CFNY: The Spirit of Radio Poster

CFNY: The Spirit of Radio 2026

★ 8.01 votes86 min📅 2026-01-05

CFNY: The Spirit of Radio (2026) dives into the rebellious origins of Toronto's legendary radio station, CFNY, which began in a modest suburban home in 1976 and grew into a global hub for punk, new wave, and alternative music.

Director: Matt Schichter

Cast

Geddy Lee
Geddy Lee
Self
Deryck Whibley
Deryck Whibley
Self
Jim Kerr
Jim Kerr
Self
Emily Haines
Emily Haines
Self
Peter Hook
Peter Hook
Self
Benjamin Kowalewicz
Self
Steven Page
Steven Page
Self
Andy McCluskey
Andy McCluskey
Self
Jim Cuddy
Self
Bruce Cockburn
Bruce Cockburn
Self

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CFNY: The Spirit of Radio (2026) about?

This film chronicles the rise of Toronto's CFNY radio station, one of the most influential voices in punk, new wave, and alternative music history. It explores how the station defied expectations, battled legal challenges, and created a cultural movement that resonated far beyond its suburban origins. Think of it as a love letter to the power of music and the people who made it impossible to ignore.

Who directed CFNY: The Spirit of Radio?

Matt Schichter directs this gripping music documentary, bringing the story of CFNY's rise to life with a mix of archival footage and fresh interviews.

Who stars in CFNY: The Spirit of Radio?

The film features music legends like Geddy Lee, Deryck Whibley, Jim Kerr, Emily Haines, and Peter Hook, whose voices and stories shaped the station's legacy.

Is CFNY: The Spirit of Radio (2026) worth watching?

For fans of music documentaries and the rebellious spirit of the '70s and '80s, CFNY: The Spirit of Radio (2026) is a must-watch. It's packed with energy, untold stories, and a soundtrack that will have you hitting replay. Even if you're not a radio buff, the cultural impact of CFNY makes this a compelling watch.

How long is CFNY: The Spirit of Radio?

CFNY: The Spirit of Radio (2026) runs for 86 minutes, delivering a punchy and immersive experience that keeps the momentum going.

🎥 Trailer

About CFNY: The Spirit of Radio (2026) — Toronto's rebellious radio station comes to life on screen

CFNY: The Spirit of Radio (2026) dives into the rebellious origins of Toronto's legendary radio station, CFNY, which began in a modest suburban home in 1976 and grew into a global hub for punk, new wave, and alternative music. Directed by Matt Schichter, this music documentary weaves together the raw energy of groundbreaking airwaves with the highs and lows of a station that defied convention. Through electrifying concert footage, fiery listener protests, and dramatic legal battles, the film captures the spirit of an era when music wasn't just heard—it was felt.

The documentary shines a spotlight on the personalities who shaped CFNY's legacy, from the iconic voices of Geddy Lee, Deryck Whibley, and Jim Kerr to the rebel DJs who turned the dial into a platform for the unheard. With a pulsating soundtrack and candid storytelling, CFNY: The Spirit of Radio (2026) is more than a film—it's a time capsule of defiance, innovation, and the power of music to unite and disrupt.