BEST OF OTTAWA 2019: Radio Stations

After over 20-years writing about life in Ottawa, we think we have
a pretty good idea of the best of what this city has to offer.
In this weekly summer series, we’ll share our picks with you – 
our top hotels, live music venues, local brews,
bands and more. Check, share and discuss
#OLMBest every week!

Majic 100 (100.3 FM)

One of Ottawa’s most popular radio stations also gives you one of the best morning alarm clocks. The duo of Stuntman Stu and Angie Poirier is the perfect way to kick your day off in the right direction. Nancy Slater is host extraordinaire in the evening, ready to take you through your drive back home.

LiVE 88.5 (FM)

The city’s alternative rock station is the country’s first carbon neutral radio station. Eco-rock on! They also sponsor the yearly Big Money Shot, a contest helping to promote local musicians with past winners including previous #OLMBest picks Hollerado, Amanda Rheume and Amos the Transparent.

CHUO 89.1 FM

CHUO  89.1 FM is one of Ottawa’s most popular community radio stations. Featuring over 50 shows and a diverse mix of music genres ranging from 80s rock to reggae, there is truly something for everyone. We recommend their live sessions and the show Afrika Revisited, hosted by Charles Lugania, Sarah Onyango and George Ogwel, that features music by African-Canadian artists and others from the African diaspora.

Hot 89.9

You want hits? They got ‘em with a station cranking out the biggest top tunes all day long. Their Morning Hot Tub with hosts Mauler, Rush, Jennie and Josie remains the #1 rated morning show in town. Other shows include The Non-stop 5 O’clock Traffic Jam and The Saturday Night HOT Mix but the station’s pride may just be the nationally syndicated Canadian Hit 30 Countdown.

TSN 1200 Ottawa (1200 AM)

Ottawa is a sports city and TSN 1200 makes sure that you’re on top of all the latest sports news and live games no matter where you are! Stuck in traffic during the big hockey game? On vacation while the Redblacks are closing the season? Don’t fret, just switch your radio to 1200 AM or stream it online and the detailed play-by-plays will make you feel like you’re right there.

CHIN Ottawa (97.9 FM)

Coming at you daily from their downtown studio, CHIN 97.9 FM is your multilingual (and multicultural) stop with programming in over 20 different languages. The first third language radio service in the Capital began broadcasting in 2003 and quickly became the place to hear music from all over the planet be it Celtic, Asian, Caribbean and more!

CKCU-FM (93.1)

Broadcasting from Carleton U, and one of the country’s oldest community-based campus radio stations, CKCU first took the airwaves in November of 1975. With over 100 different shows a week, it remains one of the most prolific stations in the city. The Mighty 93 continues to bring on volunteer hosts and fosters creative input from the community on what goes into their programming.

JUMP Ottawa (106.9)

Do you love the top hits of today? JUMP 106.9 features non-stop hits from the biggest names in music. They've got a killer Top 40 playlist and they're home to Brooke & Jubal – Ottawa’s favourite morning show. 

580 CFRA

Founded by Frank Ryan back in 1947, CFRA used to be the place to turn the dial to if you wanted to hear pop and Top-40 hits. Nowadays it is the city’s conservative news talk radio station. Popular shows include The Morning Rush with Bill Carroll, Ottawa Now with Evan Solomon and Beyond the News with Brian Lilley.

Country 101.1

No doubt, Ottawa is a country music town and Country 101.1 keeps the masses satiated with just the right mix of daily twang. Blending the old and the new, shows include Country Classics with Nan, the Canadian Country Countdown and The Wake Up Call with Wendy Boomer and Matt Dips. Yee ha!