals why they picked 93.9 and gives a sample of the music they'll play - which they already do.
I imagine it's something that got muttered frequently with their frustration at this process.
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As a side note, in the article linked above I saw the station founder’s name is Ollie Williams. That’s also the name of the local weatherman on Family Guy.
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RadioAaron wrote:
RadioActive wrote:
The most interesting part of this Q&A with Cabin Radio co-owner Ollie Williams is this odd response.
Q: "Why the call letters CJFC?
A: We will never tell, but it’s a good story."
Damn. Now I really want to know! He also reveals why they picked 93.9 and gives a sample of the music they'll play - which they already do.I imagine it's something that got muttered frequently with their frustration at this process.
Hadn't thought of that, but it could well be!