Melanie MoralesAre you looking for a new radio station to listen to as you ride around your car in Edmonton? If you are, then this list that we’ve put together today is exactly what you need.
After careful research, we’ve compiled this list of radio stations based on their genres of music, program choices, and contests to give you the best selection to choose from.
So now, let’s take a look at our picks for the best Edmonton radio stations.
1. CJSR 88.3
| GENRES | Cultural, Eclectic, Electronic, Experimental, Hip-Hop, Punk, Blues, Classical, Underground, Alternative Radio |
| BROADCAST CALL SIGN | CJSR – FM |
| WEBSITE | https://www.cjsr.com/ |
| ADDRESS | Room 0-09 Students’ Union Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2J7 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | On-Air Request Line: (780) 492-CJSR ext. 1 24-Hour Listener Comments: (780) 492-2577 ext. 2 Office Phone: (780) 492-2577 Listener Comments by Email: [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Station Office Hours Monday to Friday 9:30 am – 5 pm (closed on all Statutory Holidays) |
CJSR 88.3 has been around since 1984 and is the only independently owned campus and community radio station that’s exclusively operated by volunteers. It’s a legitimate non-profit organization that operates out of an old bank vault in the University of Alberta.
We like CJSR because of its varied program schedules that are musically rich and diverse, featuring blues, underground electronic music, hip-hop, punk, and much more. Their deviation from mainstream media is one of their greatest strengths and has helped propel the station’s popularity.
They also have specially categorized “Spoken Word” shows that explore genres such as classical music history and current events. Their “Alternative Radio” program revolves around discussions and perspectives that contrast with what people are used to in mainstream media.
Surprisingly, CJSR is run and operated by volunteers and is funded primarily by donations from listeners and corporate grants. This affords them great independence in their programming and playlists and has garnered them a cult following in Edmonton.
If you want to volunteer, there are no real qualifications for experience except an alternative viewpoint on current issues and music. You’ll be required to attend an orientation session and undergo training before you can begin.
Once you volunteer or donate to CJSR you’ll get a special Friends of CJSR Card that gives discounts to over 60 local businesses such as cafes, pubs, record stores, book shops, clothing stores, and more!
Pros
- Features many genres of music
- Highlights underground or non top-40 music
Cons
- Runs on donations from listeners
- No online contests
2. Play 107.1
| GENRE | Pop, Top 40, Throwbacks |
| BROADCAST CALL SIGN | CKPW – FM |
| WEBSITE | https://www.play107.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 5241 Calgary Trail Suite #700, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5G8 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Reception: (780) 435-3023 General Fax: (780) 988-2387 Studio: (780) 784-7107 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Office Hours Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 5:00pm |
Play 107 specializes in throwbacks, which means popular music from an earlier time. This station particularly focuses on artists and tracks from the 90s when pop music as we know it today was on the rise.
Don’t expect playlists that always feature current content or the top 40 here, although they may dabble in it from time to time. However, they do air a wide genre of music, specializing in hits from Mariah Carey, Backstreet Boys, Spice Girls, and Snoop Dogg, just to name a few.
Beyond their excellent selection of 90s throwbacks, what we like about play 107 is their active social media presence and multiple contests. Although you need to create an account to enter, guests can listen in and get a chance to win special prizes and even concert tickets.
If you have Alexa or a similar interactive speaker, you can even echo the words “Play 1-Oh-7 Point One Edmonton” and your smart speaker will immediately tune you in! This means you don’t have to be in the car to enjoy those 90s hits and can reminisce in the comfort of your home.
They only feature one talk-show-based program but if you missed it, you can always check out Ryder & Lisa’s Replays on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and play 107’s very own app.
Pros
- Has own mobile app for easier access
- Available to play on Alexa and other select smart speakers
- Plays a variety of genres
Cons
- Only has one show centered on discussions
- DJs can have a tendency to talk too much during music programs
3. Sonic 102.9
| GENRE | Alternative |
| BROADCAST CALL SIGN | CHDI – FM |
| WEBSITE | https://www.sonic1029.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 5915 Gateway Blvd. Edmonton, AB T6H 2H3 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone (On Air): (780) 423-1029 Main Office: (780) 423-2005 Fax: (780) 437-5129 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Office Hours Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 4:30pm |
Sonic 102.9 is an alternative radio station that claims to be run by self-professed die-hard fans of the genre. We agree with the proof echoed in their playlists and online content.
If you like artists such as Coldplay, Modest Mouse, Rage Against Machine and Billie Eilish, Sonic 102.9 is the station for you. Don’t worry if you miss a show since they post their daily playlists online, allowing you to rewind and have a listen whenever you like.
We like that Sonic 102.9 is regularly updating their online platforms with loads of content, whether it’s on social media or their website. Following them offers you full access to live streaming of entire albums, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive interviews with artists.
We also like the Sonic 102.9 app, which offers live streams of performances, current news, and the opportunity to instantly connect with the on-air DJ as well. You’ll also get notifications for promos and special contests all on your smartphone or tablet.
Some of their contests include games with prizes ranging from $50 gift certificates for restaurants to a generous $1000 cash prize for answering 9 trivia questions in 60 seconds! These generous prizes put them on our list of the top radio stations in Edmonton.
Pros
- Exclusive interviews with local and international artists
- Regularly updated online platforms
Cons
- Genre-specific station
- Lack of community-related events or collaborations
4. K-97 Classic Rock 97.3
| GENRE | Classic Rock |
| BROADCAST CALL SIGN | CIRK – FM |
| WEBSITE | https://www.k97.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 2394 West Edmonton Mall (Entrance 55), 8882 – 170 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5T 4M2 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | K-97 Request/Text Line: (780) 451-8097 Reception: (780)437-4996 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Office Hours Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 4:30pm |
If you’re into all things Classic Rock, then K-97 should be on your radio dial 24/7. Playing top hits from various eras, you’ll also get to hear a few subgenres such as blues rock, folk-rock, southern rock, and more.
They have 6 different announcers with their own timeslots divided by morning, midday, evening, and weekends. Each DJ has their own distinctive style and preference, so fans of the classic rock genre will find a program to enjoy.
What can you expect on the playlist? Classic rock favorites from Lynrd Skynrd, Paul McCartney, Metallica, Black Sabbath, and even a little Bryan Adams.
We like K-97’s Top9@9, which asks listeners what their top 9 songs are from a certain artist, genre, or topic. Once the votes are tallied in, they’ll play the accumulated answers over the air the next day, giving listeners the power to determine what will go on air.
K-97 also has entertaining contests for interaction with its listeners, such as the Pressure Test in which you need to answer 5 questions in 30 seconds. If you answer correctly, you win the pot, but if you don’t, they’ll keep adding $100 until somebody can get it right.
We particularly like the “K-97 Cares” program, which features special collaborations with social and non-profit organizations that are doing good things for the local community of Edmonton. They’ve partnered with Homes for Heroes which houses homeless veterans, and Little Miracles Trust Fund which provides a small helping hand to anybody that’s in need.
Pros
- Knowledgeable announcers and DJs
- “K-97 Cares” program gives back to community
- Interactive contests with listeners
- Has its own brand of liquor
Cons
- Sponsored events mostly revolve around golf
- Niche genre draws in specific listeners
5. Virgin Radio 104.9
| GENRE | Top 40, Pop |
| BROADCAST CALL SIGN | CFMG – FM |
| WEBSITE | https://www.iheartradio.ca/virginradio/edmonton |
| ADDRESS | 18520 Stony Plain Road #100 Edmonton AB T5S 1A8 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Virgin Studio & Contesting: (780) 488-1049 Reception Desk: (780) 486-2800 Advertising Inquiry: (780) 486-9122 |
A genre-specific radio station is not for everybody, so if you want to stay current and know what’s trending in music, Virgin Radio plays top 40 hits ranging across all genres of music. So whether it’s BTS, Lil Nas X, or The Weekend, this station has got you covered.
Virgin Radio also has its exclusive members-only club called Virgin VIP, and signing up helps you receive special codes and announcements about upcoming events and promotions. What we like about it is all you need to do is to text VIP to 104-104, and you’re instantly a member!
They regularly run contests for their listeners, the latest of which is a chance to win $60,000 if you hear the codeword on one of their programs and text it to the station.
Once you qualify, the catch of the contest is that you only actually keep $20,000 and have to give $20,000 to your best friend, and the remaining to a stranger!
Virgin Radio also runs contests that reach out to the community as well, such as a collaboration with Full House Lottery, a fund that raises money for hospitals to aid in women’s health research. People that sign up get a chance to win prizes ranging from $100, a dream vacation package, and even an entire home.
Pros
- Easy sign up for Virgin VIP
- Large contest prizes
- Playing Top 40 charts helps draw in a wider listener base
Cons
- Some programs are aired from the main Virgin Radio Station
- Tendency to focus on pop lifestyle instead of music
6. 89.3 The Raven
| GENRES | Classic Rock, Blues, Golden Oldies and More |
| BROADCAST CALL SIGN | CIWE – FM |
| WEBSITE | https://www.cjsr.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 13245 – 146 St NW Edmonton, Alberta T5L-4S8 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | General Inquiries: (780) 455-2700 Raven Text Line: 866-454-2813 Email: [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Station Office Hours Monday to Friday 9:30 am – 5 pm (closed on all Statutory Holidays) |
89.3 The Raven is a radio station that is a division of Windspeaker Media and is powered by Aiir. Windspeaker Media is a company dedicated to providing objective and balanced coverage of news and entertainment.
They run all week and play music mixes and programs on air with 1-6 hour intervals between each segment. If you would like to get to know more about each program, their website provides both the schedule and a brief description for each one which you can access should you be interested in giving their station a listen.
If you would like to stay updated then this station could be an excellent starter to stay updated on the latest tunes in your area. Furthermore, they also feature events and you may have a chance to win some prizes and get the opportunity to be in on the draw and become the lucky winner.
We recommend this station for you due to their on-demand programs wherein you can request your favorite tunes and their advertisement opportunities should you like to promote your brand or business.
Pros
- Accommodates advertisements
- Caters to request songs
- Plays indigenous music
Cons
- More on indigenous music
7. 98.5 CFWE
| GENRES | Country |
| BROADCAST CALL SIGN | CFWE – FM |
| WEBSITE | https://www.cfweradio.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 13245 146 St NW Edmonton, AB T5L-4S8 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | General Inquiries: (780) 455-2700 Studio line/Text : 1-866-454-2813 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Contact for more information |
The 98.5 CFWE is a radio station that focuses mainly on country music and keeps an interactive take on the said issues due to their unique niche of segments. They have various resource speakers such as Lowa Beebe and Jim Cardinal to liven up and keep the interaction going.
The radio station also features a lot of programs that feature success stories. If you are interested to be inspired by their stories and personal experiences then this radio station just might be the perfect fit for you.
Their programs are also largely influenced by current events, which broadens the scope of their tackled information and issues to the whole of Canada as well. However, if you would like to simply chill and jam to your favorite tunes then they also have a segment specifically for you to request songs on your demand.
We recommend this radio station for you if you would like to interactively converse, interact, and be informed of all the latest happenings.
Pros
- Focuses on indigenous information
- Conversational segments
- Features and addresses indigenous issues
Cons
- Focuses more on talks than music
FAQs about the Best Radio Stations in Edmonton
This concludes our list of the best Edmonton radio stations. We hope you were able to find a station to tune in your radio dial.
Did we miss one of your favorite stations that you think should be on our list? Send us a message and we’ll make sure to check it out!
Now, on the off chance that you’re listening to the radio because your TV broke, we’ve got you covered! Check out our list of the places for the best TV repair services in Edmonton to help you out!
