This weekend, CHIN Radio-TV marks its 60th anniversary in Toronto, celebrating six decades of pioneering multicultural broadcasting during the annual Taste of Little Italy festival on College Street. From Bathurst to Shaw Streets, the community will gather to honour the legacy of founder Johnny Lombardi as the city simultaneously vibrates with the energy of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While the Italian national team did not qualify for this year’s tournament, the festivities will focus on Toronto’s status as a global hub for diversity and inclusion. Readers will learn about the history of ethnic media in Canada, the evolution of CHIN’s programming, and how this milestone reflects the broader growth of the GTA’s multicultural identity.
- CHIN Radio celebrates 60 years of service this weekend with a public ceremony at 4 p.m. Saturday on College Street.
- The broadcaster now serves over 50 language groups across five radio frequencies in Toronto and Ottawa.
- The event coincides with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, turning Little Italy into a primary hub for soccer fans.
- Lenny Lombardi will lead a traditional cake-cutting and balloon release to mark the historic milestone.
How did CHIN Radio shape Toronto’s multicultural landscape?
Founded in 1966 by the late Johnny Lombardi, CHIN Radio was born from a need to provide immigrant communities with a voice in their own languages. At a time when mainstream media largely ignored non-English and non-French audiences, Lombardi recognized the cultural and social value of ethnic broadcasting. The station began with a focus on the Italian community but quickly expanded to meet the needs of Toronto’s rapidly diversifying population.
Today, CHIN Radio-TV broadcasts in more than 50 languages each week. This expansion mirrors the growth of the city itself, transitioning from a colonial outpost to one of the most diverse metropolitan areas in the world. Current president Lenny Lombardi, who took the helm in 1985, notes that the station played a fundamental role in fostering the very notion of multiculturalism long before it became official government policy.
The station’s success is evidenced by its technical growth. Since its inception, CHIN has expanded from a single frequency to five radio stations, including four in Toronto and one in Ottawa. Furthermore, a strategic partnership with Rogers Communications allows CHIN to produce 12 hours of weekly multicultural programming for Citytv and OMNI, reaching a national television audience.
What can attendees expect at the 60th anniversary celebration?
The 60th anniversary ceremony is scheduled for Saturday at 4 p.m. in front of the CHIN headquarters on College Street. Lenny Lombardi will host a traditional Italian cake-cutting ceremony, a staple of community celebrations. The event will also feature guest speakers reflecting on the broadcaster’s impact on Canadian media history.
In a symbolic gesture, organizers will release 60 balloons to represent each year of operation. Additionally, hundreds of balloons will be distributed to the audience to encourage community participation. This celebration is integrated into the Taste of Little Italy, an event that typically draws massive crowds for its food, music, and cultural displays.
“Toronto ethnicity was never ignored and always embraced in so many ways. Our success is mirrored in the fact that since my dad started in ’66, he launched two radio stations, and we are now five.”
How does the 2026 FIFA World Cup influence the festivities?
The timing of the anniversary aligns with Canada co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Although the absence of the Italian national team is a disappointment for many local fans, the atmosphere on College Street remains electric. The neighbourhood has historically served as “soccer central,” with fans from various backgrounds gathering to watch matches on large screens in cafes and bars.
Lenny Lombardi expects the street to be overwhelmed by fans supporting Canada, Argentina, and Portugal. The intersection of the CHIN Picnic and the World Cup highlights how sports and media serve as unifying forces in the city. This synergy reinforces the station’s mission to celebrate individual cultures while building a collective Canadian identity.
The evolution of the festival also reflects changing social standards. Lombardi recently noted the end of the once-famous CHIN bikini contest, which was discontinued a decade ago. Originally a “Miss CHIN Picnic” pageant, the event was phased out as the broadcaster focused on more contemporary representations of culture and community values.
Why is ethnic broadcasting still relevant in 2026?
In an era of digital streaming and global social media, local multicultural broadcasting remains a vital lifeline for many communities. CHIN Radio provides hyper-local news, cultural context, and language-specific information that major networks often overlook. This service is particularly crucial for new immigrants navigating the complexities of Canadian life.
The broadcaster’s longevity is a testament to the enduring importance of multiculturalism in Canada as a social and political framework. By providing a platform for over 50 languages, CHIN ensures that the diverse voices of the GTA are not just heard, but celebrated. As the city continues to grow, the station’s role as a cultural anchor remains as significant as it was in 1966.
As the balloons rise over College Street this Saturday, the celebration will serve as both a tribute to the past and a commitment to the future. The 60th anniversary of CHIN Radio-TV is more than just a corporate milestone; it is a celebration of Toronto’s evolving identity. By attending the festivities, residents and visitors alike can experience the rich history and vibrant future of the voices that define the city.
