Canada’s radio history is filled with iconic stations that once defined regions, genres, and eras of broadcasting. From the bustling streets of Toronto to the coastal towns of Atlantic Canada, local frequencies carried news, music, and community voices that shaped daily life. These radio stations were more than entertainment; they were cultural connectors that reflected Canada’s diversity and identity. Here are 20 Canadian radio stations that disappeared.
CHUM 1050 AM – Toronto, Ontario
CHUM 1050 AM was one of Canada’s most legendary radio stations, known for shaping pop culture from the 1950s through the 1980s. As one of the first stations to adopt a Top 40 format, it became the soundtrack of Toronto youth, breaking major artists like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. With its iconic CHUM Chart, it influenced both music tastes and industry trends nationwide. Over time, shifts in listener habits and the rise of FM radio led to its decline, but its legacy as a pioneer of Canadian broadcasting remains unmatched.
CFOX 1470 AM – Montreal, Quebec
CFOX 1470 AM was a staple in Montreal’s radio scene, offering a mix of rock, news, and entertainment that resonated with English-speaking audiences. The station built a strong following during the 1960s and 1970s, known for its engaging on-air personalities and commitment to emerging rock acts. However, increasing competition and regulatory challenges in the bilingual market eventually forced its closure. Despite fading from the airwaves, CFOX left a lasting impact on Montreal’s music scene and inspired future broadcasters to blend entertainment with local identity.
CKLW “The Big 8” AM – Windsor, Ontario
CKLW, famously known as “The Big 8,” was one of the most influential AM stations in North America. Broadcasting from Windsor to Detroit, it dominated the airwaves during the 1960s and 1970s with its high-energy DJs, rapid-fire jingles, and chart-topping hits. The station helped launch countless careers and set new standards for radio formatting. CKLW’s cross-border influence made it a cultural bridge between Canada and the United States. Although format changes and CRTC restrictions eventually muted its power, The Big 8 remains a defining chapter in Canadian radio history.
CJCA 930 AM – Edmonton, Alberta
CJCA 930 AM was Edmonton’s first radio station, launching in 1922 and serving listeners for nearly seven decades. Known for its local news, sports coverage, and community-focused programming, it played a vital role in shaping Alberta’s early media landscape. The station faced increasing financial pressures during the late 1980s as FM competitors gained popularity and advertising revenue declined. CJCA signed off in 1993, leaving behind a deep connection with loyal listeners who saw it as the voice of their city. Its heritage still echoes in Edmonton’s broadcasting culture.
CKO – Canada’s National All-News Radio Network
CKO was an ambitious project that aimed to give Canada its own national all-news radio network. Launched in 1977, it provided comprehensive coverage of national and international events from studios across major cities. Despite its innovative model, CKO struggled with funding, competition from CBC Radio, and limited audience reach. The network shut down abruptly in 1989, leaving a void in private news broadcasting. CKO’s short-lived run remains a reminder of both the challenges and importance of independent journalism in a country as vast as Canada.
CFUN 1410 AM – Vancouver, British Columbia
CFUN 1410 AM became one of Vancouver’s most beloved pop and rock stations during the 1960s and 1970s. It was famous for its friendly disc jockeys, local contests, and ability to connect directly with young listeners. Known as “The Fun One,” the station rivaled competitors like CKLG in shaping the city’s radio culture. CFUN later shifted formats several times, from talk radio to sports, before eventually disappearing from the AM band. Even today, many Vancouverites remember CFUN as the soundtrack of their youth and a symbol of radio’s golden era.
CKLC 1380 AM – Kingston, Ontario
CKLC 1380 AM served Kingston for decades with a blend of local news, classic hits, and community programming. Originally launching in the 1950s, the station became a key source of entertainment and information for residents. It transitioned through multiple formats, including adult contemporary and oldies, as it tried to adapt to changing tastes. Eventually, declining AM audiences led to a move to the FM dial, where it continues under a new identity. CKLC’s history represents the broader transformation of Canadian radio from traditional AM roots to modern FM and digital formats.
CKNW 980 AM’s Early Years Before Rebranding
Before becoming one of British Columbia’s leading talk radio stations, CKNW 980 AM began as a small community-focused broadcaster in New Westminster. In its early years, it featured music, local news, and variety shows that connected residents across the Lower Mainland. The station built a loyal audience by emphasizing regional stories and relatable hosts. As competition and media consumption evolved, CKNW transitioned toward news and talk formats, cementing its reputation as a trusted voice in current affairs. Those early decades laid the foundation for the station’s long-lasting influence in Canadian broadcasting.
CFGO “Energy 1200” – Ottawa, Ontario
CFGO “Energy 1200” was Ottawa’s high-energy Top 40 and dance music station during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Known for its catchy jingles, enthusiastic DJs, and club-style playlists, it became a favorite among young listeners in the capital. The station brought a lively nightlife vibe to radio, spotlighting both Canadian and international hits. As audience preferences shifted and competition grew, CFGO changed formats several times, eventually focusing on sports talk. Though “Energy 1200” is gone, it remains fondly remembered for energizing Ottawa’s radio scene with youthful enthusiasm and cultural flair.
CKCY 920 AM – Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
CKCY 920 AM served Sault Ste. Marie for over four decades as a trusted source of local news, community updates, and music. Launching in 1955, the station became a cultural hub for Northern Ontario, connecting residents through on-air contests, local events, and hockey broadcasts. Its mix of pop and adult contemporary hits made it a daily favorite. As FM stations began to dominate and listener habits evolved, CKCY’s audience gradually declined, leading to its closure in the early 1990s. The station’s legacy endures as part of the region’s broadcasting heritage.
CKRC 630 AM – Winnipeg, Manitoba
CKRC 630 AM was one of Winnipeg’s oldest and most beloved radio stations, entertaining listeners from the 1940s onward. Known for its upbeat music, creative programming, and strong community presence, CKRC helped define the city’s pop radio era. The station adapted through multiple generations, from swing and rock to contemporary hits, while maintaining its local charm. However, as FM gained prominence, CKRC’s AM signal struggled to compete. It eventually rebranded and later shut down, leaving behind a rich legacy of music, memories, and a deep connection with Manitoba audiences.
CJRN 710 AM – Niagara Falls, Ontario
CJRN 710 AM was a staple in Niagara Falls broadcasting, blending tourism information with local news and easy-listening music. Located near the U.S. border, it often attracted American listeners and played a unique role in promoting the region’s attractions. The station also served as a community bulletin board, highlighting local businesses and events. Regulatory and financial challenges eventually forced CJRN off the air in the early 2010s. Despite its closure, it remains a nostalgic part of Niagara’s radio past and a reminder of how local media once powered regional tourism.
CKST “The Team 1040” – Vancouver, British Columbia
CKST “The Team 1040” became synonymous with Vancouver sports radio. Originally starting as a music station, it found success after rebranding to all-sports programming in the early 2000s. It covered everything from the Canucks to the BC Lions, featuring passionate hosts and expert commentary that captured the city’s sports culture. CKST also gave a platform to local sports journalists and fans to share opinions in real time. Despite its popularity, the station was abruptly shut down in 2021. Many Vancouver listeners still regard “The Team 1040” as one of Canada’s best sports stations.
CHQR’s Music Era Before Talk Radio – Calgary, Alberta
Before becoming a talk radio leader, CHQR in Calgary had a vibrant history as a music-focused station. It featured a mix of adult contemporary hits, community news, and lifestyle programs that resonated with local listeners. The music era helped establish CHQR as a trusted and familiar name in Alberta’s broadcasting landscape. As audience demand shifted toward news and opinion-based content, CHQR transitioned into a talk radio format, where it continues to thrive today. Its early music years remain a cherished period, marking the station’s evolution from entertainment to information leadership.
CFMB’s Early Bilingual Broadcasting – Montreal, Quebec
CFMB was one of Canada’s pioneering multicultural and multilingual radio stations, launching in Montreal in 1962. Its early broadcasts catered to the city’s diverse immigrant communities, airing programs in Italian, Greek, Portuguese, and several other languages. CFMB played a crucial role in giving voice to groups often underrepresented in mainstream media. The station promoted cultural integration while preserving linguistic heritage, making it a vital part of Montreal’s social fabric. Though its format evolved over time, CFMB’s early years remain a landmark moment in Canada’s broadcasting history for inclusivity and community service.
CJCJ “CJ-104” – Woodstock, New Brunswick
CJCJ, better known as “CJ-104,” served as a beloved local station in Woodstock, New Brunswick, offering a blend of rock hits, regional news, and community programming. It became a trusted voice for the western New Brunswick region, providing weather updates, local sports coverage, and listener requests. Its approachable DJs and small-town charm made it a daily companion for residents. Financial struggles and shifting listener trends eventually forced the station off-air, but “CJ-104” is still fondly remembered for its community-first spirit and authentic East Coast radio character.
CKY 580 AM – Winnipeg, Manitoba
CKY 580 AM was one of Manitoba’s oldest and most influential radio stations, with roots dating back to the 1920s. It built its reputation on news coverage, sports broadcasts, and popular music shows that connected Winnipeggers for generations. CKY became a cultural touchstone, especially during the golden age of AM radio. However, as FM and digital platforms grew in popularity, CKY’s audience gradually declined. The station eventually transitioned into a sports format before ceasing AM operations. Its legacy endures as a key chapter in Winnipeg’s rich broadcasting history.
CHSJ 700 AM – Saint John, New Brunswick
CHSJ 700 AM was one of Atlantic Canada’s earliest radio stations, launching in the 1920s. Known for its mix of news, entertainment, and regional music, it became a central part of daily life in Saint John. CHSJ covered everything from local elections to community events and had a loyal listener base across the province. The station eventually moved to the FM band as audience habits changed, marking the end of its AM era. Despite the shift, CHSJ’s historic role in shaping New Brunswick’s radio identity remains deeply respected.
CJOR 600 AM – Vancouver, British Columbia
CJOR 600 AM was a cornerstone of Vancouver radio for decades, blending talk, entertainment, and local culture. Founded in 1926, the station became known for innovative programming, including interviews, drama, and political commentary. It helped launch several prominent Canadian broadcasters and became a model for modern talk radio. As the industry evolved, CJOR’s format and ownership changed, and it was eventually replaced by new stations on the frequency. Even so, CJOR’s legacy as a creative and influential force in Vancouver media continues to be celebrated by radio enthusiasts.
CKOY 1310 AM – Ottawa, Ontario
CKOY 1310 AM was one of Ottawa’s most dynamic radio stations during the mid-20th century. Known for its upbeat Top 40 playlists, vibrant on-air personalities, and live remote broadcasts, it captured the energy of the capital city. The station helped introduce rock and pop music to Ottawa audiences and built strong connections with local events and youth culture. Over time, CKOY transitioned through various formats and ownership changes before eventually leaving the AM dial. Its spirit lives on through the many broadcasters who began their careers behind its microphones.
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