1 of 1- RadioActive
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Would CFRB Or CFIQ Be More Successful On FM?
The question essentially is this: are these two talk stations in Toronto being held back in the ratings because they're on AM and few listen to that band or because talk radio has just never really caught on in Toronto?
Do you think if the format was switched to an FM frequency, it would result in higher ratings down the road? Or are they doomed to struggle either way?
Some stations in the U.S. which have started simulcasting their talkers on FM have completely abandoned their AM branding and seem to be doing better. It's not likely to happen, but would FM fix what's ailing both T.O. talkers?
I guess my answer would be: it might not help, but it couldn't hurt.
- RadioAaron
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Re: Would CFRB Or CFIQ Be More Successful On FM?
RadioActive wrote:
I guess my answer would be: it might not help, but it couldn't hurt.
That's likely the correct answer. In the US, Sports and News usually see ratings improvements with an FM move, commercial talk does not. The format is held back too much by its content for an FM signal to help.
- Saul
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I guess my answer would be: it might not help, but it couldn't hurt.
That's likely the correct answer. In the US, Sports and News usually see ratings improvements with an FM move, commercial talk does not. The format is held back too much by its content for an FM signal to help.
I think the above is spot-on, particularly about the content. Honestly, the only time I sit on 640 ad 1010 is to hear the DX underneath. And don't get me wrong - I like political talk when it's not consistently partisan and predictable. These two don't cut it for me. But I acknowledge that I'm probably not the target market. That would be Joe in Scarborough...
- torontostan
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Re: Would CFRB Or CFIQ Be More Successful On FM?
Neither would improve much unless they significantly change their political tendencies and programs. ..I’d think both owners would rather a music station over a costly talk station
- paterson1
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Re: Would CFRB Or CFIQ Be More Successful On FM?
I find both Newstalk 1010 and AM 640 lack a diversity of topics and very little sense of humour. Especially now that Oakley is gone. Both stations generally are quite negative and some hosts seem to gripe constantly about certain politicians or parties. Not very entertaining or interesting as far as I am concerned, and the ratings confirm this. CBC Radio One seems to take the vast number of people that want information and talk. I find when Radio One does get into politics with phone in programs, the talk is more mature, measured, thoughtful and balanced. Also a lot less angry than 640 or 1010. Like a few others I doubt that moving to FM would make much difference. A change of attitude and presentation might.
Last edited by paterson1 (January 28, 2026 7:36 pm)
- Cheese2RF
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Re: Would CFRB Or CFIQ Be More Successful On FM?
I find when Radio One does get into politics with phone in programs,.
when dose radio one have real live programming? i didn't grow up with the CBC so i wanted to give it a shot, i tried listening for about 2 weeks, leading up to the April election, i would tune in around 9 AM and 5 PM for my commute, the only program related to the election, was a premade "we talked to Canadians in this riding" show, every other time i tuned in it was random podcasts with heavy productions on random topics, the only other one i remember was frogs in Africa, the other topics i simply cannot remember, it was just so off topic and unimportant, it was like i was listening to CFRB or CFIQ overnight and weekend programming.
is CBC one not the place for news, talk topics and national updates?
- tvguy
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My 2 cents worth. FM wouldn't make a difference to me. I get CFRB on HD radios in my home and my vehicle. I haven't listened to CFRB for years. I don't like their talk show hosts - which is a generalized statement...but true. If I want local news or weather I tune to 680 News - also available on HD and all of my "smart" speaker devices as well. I'm not patient enough to sit through endless commercial clusters so most of my listening is spent listening to non-commercial stations that stream. I suppose I might be missing out on something...but there are plenty of Canadian political shows on TV that are well produced with informed guests....so 640 and 1010 simply don't meet my needs.
- RadioActive
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Re: Would CFRB Or CFIQ Be More Successful On FM?
I find when Radio One does get into politics with phone in programs,.
when dose radio one have real live programming? i didn't grow up with the CBC so i wanted to give it a shot, i tried listening for about 2 weeks, leading up to the April election, i would tune in around 9 AM and 5 PM for my commute, the only program related to the election, was a premade "we talked to Canadians in this riding" show, every other time i tuned in it was random podcasts with heavy productions on random topics, the only other one i remember was frogs in Africa, the other topics i simply cannot remember, it was just so off topic and unimportant, it was like i was listening to CFRB or CFIQ overnight and weekend programming.
is CBC one not the place for news, talk topics and national updates?
I remember one day the show topic was clam fishing in Newfoundland. I was gone faster than a guy in a speed boat.
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Thread Starter- shurmanator
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Re: Would CFRB Or CFIQ Be More Successful On FM?
Been awhile since I posted here. Radio is still my first love, but I have to admit, my last time listening was to Oakley who kept the faith until his final day. I have always liked and respected John Moore. I also like Jerry Agar. But after 12-noon, CFRB isn’t even on the air for me. On 640, they have no viable morning show. Alex is a peach and a good broadcaster but even an Uber-Conservative like me can’t listen to the repetition. Ben Mulroney seems to have struck a chord but afternoons, I am otherwise occupied. Nobody under 50 seems to listen to radio. I’m not aware of radio much anymore myself, though I retain old radio friends. If I have a reason to tune in, both those AM stations are on FM-HD, full studio quality. And yet, their shares are in the basement. I don’t blame Turner or Bendixen…what they do (and what I used to do) is now in sunset. Toronto was fine with talk but then two things happened….55% of the population is not Canadian born and mostly has different mother tongues and customs. Plus, the kids have multiple entertainment and info choices before they’d touch radio. When I visit this Board I am reminded of better days for radio.
- RadioActive
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Re: Would CFRB Or CFIQ Be More Successful On FM?
Nice to have your "voice" back on here Peter! I hope we'll hear more from you when you have something you want to say.
Unlike radio, we're live 24 hours a day!
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Thread Starter- Evuguy
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Re: Would CFRB Or CFIQ Be More Successful On FM?
Plus, no mind-numbing ads here for 1 877 Cars for Kids, Spence, Frank Leo, etc.! I find the ad repetition on talk radio very irritating. A music station wouldn't play the same song over and over every 15 minutes, yet PD's seem to look at advertisers in a different light, while their audience gets fatigued and tunes out.