The PPM ratings for the spring of 2026 have been released, offering a fascinating glimpse into the radio landscape across Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, and Calgary. This data, provided by Numeris, is a treasure trove of insights for radio enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. But what makes this particular release so intriguing? Well, it's not just about the numbers; it's about the context and the story behind the numbers. Let's dive in and explore the key findings, along with my personal commentary and analysis.
Toronto's Radio Scene
Toronto's radio scene is a bustling hub of activity, and the latest PPM ratings reflect this. CHFI takes the top spot with a 12.5% share for A12+, maintaining its position from the previous book. This is particularly interesting because it showcases the enduring appeal of CHFI among Toronto's listeners. What makes this even more fascinating is the gender breakdown. CHFI not only leads with women 25-54 but also makes significant gains, rising from 16.0% to 20.3%. This indicates a strong connection with female listeners in this demographic. Conversely, KiSS 92.5 sees a slight decline in its share for men 25-54, dropping from 14.6% to 14.1%. This shift could be attributed to various factors, including programming changes or competition from other media platforms.
Vancouver's Radio Landscape
Vancouver's radio landscape is a diverse one, and the PPM ratings reflect this diversity. CBC Radio One claims the top spot for A12+ with a 17.9% share of hours tuned, down slightly from the previous book. This is a testament to the enduring popularity of CBC Radio One among Vancouver's listeners. However, what makes this particularly interesting is the gender breakdown. 94.5 Virgin Radio takes the lead for F25-54 with a 19.5% share, down from 21.9%. This indicates a shift in listener preferences, with Virgin Radio losing some ground among female listeners in this demographic. MOVE 103.5 follows with a 14.5% share, showcasing the competitive nature of Vancouver's radio market.
Edmonton's Radio Market
Edmonton's radio market is a dynamic one, and the PPM ratings reflect this dynamism. UP 99.3 takes the top spot for A12+ with a 14.3% share of hours tuned, up from 12.5%. This is a significant gain and could be attributed to various factors, including programming changes or increased listener engagement. UP 99.3 also leads for F25-54 with a 28.0% share, up from 25.8%. This indicates a strong connection with female listeners in this demographic. KiSS 91.7 tops the list for M25-54 with a 16.9% share, followed by NOW! Radio with 10.0%. For M18-34, KiSS is out in front at 17.0%, showcasing the appeal of KiSS among younger male listeners.
Calgary's Radio Scene
Calgary's radio scene is a competitive one, and the PPM ratings reflect this. CBC Radio One leads the way for A12+ with a 15.3% share, down from 16.6%. This is a slight decline but still a strong showing for CBC Radio One. X92.9 is popular with women, taking the #1 spot for F25-54 with a 9.2% share. For M25-54, CJAY rules with a 11.5% share, showcasing the appeal of CJAY among male listeners in this demographic. AMP Radio is in the top spot for M18-34, delivering a 13.3% share, while CJAY tops F18-34 with a 29.3% share.
Montreal's Radio Landscape
Montreal's radio landscape is a bilingual one, and the PPM ratings reflect this. Radio Canada Premiere is #1 for A12+ (Franco) with a 22.1% share, down from 23.8%. This is a slight decline but still a strong showing for Radio Canada Premiere. 98.5FM follows with a 20.6% share, showcasing the appeal of 98.5FM among Franco-speaking listeners. For A12+ (Anglo), CJAD 800 is #1 with a 32.7% share, down from 33.5%. 98.5 FM is tops with women, taking the #1 spot for F25-54 (Franco) with a 19.4% share, up from 17.6%. For F25-54 (Anglo), Virgin Radio is out in front with a 30.3% share, up from 27.3%. For M25-54 (Franco), Radio Canada Premiere is on top at a 23.3% share, while for M25-54 (Anglo), The Beat is #1 at 23.2%, up from 21.5%.
Personal Commentary and Analysis
The PPM ratings for the spring of 2026 offer a fascinating glimpse into the radio landscape across these five cities. What makes this release particularly intriguing is the context and the story behind the numbers. The radio industry is facing financial challenges, with consolidation and cuts taking place across the country. This has had a significant impact on staffing at Numeris, with changes to the team. Despite these challenges, radio continues to command a significant reach and retail impact, with an average weekly reach of 80% for Canadians A12+. The new system for diary markets introduces three different approaches, each with its own set of challenges and opportunities. How do we follow and report on these crossroads? That's a question for another day.
In my opinion, the PPM ratings for the spring of 2026 offer a wealth of insights into the radio landscape across these five cities. They showcase the enduring appeal of certain stations, the shifting preferences of listeners, and the competitive nature of the radio market. As the radio industry continues to evolve, these ratings will play a crucial role in shaping the future of radio in these cities. So, let's forge on and continue to explore the fascinating world of radio.
