CHDI is the callsign of a Canadianradio station, broadcasting at 102.9 FM in Edmonton, Alberta. The station broadcasts a modern rock format under the brand name SONiC 102.9. The OK Radio Group Ltd. was granted this license in 2005 as one of three new FM stations in Edmonton. The station spent its first year broadcasting from a run down oil-field trailer on the property of the Airways Country Inn in Nisku, Alberta. The station founders wanted to get the station on the air as quickly as possible so it was decided they would broadcast from the trailer until their Gateway Blvd. studios were complete. Local media latched on to their "pirate" story, giving them a huge shot in the arm in their first year. CHDI FM is now owned and operated by Rogers Broadcasting Ltd. Many listeners have voiced concerns over the takeover from the independently owned OK Radio Group, however many feel the change will ensure the station survives. [1] On September 17th, 2007, Sonic 102.9 will begin the "Own Your Own Home Edition", a contest where one Edmontonian will win a $50,000 down payment on a Rohit Infusion condo, or townhome. The winner also receives 13 pygmy goats and a full grown steer. On November 3rd, Sonic announced that James Prince was the winner. Since the station was launched in 2005, ratings have been steady around a 6 share, peaking at an 8 share, 4th place station in spring 2007, however CHDI dropped to the traditional level with a 6.3 share making it the 7th most listened to station in Edmonton [1][2]
Garner Andrews - Host of the Garner Andrews Show weekday mornings, from 6:00 am until 10:00 am. Garner has become known for his rants/discussions on various subjects, from using debit at the Tim Horton's drive-thru, to man crushes and the ever-popular nap index, and is always pushing some sort of agenda, or idea. Garner also posts a daily Podcast of the program. Available on iTunes or on Garner's blog [2]
Rick Lee - Rick Lee hosts the midday portion of the station, from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm on weekdays. He is also host of the Sonic Rewind, a countdown show airing on the weekend that takes a look back at events that happened over the past week and the List, every weekday at noon.
Layne Mitchell - The newest DJ at Sonic, Layne covers the drive shift from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm.
Liann Cameron - The evening host at Sonic, on the air from 8:00 pm until midnight. Liann is also the host of 'Hey Ma! I'm on Sonic!' every Thursday night at 10pm. This is a time of the week when a Sonic listener gets to co-host her show and pick all the music.
Adam Thompson - Left the station in December 2006 in order to travel around Asia. Following his trip, he returned on the air in September 2007.
Former on-air personalities
Sherry Ryan - Returned to school in the summer of 2006.
Graham Scott - Former weekend host on the station. In August 2007, he moved to Sonic's sister station, CKER-FM (World FM) to take over the morning show. However, after a short-stint in mornings, Graham returned to weekend hosting on Sonic.
