Evanov Communications has confirmed that LBGTQ+ Dance “103.9 Proud-FM” CIRR-FM Toronto will sign-off at the end of the month with some of its elements integrated into co-owned Rhythmic Hot AC “Z103.5” CIDC Orangeville.
“Proud-FM” Brand Manager Jaret Sereda will host a daily feature in mornings and afternoons with entertainment news and community updates. Tyler Carr, MD/morning host at “Energy 106” CHWE-FM Winnipeg, who also hosts “The Weekend Pop-Up Party” on CIRR-FM, will continue that on CIDC.
Evanov Communications (ECI) will be integrating its Toronto station CIRR-FM Proud 103.9 with CIDC-FM Z103.5 on September 1, 2023.
The media landscape has evolved significantly since Proud FM first went on-air in 2007. When the station launched, it was the world’s first commercial radio station targeting the LGBTQ+ audience. The past 16 years have not only seen new outlets and platforms emerge to serve the community, but also existing services pivot to target this audience. At the same time, all broadcasters are now contending with the challenges of increased competition, a difficult economic climate, and the residual effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
ECI is continuing to assess the ongoing impact of these factors on our business, and is readjusting, realigning and reinventing itself as necessary. As part of this move, CIRR-FM will be transitioning from a stand-alone station and integrating with ECI’s Z103.5.
Proud FM’s two on-air announcers, Jaret Sereda and Tyler Carr, will be moving over to Z103.5 starting in September. Jaret will be hosting a daily feature weekday mornings and afternoons, with entertainment news and community updates. Tyler, who currently hosts the Weekend Pop-Up Party on Proud FM, will be taking on the weekend shows on Z103.5.
“I’m thrilled to be back with Z103.5,” said Jaret. “We’ll be bringing all the energy of Proud to an even larger audience, at one of the top stations in the Toronto market.”
“This is the best news of my life, ever!,” added Tyler. “I’ve dreamed of being on Z103.5 from the day I started in radio. I called my mom as soon as I heard and she’s as excited as me.”
ECI is proud of the part it has played in the evolution of the LGBTQ+ community in Toronto. We are grateful for the hard work and dedication of everyone who has been involved with Proud FM to date, and thank our listeners who have tuned in and supported the station. We look forward to being able to serve the community on Z103.5 and our other platforms in this next chapter in our commitment to inclusivity.
The integration of Proud FM with Z103.5 will take effect at 12:01 am on September 1, 2023.
Original Report 8/15: Local media blogger Toronto Mike reports that Evanov Communications will shut down LBGTQ+ Dance “103.9 Proud-FM” CIRR-FM Toronto at the end of the month.
Launched in 2007, the station was the first full-time LGBTQ+ targeted station in the world but handicapped with a very weak 107w/123m signal that only covers parts of the city.
“103.9 Proud-FM” features Premiere Networks’ Elvis Duran & The Morning Show and Brand Manager Jaret Sereda in afternoons.
No confirmation yet from Evanov on the sign-off or whether they will launch a new product on the frequency.
