York University’s CHRY Community Radio 105.5 CHRY-FM Toronto has flipped to what it is calling Urban Alternative “Vibe 105.5“.

The new format is described as a mix of “Electronic, Remix, Reggae, Soca, Hip Hop and R&B” and will add a professional airstaff in the coming weeks. Previously the station relied on community volunteers to host the mix of Diverse Talk and Ethnic programming.

In the press release announcing the change, CHRY CEO Danae Peart states, “What we are doing with the license entrusted to us has not been done before in this market, we are making a requirement and we are putting to rest mediocre perceptions and expectations of the license class. VIBE105 emerges amidst a changed and fast-paced media environment where opportunities on the FM dial must match the pliability of other media options. The task is great and the dynamic team assembled is up for the challenge.”

CHRY-FM operates with 158 watts at 63.5 meters covering the northern portions of Toronto (Coverage Map).

On May 1st Torontonians and global listeners will wake up to the sounds of the first ever “urban alternative” station broadcasting from the frequency 105.5 FM. This new experience is VIBE105 FM a station committed to sounding like the city and representing the best that Toronto has to offer.

Based in Toronto, Ontario VIBE FM is the market’s most dynamic ‘urban alternative’ station on the FM dial. VIBE FM will deliver an exciting mix of metropolitan influenced sounds and eclectic voices. Our diverse content ranges from Electronic, Remix, Caribbean, Afrobeat, Hip Hop and R&B. We also offer an intelligent blend of talk programming; connecting our audience with timely critical insight on current affairs and further – feature some of the city’s top-rated specialty shows in Canadian broadcast. VIBE FM hosts its frequency in the heart of the GTA and broadcasts on terrestrial, digital and cable networks across Southern Ontario.

The management team of VIBE FM spans over 20 years of media content making, training and broadcast and is headed by a Broadcast Operations Manager, Randy Reid. Reid and his apt team will make a mark on the Toronto media landscape and plans to have a lasting impact on the ways listeners engage, experience and embrace “urban alternative” content. VIBE105 will present content that champions the diversity synonymous with the city of Toronto. Through this team and the soon to be introduced radio ambassadors VIBE1055 FM is in stellar hands. The team is excited about the opportunity to create a new platform for emerging talent through engaging shows, mixes and live interactions and broadcasts.

The license for VIBE105 FM is held by its parent corporation CHRY Community Radio Inc. which acknowledges this as only the initial phase of a new methodical approach to managing radio and other media entities. The corporation remains very committed to its core values and fiduciary expectations. Speaking on behalf of the corporation the CEO, Danae Peart indicates that while under a new management structure, the broadcast on the 105.5 FM locator will only serve as a testament to the corporation’s commitment to delivering a professional and highly engaging brand of radio. “What we are doing with the license entrusted to us has not been done before in this market, we are making professionalism a requirement and we are putting to rest mediocre perceptions and expectations of the license class”. VIBE105 emerges amidst a changed and fast-paced media environment where opportunities on the FM dial must match the pliability of other media options. The task is great and the dynamic team assembled is up for the challenge.

Tune in to VIBE105 FM “Your Main Source”. As we work towards an official launch in June, Torontonians and global listeners will get a daily 24 hour dose of the VIBE. Look out for signature shows led by the best ambassadors for the specific genres and cultural art forms we champion. Look out for VIBE105 partnering with local youth initiatives, festivals and so much more. This is an exciting time for media and Toronto, join in and keep the VIBE in your ear.

Media Contacts:
CEO—Danae Peart (chrymgr@yorku.ca)
Broadcast Operations Manager—Randy Reid (operations@vibe1055.com)