The popification of Toronto is now in full swing as CHUM 104.5 welcomes new co-host Jamar McNeil to the Roger and Marilyn morning team, following a successful 10-year run with Chicago’s B96 FM. Additionally, the station rolls out its multi-faceted “Make Toronto Pop”campaign across the GTA today, following last month’s live on-air station transformation from 104.5 CHUM FM to CHUM 104.5. The station’s new morning show trio and bold visual identity will take over Toronto block-by-block, energizing listeners through the broadcast, digital, and out-of-home campaign.
“Toronto is both a hotbed for music and one of my favourite cities in the world, so I’m thrilled to head north of the border to join the great team at CHUM 104.5,” said McNeil. “I’m particularly excited to spend each morning alongside two radio legends, Roger and Marilyn. Together we’ll wake up the 6ix with the summer’s hottest hits every day.”
“Jamar brings years of broadcasting experience, a fun brand of enthusiasm, and a genuinely informed and unique perspective to Toronto morning radio as we enter a new era for CHUM 104.5,” said Sarah Cummings, Program Director, CHUM 104.5. “We couldn’t be more excited to launch Toronto’s newest morning show, ROGER & MARILYN WITH JAMAR!”
Born in New York, McNeil most recently spent 10 years as host of The J Show on Chicago’s B96 FM. Previously, he hosted daily shows on several of America’s biggest Top 40 radio stations, including Hot995 DC, 965 Kiss Cleveland, Y100 Miami, where he established deep connections with each local community.
As a board member for Chicago’s Respiratory Health Association, McNeil has participated in fundraising events for young people affected by asthma and has advocated for clean air initiatives. McNeil is also a founding member and secretary for Midwest Jamaica Corp (MIJAC), a group serving as a resource for Jamaicans in both Chicago and Jamaica.
In conjunction with the addition of Jamar McNeil to the station’s morning show, CHUM 104.5 also unveiled its new multi-platform “Make Toronto Pop”advertising campaign across the GTA today. Created by Leo Burnett in partnership with the Bell Media Agency, the campaign offers listeners and viewers a burst of excitement through extensive television, radio, digital, and out-of-home activations.
“The vibrant look and feel of this campaign is built around bold colours and eye-popping designs that capture CHUM 104.5’s energetic new brand identity,” said Jon Arklay, Senior Vice-President, Bell Media Agency: Brand, Creative, and Marketing. “We were very excited to partner with the talented team at Leo Burnett to create an engaging campaign sure to grab the attention of listeners across the city.”
“We’re ecstatic to roll out a dynamic new campaign that perfectly matches the upbeat, chart-topping music played every day on CHUM 104.5,” said Rob Farina, Head of Radio Content, Strategy, and iHeartRadio at Bell Media. “These kinetic designs are grounded in the city to connect Toronto listeners with the exciting evolution of this iconic radio station and make CHUM 104.5stand out in a very competitive market.”
CHUM 104.5 is available across Canada via live stream on the iHeartRadio Canada app.
