HomeLatest NewsFirst Peoples Radio launches ELMNT FM...

First Peoples Radio launches ELMNT FM stations in Toronto, Ottawa

First Peoples Radio Inc. (FPR) officially launched its ELMNT FM stations in Toronto and Ottawa today at noon ET. 

FPR aims to fill the gap for urban Indigenous listeners who don’t hear themselves represented in the current radio landscape. 

The “Indigenous-variety” format will feature both English and Indigenous-language spoken-word and musical programming with 25 per cent of its playlist dedicated to Indigenous talent.

In addition to local and national news and current affairs segments, the stations will feature content generated by APTN National News and The Canadian Press with plans for a network call-in talk show hosted by journalist David Moses, that will also air on stations operated by Missinipi Broadcasting Corporation in Saskatchewan and Native Communications Incorporated in Manitoba. 

95.7 ELMNT FM, The Spirit of Ottawa on-air line-up includes:

  • Aiden Wolf, truck driver gone professional voiceover artist on weekday mornings, starting at 5:30 a.m.
  • Kayla Whiteduck, a multi-faceted Algonquin woman from Kitigan-Zibi and classic rock lover, on middays from noon to 3 p.m.
  • Missy Knott, award-winning singer/songwriter, hosts afternoon drive
  • Cody Coyote, Ottawa hip-hop artist and DJ, hosts weeknights at 7 p.m., in addition to an all-star DJ music mix Saturday nights at 9 p.m.

106.5 ELMNT FM, The Spirit of Toronto on-air lineup includes:

  • Bob Magee, the former CHFI-FM personality returns to Toronto radio to host the ELMNT FM morning show, weekdays at 5:30 a.m.
  • Julian Taylor, singer/songwriter, on drive from 3 – 7 p.m. weekdays 
  • Janet Panic, Juno-nominated Métis-bohemian pop artist hosts Panic in the Night on weekday evenings from 7 – 11 p.m.
  • Christa Couture, performing and recording artist, non-fiction writer, and broadcaster on weekend mornings, starting at 6 a.m.

“Basically we’ve never really had a voice in urban centres. Our musicians, if you tune in to any radio station, you’ll be very hard-pressed to find any Indigenous artists on them and if you do it’s very rare, very sporadic…so we want to break that cycle,” Jean La Rose, the chair of First Peoples Radio and CEO of APTN, told Broadcast Dialogue.

La Rose also envisions the stations serving as a platform for dialogue to change perceptions of the Indigenous community.

“I’m not hearing about us, unless it’s a situation of crisis or related to a major political issue,” said La Rose. “That’s the only time that we hear about ourselves on-air and I think it’s time to change that. Time to totally re-think what the reality is. There’s a lot of good happening in our communities.”

Listen to our full interview with Jean La Rose on Broadcast Dialogue – The Podcast. 

 


Subscribe Now – Free!

Broadcast Dialogue has been required reading in the Canadian broadcast media for 25 years. When you subscribe, you join a community of connected professionals from media and broadcast related sectors from across the country.

The Weekly Briefing from Broadcast Dialogue is delivered exclusively to subscribers by email every Thursday. It’s your link to critical industry news, timely people moves, and excellent career advancement opportunities.

Let’s get started right now.

SUBSCRIBE NOW - IT'S FREE!

At Broadcast Dialogue®, we are committed to delivering industry-leading insights, news, and analysis directly to your inbox—completely free of charge.

By providing full / accurate information, you are helping us sustain Broadcast Dialogue® as a free resource. In return, we commit to delivering high-quality content that keeps you informed on the latest trends, technology, and news shaping the broadcast landscape—at no cost to you.

The Weekly Briefing from Broadcast Dialogue® is delivered exclusively to our subscribers by email every Thursday.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Your Subscription Information

Your Name
Your Email Address
Broadcast Dialogue uses this information to understand our audience and deliver relevant content.
Broadcast Dialogue uses this information to understand our audience and deliver relevant content.

Your Company Information

A Couple Of Questions

Do you consider yourself retired?
Are you seeking employment opportunities?

Connie Thiessen
Connie Thiessenhttps://broadcastdialogue.com
Connie has worked coast-to-coast as a reporter, editor, anchor and host at CKNW and News 1130 in Vancouver, News 95.7 and CBC in Halifax, and CFCW Edmonton, among other stations. With a passion for music, film and community service, she led News 95.7 to a 2013 Atlantic Journalism Award and regional RTDNA award for Best Radio Newscast. More recently, she was nominated for Music Journalist of the Year at Canadian Music Week 2019. To report a typo or error please email - [email protected]

Latest News

2024 Canadian Radio Awards winners

Pattison Media's 102.3 NOW! Radio (CKNO-FM) Edmonton is among the multiple winners at the 2024 Canadian Radio Awards. NOW! won Major Market Station of the...

Broadcast Dialogue – The Podcast: Is radio becoming obsolete to national advertisers?

Radio is still a cornerstone of many national media buys in Canada, but let’s be frank - it doesn’t deliver metrics that digital-first marketers...

Events / Conferences