About

About CHOP FM

Who We Are

Broadcasting from the campus of Pickering College, CHOP FM is Newmarket’s community voice — a hub for local news, diverse music, and meaningful conversations. The station celebrates our region’s stories, cultures, and emerging talent through 100% locally produced programming, created in partnership with students and community volunteers.

CHOP FM champions independent artists, explores issues that matter, and reflects the multicultural, multiracial, and Indigenous heritage of Canada — offering a distinctive alternative to commercial and public radio.

On air since 2007, CHOP FM began as a campus station and has grown into a vibrant community broadcaster, connecting listeners across Newmarket and beyond.

As a non-profit, volunteer-powered station, CHOP FM provides a platform for youth, community groups, and local organizations to share their perspectives and be heard.

Our Mandate

CHOP FM’s mandate is to:

Serve Community: Broadcast programming that matters—local news, events, sports, culture, and music not found in mainstream outlets

Engage Audiences: Entertain, inform, and inspire while connecting listeners with their community.

Reflect Diversity: Ensure programming reflects the wide range of cultural, social, and artistic voices in Newmarket and beyond.

Train & Empower: Provide hands-on training in broadcasting, audio production, and media skills to students and volunteers.

Volunteer With US

Our station runs on community energy! We invite students, parents, alumni, and local residents to join CHOP FM as volunteers. No previous experience is required—just curiosity and a willingness to learn. Volunteers gain access to broadcast training, production studios, and the chance to produce their own shows or contribute to existing programming.

Whether you’re interested in DJing, podcasting, news, promotions, sports, or behind-the-scenes technical work, there’s a place for you at CHOP FM.

Our History

Launched in 2007 as a campus radio station at Pickering College, CHOP FM has grown into a full CRTC-licensed community broadcaster. For nearly two decades, we’ve given students and volunteers the chance to share their voices, cover important issues, and experiment with innovative forms of radio.

Today, CHOP FM continues to be a unique blend of youth-driven creativity and community service, making us one of the few independent voices on the dial in York Region.

Services & Opportunities

Broadcast Training: Free training for students and community volunteers.

On-Air Programming: Music, interviews, talk shows, live sports, and cultural programs.

Community Partnerships: Collaborations with local charities, events, and organizations.