Sonic 102.9 — CHDI-FM

Edmonton

Logo Sonic 102.9
19 7
Format: Rock
Language: English

  • Playlist today

    • The Beaches - Edge Of The Earth
    • The Mighty Mighty Bosstones - The Impression That I Get
    • The Sheepdogs - The Way It Is
    • Lola Young - Messy
    • Billy Talent - Try Honesty

  • Top Songs

    • 1 Noah Kahan - The Great Divide
    • 2 Cameron Whitcomb - Kingdom Of Fear
    • 3 Cage The Elephant - Beaches In Tennessee
    • 4 Metric - Victim Of Luck
    • 5 The Beaches - Edge Of The Earth

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About

Sonic 102.9 (CHDI-FM) is a local commercial radio station broadcasting from Edmonton, Alberta, on 102.9 FM with a 100 kW transmitter in Sherwood Park. Originally launched by O.K. Radio Group in April 2005, the station was acquired by Rogers Sports & Media in late 2006, formatting it around English-language Alternative and Modern Rock for the Edmonton market and online streams. Aimed at the 18–44 demographic, it gives local rock fans a break from Top 40 pop with a steady mix of heavy guitars and local chatter.

The schedule revolves around The Garner Andrews Show in the morning. Andrews has hosted the slot since 2005, setting an unpretentious vibe: "If you were looking for intellectual conversation first thing in the morning, you clearly turned to the wrong frequency." Daytime hosts Chantal Dunn, Riley Jabour, and Lauren Hunter keep things grounded with live texts, local banter, and zero pompous studio talk.

Music-wise, the station blends 90s–2000s rock staples with current indie releases and mandatory CanCon. Daily rotations lean on heavyweights like Foo Fighters, Blink-182, and The Killers alongside Canadian favorites Arkells, Metric, Sum 41, and Billy Talent. Newer tracks from Cameron Whitcomb and The Rural Alberta Advantage also get steady airtime.

Numeris data from Broadcast Dialogue shows a weekly audience of 120,000 to 160,000 listeners across Edmonton. People lock into the dial for the alternative playlist, local concert giveaways, and solid community ties.

Industry recognition includes several Canadian Music Week awards for Alternative Station of the Year covered by Broadcast Dialogue and Music Business Worldwide , plus Edmonton Music Awards for projects like Sonic Band of the Month.

Where rival 100.3 The Bear (CFBR-FM) pushes heavier active rock, Sonic stays on the accessible side of indie and modern rock. You will run into tight song rotations and about 10 to 14 minutes of ads per hour during drive time, but it still holds down the market for alternative rock.

Quick Facts

Frequency: 102.9 FM

First air date: April 2005

Call sign: CHDI-FM

Owner: Rogers Sports & Media

Broadcast area: Edmonton Metropolitan Region

Author: Elena Bozbei

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