Boom 97.3 — CHBM-FM

Boom 97.3 (CHBM-FM) is a commercial local radio station based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, broadcasting at 97.3 FM from a transmitter atop the CN Tower. Owned by Stingray Group, the station launched on May 18, 1987, and adopted its classic hits format in 2009. Its signal covers the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and its programming is in English, primarily targeting listeners aged 35 to 64.

Stu Jeffries hosts the morning show, sharing behind-the-scenes details about how songs were recorded. He often returns to the idea that “music is a time machine,” capable of taking listeners straight back to 1985 with just a few chords. Maie Pauts takes over during the day, followed by KJ. Listener interaction is straightforward, with quizzes, calls to the studio, and short stories shared by listeners.

The station's musical backbone consists of pop and rock hits from the 1970s through the 1990s. Artists such as The Police, Queen, Bryan Adams, Michael Jackson, and Aerosmith feature prominently in rotation. The playlist maintains a consistent mood, although its relatively limited selection means repeated tracks are noticeable.

Boom 97.3 is one of Toronto’s most popular radio stations. According to Numeris ratings reported by Broadcast Dialogue in September 2025, it ranked No. 1 among Toronto stations overall, with an 11.1% audience share among listeners aged 12 and older, and also led among women aged 25–54 with a 12.2% share. Its mix of familiar pop and rock hits from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s keeps listeners coming back. Listeners tune in for the familiar hit lineup, though frequent commercial breaks and a tight song rotation can lead to repetitive listening over long stretches.

At the 2025 Canadian Radio Awards, the station's team took home three awards, recognizing Program Director Troy McCallum, Music Director Wayne Webster, and host Stu Jeffries. The station itself also placed second in the Large Market Radio Station of the Year category.

While direct competitors such as Q107 focus on classic guitar-driven rock, Boom 97.3 offers a softer, more pop-oriented sound. It works well as background music while working, but the same familiar hits can become tiresome when played day after day.

Quick Facts

Frequency: 97.3 FM