CIRV-HD2

CIRV-HD2 is a digital radio service based in Toronto, Ontario, broadcasting on 88.9 FM-HD2 and online. CIRV-FM launched HD broadcasting in September 2018. In April 2019 it rebranded as RED FM under South Asian Broadcasting Corporation, aiming its main programming at South Asian audiences. The subchannel kept the Portuguese-language programming for listeners across the Greater Toronto Area.

The music policy balances traditional heritage with modern diaspora pop. The rotation mixes Lisbon fado classics (Amália Rodrigues) and folk revivalists with GTA-based artists of Portuguese descent, such as Shawn Desman. It moves from rancho and pimba (Saul) to mainstream Brazilian pop (Ivete Sangalo) and upbeat reggaeton, appealing to older immigrants and younger Lusophone listeners alike

Unlike commercial FM stations in Portugal, the station emphasizes archival folk recordings (such as the 1935 “Marcha da Mouraria”) and student choral groups (Juventuna), making it a cultural archive for the diaspora in Canada.

Its own audience is not reported separately. The industry directory Media Names & Numbers, lists a potential reach of up to 1.8 million people for the parent station, RED FM (CIRV-FM), not for this service alone.

The station builds on CIRV-FM’s 40-year legacy in ethnic broadcasting and has been recognized by the City of Toronto for its contribution to the city’s multicultural community.

Its main advantage over online-only stations is the licensed HD Radio infrastructure of 88.9 FM. On the other hand, listeners need an HD Radio receiver for the over-the-air signal, and the Portuguese-only programming may be a barrier for non-speakers.

Quick Facts

Frequency: 88.9 FM-HD2