680 News, officially branded as CityNews 680, is Toronto's premier 24-hour all-news radio station, broadcasting at 680 kHz on the AM dial. Owned by Rogers Sports & Media, it provides constant updates on local news, traffic, weather, business, and sports to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and beyond.
For over three decades, this station has served as the "pulse" of Toronto. Whether you are a daily commuter navigating the Don Valley Parkway or a resident seeking immediate updates on breaking local stories, 680 News remains the most significant source of real-time information in Canada’s largest media market. In 2026, the station continues to bridge the gap between traditional terrestrial radio and high-speed digital streaming, ensuring accessibility across various platforms.
The Evolution of CFTR: From Top 40 to All-News
To understand the impact of 680 News, one must look at the history of its call sign, CFTR. Originally launched in 1962 as CHFI-AM, the station adopted the CFTR call letters in 1971. For twenty years, it was one of the most popular Top 40 music stations in North America, competing fiercely with CHUM-AM.
However, as the FM band became the dominant home for music in the early 1990s, Rogers Broadcasting made a pivotal decision. On June 7, 1993, CFTR dropped its music format and launched "680 News," the first all-news radio station in Canada. This move was modeled after successful all-news formats in the United States, such as WINS in New York City. The format was designed to give listeners the news they needed whenever they tuned in, rather than making them wait for a scheduled hourly bulletin.
In October 2021, Rogers rebranded the station as CityNews 680 to align its radio assets with its television brand, CityNews. Despite the name change, the station is still widely referred to by its frequency, 680 News, by long-time listeners. By 2026, the integration between the radio newsroom and the CityNews television team is seamless, providing multi-platform coverage that reaches millions of residents daily.
How to Listen and Access 680 News in 2026
In 2026, listening habits have diversified significantly. While the 50,000-watt AM signal remains the primary method for many drivers, digital options have expanded to provide high-fidelity audio and interactive features.
Terrestrial Radio (AM/HD)
The primary frequency is 680 AM. Thanks to its powerful transmitter located in Grimsby, Ontario, the signal covers a massive portion of Southern Ontario during the day, reaching from the Niagara Peninsula to beyond Oshawa and north toward Barrie. At night, the signal is directional to protect other stations on the same frequency, but it still provides clear coverage across the GTA.
Additionally, listeners with HD Radio-equipped vehicles can often find a digital simulcast on the HD-3 subchannel of sister station 98.1 CHFI. This provides FM-quality sound for a news format that traditionally suffers from the static inherent to AM broadcasting.
Streaming and Mobile Apps
The CityNews Toronto website offers a high-quality live stream of the radio broadcast. Most listeners now utilize the CityNews App, available on iOS and Android. This app provides more than just audio; it includes:
- Push Notifications: Immediate alerts for breaking news and extreme weather warnings.
- On-Demand Segments: The ability to listen to recent business reports or weather forecasts if you missed the live broadcast.
- Traffic Maps: Integrated real-time visuals that complement the audio traffic reports.
Smart Speakers and Connected Cars
In 2026, "voice-first" access is standard. Listeners can simply say, "Play CityNews 680" or "Play 680 News" to their Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomePod. Furthermore, integrations with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensure that the 680 News stream is easily accessible via vehicle dashboards without needing to manually tune an AM dial.
The Programming "Wheel": How the Station Works
The success of 680 News is built on its rigid, predictable programming cycle, often referred to in the industry as "the wheel." This format ensures that no matter when a listener tunes in, they are never more than a few minutes away from the information they need most.
Traffic and Weather "On the Ones"
The cornerstone of the 680 News brand is Traffic and Weather together on the ones. This means at :01, :11, :21, :31, :41, and :51 past every hour, the station provides a comprehensive update on GTA roads and the current meteorological conditions.
- Traffic Reports: These cover all major 400-series highways (401, 400, 427, 404), the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW), the Gardiner Expressway, and the Don Valley Parkway (DVP). In 2026, these reports are supplemented by advanced data from GPS providers and the Ministry of Transportation.
- Weather Forecasts: Provided by the CityNews weather team, these reports offer short-term and five-day forecasts, with a heavy emphasis on how weather will impact the daily commute.
News, Business, and Sports Segments
Outside of the "ones," the wheel includes dedicated slots for other essential information:
- Top Stories: At the top and bottom of every hour (:00 and :30), the station delivers a "Newscast" covering local, national, and international headlines.
- Business Reports: At :26 and :56 past the hour, listeners get "680 Business." This includes the latest from the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), currency exchange rates, and major economic shifts.
- Sports Updates: Usually occurring at :15 and :45 past the hour, these segments cover the Toronto Maple Leafs, Raptors, Blue Jays, and Toronto FC, along with major international sporting news.
Technical Specifications and Signal Reach
The technical infrastructure of 680 News is one of the most robust in Canadian broadcasting. Operating at 680 kHz, the station uses a clear-channel-like approach within its region.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Call Sign | CFTR |
| Frequency | 680 AM (kHz) |
| Power | 50,000 Watts (Day and Night) |
| Transmitter Location | Grimsby, Ontario |
| Class | B |
| Antenna Pattern | Directional (Protects stations in NY, PA, and QC) |
| HD Radio | 98.1 FM HD-3 (Simulcast) |
| Owner | Rogers Sports & Media |
| Format | All-News / Talk |
The 50,000-watt transmitter is vital for reaching commuters. Because AM signals follow the curvature of the earth and can penetrate buildings and tunnels more effectively than high-frequency signals in some contexts, it remains a reliable choice for emergency broadcasting. In the event of a major regional power outage or internet failure in 2026, 680 News is designated as a primary source for emergency information.
The Role of 680 News in the GTA Community
Beyond being a source of data, 680 News acts as a community hub for the Greater Toronto Area. Its newsroom is one of the largest in the country, employing dozens of journalists, editors, and technical staff who work in a 24/7 environment.
Breaking News Leadership
When major events occur—such as municipal elections, significant transit delays on the TTC, or public safety emergencies—680 News transitions into "Breaking News Mode." This involves breaking the standard wheel format to provide continuous, live coverage of the developing situation. Their proximity to the heart of the city (with studios at 33 Dundas Street East, overlooking Yonge-Dundas Square) allows reporters to be on-scene within minutes.
Audience Participation: The Traffic Tip Line
A unique aspect of 680 News is its reliance on "listeners on the move." The station encourages drivers to call in traffic tips (dialing *680 on many mobile networks). This crowdsourced data, verified by the station’s traffic center, often provides information on accidents or stalls before they appear on official government sensors or map apps.
Comparison with Other Toronto News Sources
While 680 News is the only 24/7 all-news station on the AM dial in Toronto, it competes with several other major broadcasters.
- CBC Radio One (99.1 FM): While CBC provides extensive news, it follows a "Current Affairs" format. This involves long-form interviews and documentaries, which differs from the fast-paced, headline-driven format of 680 News.
- Newstalk 1010 (CFRB): This station focuses on personality-driven talk radio. While they have news updates, much of their airtime is dedicated to host opinions and listener call-ins.
- Global News Radio (AM 640): Similar to Newstalk 1010, this station leans more toward talk and analysis rather than a strict all-news wheel.
For a listener who needs to know exactly what is happening right now and how long their drive will take, 680 News remains the specialized choice.
Digital Innovations and the Future of All-News Radio
As we look at the landscape in 2026, 680 News has successfully navigated the transition to a "Digital First" world. The station no longer views itself as just a radio signal, but as a content provider.
- Podcasting: Many of the station’s specialized segments, such as "The Big Story" podcast (produced by Rogers), are integrated into the 680 News ecosystem, offering deep dives into topics that the 10-minute radio wheel cannot accommodate.
- Visual Radio: Through the CityNews website and app, listeners can sometimes view "Visual Radio" feeds—live video from the studio that adds a visual dimension to the morning and afternoon drive shows.
- AI Integration: By 2026, the station utilizes advanced AI for transcriptions and the rapid assembly of news briefs, allowing their human journalists to focus on investigative reporting and live interviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I report a traffic jam to 680 News?
You can call the 680 News traffic tip line by dialing *680 on your mobile phone or by calling their main traffic desk. This line is monitored 24/7. Listeners who provide verified, timely tips are often acknowledged on-air as "680 News Traffic Spotters."
Who owns 680 News?
The station is owned and operated by Rogers Sports & Media, a subsidiary of Rogers Communications. This ownership allows 680 News to share resources with other Rogers entities, including CityNews TV, Maclean’s (historically), and various sports properties like Sportsnet.
Why did the name change to CityNews 680?
The rebranding occurred in 2021 as part of a national effort by Rogers to unify its local news brands under the "CityNews" banner. This allows for better brand recognition across television, radio, and digital platforms. Despite the change, the station still identifies as "Toronto's only all-news radio station."
Is 680 News available outside of Toronto?
Yes. While the AM signal is strongest in the GTA, it can be heard as far as Buffalo, Rochester, and parts of Pennsylvania at night. Globally, anyone can listen to the station via the CityNews live stream or through radio aggregator apps like TuneIn.
Does 680 News cover international news?
Yes. While the primary focus is on Toronto and the GTA, the station includes national and international segments in every half-hour newscast. They utilize wire services like The Canadian Press, Associated Press, and Reuters, as well as reports from their own national bureau.
Practical Recommendations for Listeners
To get the most out of 680 News in 2026, consider the following steps:
- Set a Preset: If you have an AM radio, keep 680 as your first preset for immediate access during emergencies or commutes.
- Download the App: Use the CityNews app to set custom alerts for "Traffic on your route" to receive notifications before you even leave the house.
- Sync with Smart Home: Add "Play 680 News" to your morning routine or "Good Morning" command on your smart speaker to get the weather and headlines as you get ready.
- Follow Social Media: Follow their verified accounts on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) for instant visual updates on major breaking stories that complement the audio reports.
By maintaining its commitment to the "all-news" format while embracing the digital tools of 2026, CityNews 680 remains an essential utility for anyone living or working in the Toronto area.
