The Pride of Toronto, 103.9 PROUD-FM is the world's first and only commercial radio station to cater exclusively to the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgendered community. Until now, there has never been such a service the broadcasting market, and PROUD-FM now has that honour and responsibility!
Rainbow Media Group Inc. received the licence to operate The Pride of Toronto, 103.9 PROUD-FM from the Canadian Radio-television Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) in April 2006. The idea for the LGBT station for this company began over 10 years ago and was advanced to the CRTC on two occasions prior to being awarded the licence to operate.
PROUD-FM plays an eclectic mix of sounds from current hits to anthems from the 70s, 80s and 90s. A splash of classical and dance music is also thrown in to offer something for everyone.
Above and beyond great music and variety, what distinguishes PROUD-FM is the spoken word which will be delivered from a unique, inclusive perspective.
It’s radio for the queer and the curious. Everyone is invited to
Come Out and Listen to The Pride of Toronto, 103.9 PROUD-FM!
“103.9 PROUD-FM”
Toronto’s newest and the world’s first commercial gay radio station.
GOES LIVE-TO-AIR!
Toronto – April 9, 2007 - PROUD-FM, the world’s first commercial radio station to target the gay / LGBTTIQ2S (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer/Questioning, 2 Spirited.) begins broadcasting on 103.9 FM in Toronto starting Monday April 16th. The station which has been counting down to the full on-air complement will air fresh and fabulous material live. At the same time, listeners can tune into the station over the internet at www.proudfm.com.
The exciting new station has landed some big name hosts for its unique and fun programming. The morning co-hosts Ken Kostick &Mary Jo Eustace, popular media personalities, will air What’s for Breakfast, weekdays 6am- 10am; former JACK-FM morning host Deb Pearce will grace the mid-days, while comedienne extraordinaire and outspoken Maggie Cassella will drive it home each afternoon between 3pm- 7pm. PROUD-FM’s other on-air hosts and collaborators are well-known to listeners in Toronto’s gay community and in the mainstream of radio, music and about town. PROUD-FM will be broadcasting from its brand new Village Centre studios at the intersection of Church and Wellesley Street in the heart of Toronto’s Gay Village.
PROUD-FM’s diverse programming schedule will appeal to many because it features an eclectic blend of Top 40 music, pop, and classic hits from the 1970’s, 1980’s, and 1990’s. Party-goers will also get a fix of dance music, R & B and club mixes. The music is programmed by James Collins, a prominent member of the community and a singer/song writer in his own right. The station has made a commitment to play a minimum of 40% Canadian music content and proudly highlights the artists on-air with a pre-produced tag that says “PROUDLY SUPPORTING OUR CANADIAN ARTISTS – (ARTIST NAME AND SONG TITLE) – THE PRIDE OF TORONTO, ONE OH THREE NINE PROUD FM”.
PROUD-FM is also interactive and delivers a significant amount of spoken word that will engage, entertain and challenge both the gay and mainstream community, all within an environment of inclusiveness. “The news will also reflect stories and issues that are relevant to the community and which are mostly unheard in the current radio landscape” says PROUD-FM’s News Director Sean Moreman.
Rob Basile, Program Director and Operations Manager for PROUD-FM, says: “Ten years ago we started rattling the doors for such a station, the world was not ready for an all gay radio station. The time has come to bring the queer perspective into mainstream media. It is very exciting to be the world’s first; we know the world is listening. We intend to make Toronto, Canada and the community PROUD”.
PROUD-FM was awarded a licence by the Canadian Radio-television Telecommunications Commission in April 2006 to broadcast programs directed to Toronto’s large and diverse gay culture market.
Contact:
Media: Lorne Simon 416.785-5037
103.9 PROUD-FM IN THE NEWS
CBC Arts. Click here for news article.
EYE WEEKLY. Click here for news article.
FAB - The Gay Scene Magazine. Click here for news article.
FAB - The Gay Scene Magazine. Click here for news article.
FAB - The Gay Scene Magazine. Click here for news article.
GLOBE AND MAIL. Click here for news article.
OUTLOOKS MAGAZINE. Click here for news article.
THE STAR. Click here for news article.
THE STAR. Click here for news article.
TORONTO OBSERVER. Click here for news article.
XTRA. Click here for news article.
XTRA. Click here for news article.
