900 CHML has gone off the air. Here is how Hamilton Spectator readers are remembering the iconic AM station

• By Spencer Rioux
• Posted Monday, Aug 19, 2024 9:34 am

900 CHML has gone off the air. Here is how Hamilton Spectator readers are remembering the iconic AM station

The sounds of 900 CHML have turned to static after nearly a century on the Hamilton airwaves.

The AM radio station abruptly closed last week, with station owner Corus Entertainment pointing to declining ad dollars and technological changes within the company as major reasons for the move. 

Mayor Andrea Horwath described the end of the station as a “tremendous loss” to the community, sharing her devastation of the news in a statement.

Horwath also noted that many residents started their days listening to the station, often joining Hamiltonians on the car ride to work or taking their children to school, while providing coverage of local sports, politics and more.

We asked Hamilton Spectator readers about their thoughts on the closure of CHML in an online survey, and within a few days, more than 70 people shared their favourite memories of the station.

Here’s a sample of those comments, which have been edited for clarity:

I sang live on the radio on two different occasions, both at Christmas. I’m not sure how I was selected but I sang two Christmas carols, “The First Noel” and “Silent Night.” I also appeared on Paul Hanover’s show.

Being a Ticat fan, I would listen to the Cats games, especially the road games and even after home games I would listen to the postgame report on the way home.

I’m sure it’s an economic decision but it’s another sign of the shift away from conventional programming and news, and toward social media. I don’t believe that is an improvement.

My earliest memories are of sitting at the breakfast table listening to Paul Hanover, the Mayor of the Morning. CHML was always on in our house.

As an adult, it became my habit to turn on the radio to CHML as soon as I opened my eyes. I don’t listen to the radio much anymore but I’m still sad to see the loss of local radio.

It’s sad for Hamilton and all of the people who have lost their jobs. The way the traditional TV and radio stations are shutting down won’t make it easy to find other employment.

Patricia, Grimsby

So many memories — news, talk shows, local insight experts, recognition of local heroes and achievements, fundraising efforts like the Tree of Hope, and Ticat games. It was our father’s favourite station so was always on (70-plus years) in the house even now after he has passed....[READ MORE]