In a broadcasting decision handed down Monday, the CRTC approved applications by Astral Media and Frank Torres for broadcasting licences to operate new English language FM radio stations to serve Ottawa and Gatineau. (http://www.digitalhome.ca/content/view/2766/206/)

Like we needed more radio stations here, although the Blues one might be cool.

I agree with bgclarke!

Astral provides bottom-of-the-barrel quality in my experience. From monstrous repetition (very frequent reruns of any programs they purchase) to the minimal broadcast quality (cutting transmitter power whenever they can, flakey equipment that doesn't get timely repair), to understaffing.

At least it's another listening choice. The way they do business, they can afford to have lots of half-assed radio stations to sell ads for.

I can't believe that Ottawa doesn't have an urban/hip hop/rap station. A listening area of over 1 million can surely support a station like that.

I can't believe that Ottawa doesn't have an urban/hip hop/rap station. A listening area of over 1 million can surely support a station like that.
89.9 is the closest to an urban/hip hop/rap station. It is very popular in the sub 18 demographic.

...and #1 in the 18-34 demographic.

89.9 is the closest to an urban/hip hop/rap station. It is very popular in the sub 18 demographic.
89.9 is pure pop/top 40.

Great, more classic rock...one a little softer, one more bluesy. No wonder radio is dead.

And what happens to Info Radio, the unprotected English and French services currently on 99.7 and 101.9? Unless someone moves over a bit in frequency, I don't see any 3rd adjacent frequencioes left in Ottawa-gatineau, unless the frequencies around CJET-FM (92.3) count.