The Final Word

August 14, 2026 - On August 10th, organizers around the city came together to hold a vigil in honor of lives lost in prisons around the country. Through vigils, talks, and demonstrations, these people aimed to raise awareness about the ways that people experiencing incarceration are treated on a day-to-day basis. Host Claire Van De Weghe immerses viewers in events in Toronto through interviews with activists from two prison abolition-based groups- PASAN and Rittenhouse. While discussing their events, they speak about what it means to the community to be able to protest and mourn together, the ways their organizations make room for the complicated mix of emotions this day brings, and how they carry lessons on into their future work. Listen in to get an understanding of the history of Prisoners’ Justice Day and learn how these organizations plan to continue their work.

August 7, 2026 - Social action groups have gathered at the Toronto Metropolitan University campus to fundraise and spread awareness about the blockade in Cuba through the event ‘Solidarity With Cuba: A Fundraiser for Blockade Relief Efforts and Advocacy’. In this episode, you’ll hear about the motivation behind their efforts, how organizers believe people living under the blockade and students at TMU are connected, and how they plan to reach students through this event. Ebenezer Adugyamfi has the news.

Host Claire Van De Weghe speaks to local co-operative Bickford Bees about beekeeping in Toronto, building community, and spreading information about native pollinators through their hives. Owner and worker Angela Gong walks listeners through what an apiary beehive looks and sounds like, and how Bickford works to shape the relationship they have with the bees that live in these hives. Then, Claire revisits the Waterfront community of Bathurst Quay to talk to neighborhood association chair Joan Prowse about the cancellation of construction plans on Billy Bishop airport. Ebenezer Adugyamfi has the news. 

This week, Claire Van De Weghe speaks with activists around the Beaches and Toronto Island about a recent push to protect Toronto’s waterfront from the pollution and noise at the Billy Bishop airport. Aired before plans for bringing jets to the island were cancelled by the federal government, this episode covers what the health implications of the airport expansion and addition of jets would be, and the ways the community has already been impacted by airport pollution in the area. After going to city hall to get an official health assessment approved, community members believe they need to continue to push to protect their communities from future harms that plane-made pollutants like ultrafine particles and chemicals would do.

Bilal Ali Sabry speaks to Belgian-Canadian artist Walter Seger about his work in the local FIFA art installation BeaverQuest, a collection of 51 beavers scattered across the city, all representing a country participating in FIFA. He discusses the meaning of his work, the process he approached the project with, and what he hopes viewers get from his art. Then, Claire Van De Weghe explores the effects smoke from recent wildfires has been having on Toronto’s vulnerable populations, and the worries Torontonians have when they’re forced to deal with poor air quality.

July 10, 2026 - Host Claire Van De Weghe speaks to experts in ecology and wildlife conservation about the effects of recent heatwaves on local environments. Amid a massive rise in the populations of newborn urban wildlife, increases in animal encounters, and the spread of invasive species, these organisations are forced to mitigate harm however they can. Listen in to hear staff from Bruce Trail Conservancy and Ontario Wildlife Rescue talk about the effects of this recent heat, their worries as the seasons get more extreme, and how they’ve been managing environmental efforts in parts of the city. Bilal Ali Sabry has the news.

July 3, 2026 – This week, listeners take a dive into the world of one of Toronto Metropolitan University’s rooftop gardens through host Claire Van De Weghe’s interviews with program supervisors. She speaks to farm Manager Arlene Thorness about the essential role these gardens play in keeping visitors healthy, happy, and culturally fulfilled. Program coordinator Nicole Austin discusses how the garden fulfills visitors, and how her programs under the Black Food Sovereignty Initiative give participants connections to culture through the traditional crops they harvest and techniques they practice. She goes further into her multi-generational, community-oriented programs to give listeners an understanding of what sets programs at the DCC Rooftop Gardens apart from others in the city. Bilal Ali Sabry has the news.

You Belong Here: An Interactive Exhibition is taking place at the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre. Portley Ghartey Johnson speaks to exhibit attendees about what belonging means to them, what drew them to the exhibition and how this exhibit tackles the loneliness epidemic in Toronto. Plus, Premier Doug Ford’s government’s plan to appoint regional chairs became law this month. Local Journalists Kinza Zafar and Mia Johnson take us inside this story. Bilal Ali Sabry has this week's top headlines.

May 15, 2026 — May 3rd is celebrated as world press freedom day. Elliot Kelly takes us inside the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada's Celebration. Then, host Emma Amodio speaks with NFB curator Marc St.-Pierre about the Asian Canadian Perspectives channel which honours Asian Heritage month. Plus, this week’s top headlines.

May 8, 2026 — The Trinity Bellwoods’ Farmers Market is back for the season and this past Tuesday marked 20 years since the market began. Host Emma Amodio speaks with co-founder Carolyn Wong about what visitors can expect from the farmers market’s 20th year. Plus, The Centre For Free Expression held a panel, Islamophobia on Canadian Campuses: Why and What to do? Harsh Kumar has this week’s top headlines.

May 1, 2026 -- Ceremony, a documentary directed by Nuxalk filmmaker Banchi Hanuse, had its Canadian premiere at Hot Docs, one of North America’s largest documentary festivals. Portley Ghartey-Joshnson speaks with Qwaxw Siwallace, who appears in the film, about the significance of bringing Ceremony to Hot Docs, and the broader importance of Indigenous storytelling. Plus, the Ontario government’s proposed Bill 101, also known as the “Putting Student Achievement First Act,” is drawing criticism from disability advocates and education groups across the province. Host Emma Amodio speaks with David Lepofsky, chair of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance, to learn more.  Harsh Kumar has the top headlines of the week.

April 24, 2026 -- This week marks eight years since the 2018 Toronto van attack, an act of gender-based violence that killed 11 people. The anniversary is now recognized as Anne Marie D’Amico Day of Kindness and Love, and highlights the ongoing need for gender-based violence education and support. Host Emma Amodio speaks with Rachel Morrison from the North York Women’s Shelter about the work they do and why centring kindness matters. Then, Kinza Zafar takes listeners to the “ice man” sculpture, where people react to Drake’s latest stunt. Plus, Olivia Chow weighs in as firefighters move in to hose it down.

April 17, 2026 — Elliot Kelly attends the Toronto District School Board’s Special Education Advisory Committee, hearing from parents across the city whose children have disabilities. We’ll hear from parents, students with special needs, and David Lepofsky, chair of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance, about their recommendations and the importance of special education in schools. Then, as part of National Canadian Film Day, Portley Ghartey-Johnson watched Subjects of Desire, a documentary exploring the beauty standards and stereotypes that shape the experiences of Black women. She speaks with organizers and director Jennifer Holness about their takeaways from the film. Harsh Kumar has the top headlines.

April 10, 2026 — Host Emma Amodio speaks with director Allison Reid about The Art of Adventure, a documentary exploring the intersection of art, activism and environmentalism, and its role in broader environmental education. Then, Harsh Kumar discusses the growing use of AI in schoolwork with Tutor Doctor’s Alisa Rampersaud, examining the implications for students and education.

April 3, 2026 — Elliot Kelly reports from the Ontario Legislative Assembly, where the Standing Committee on Public Accounts questioned provincial ministries on their progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Then, Host Emma Amodio speaks with Cris Nippard of TMSU’s The Queer Space about the group’s efforts to address isolation and support mental health among 2SLGBTQIA+ students on campus.

March 27, 2026 — Kinza Zafar speaks with Lori Beckstead and Gur Tsabar about a TMU event involving Israeli soldiers, and how the University is responding. Then, Elliot Kelly reports from a rally at Queen’s Park, where advocates are calling on the Ford government to increase education funding for children with special needs and autism.** Disclaimer: Beckstead is a member of Met Radio’s Board of Directors. Met Radio’s news team remains fully independent in their reporting and production process, uninfluenced by the station’s Board.

March 20, 2026 — Following a win for Canadian film at the 98th Academy Awards, Portley Ghartey-Johnson speaks with Oscar-winning co-director Chris Lavis about The Girl Who Cried Pearls and the importance of funding Canadian media. Then, Elliot Kelly takes us inside ROMACON’s Indigenous reconciliation session, featuring conversations with Wendy Landry and Brian Hill.

March 13, 2026 — Host Emma Amodio speaks with TMSU interim co-executive director Scott Miller Berry about TMSU's $20-million lawsuit against former executive members just days before the March election. Then, Elliot Kelly reports from the Toronto Bike Expo, speaking with cycling and advocacy groups at the event. TMU's Master of Journalism class bring this week's headlines.

Friday, March 6, 2026 — Portley Ghartey-Johnson reports from a rally outside the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada convention, where activists protested exploitative mining practices and called for global mining justice. Then, Elliot Kelly speaks with Inori Roy, associate editor at The Local, about the role of the digital magazine in addressing the decline of local journalism. Plus, TMU's Master of Journalism class brings this week's top headlines.

Friday, February 27, 2026 — Host Emma Amodio speaks with Victor Etti, co-president of TMU’s Black Business Students’ Association, about a campus event aimed at supporting Black students entering the business field. Elliot Kelly then speaks with Port Hope communications staff member Kate Ingram about why local media matters to communities.

Friday, February 20, 2026 -- Portley Ghartey-Johnson speaks with Steven Roffey, lead packer at Not Just Tourists, about how the organization distributes surplus medical supplies to clinics in countries facing shortages, the impact of that work and its call for more volunteers. Then, outside City Hall, Kinza Zafar reports from a rally where more than 100 residents gathered to push back against Mayor Chow’s 2026 budget, speaking with community advocates about their calls for stronger investments in social supports and concerns about the city’s spending priorities.

Feb 13: Eglinton LRT Opens, Riders React on Launch Day. Description: Friday, February 13, 2026 -- Elliot Kelly attends the long-anticipated opening of the Eglinton LRT, speaking with riders about what the new transit line means for their daily commutes. Then, from the Rural Ontario Municipal Association Conference, he reports on a panel examining how municipalities can combat misinformation and strengthen communication with residents, featuring a conversation with Clarington communications officer Kaitlin Keefer. TMU’s Master of Journalism students also bring you the top headlines of the week.

February 6, 2026 -- Host Emma Amodio speaks with filmmaker Asis Sethi about the launch of the CineFEMME Film Series, part of KUUMBA, Toronto’s largest and longest-running Black Futures Month festival, and what the series means for racialized filmmakers and audiences. Plus, coverage from the Centre for Free Expression panel on voice privacy and artificial intelligence, featuring experts from TMU, Princeton, and the University of Pennsylvania examining how voice data is collected, used, and regulated. TMU’s Master of Journalism students also bring you the top headlines of the week.

Friday, January 30, 2026 — Host Emma Amodio speaks with disability rights advocate David Lepofsky about how this week’s snowstorm has exposed accessibility challenges in Toronto and whether the city is ready for increasingly extreme weather. Plus, Kinza Zafar reports on a panel hosted by the Centre for Free Expression at TMU on the privacy implications of eye-tracking technologies, speaking with experts from Toronto and Madrid. TMU’s Master of Journalism students also bring the top headlines this week.

Friday, January 23, 2026 — In this episode, host Kinza Zafar reports on the NDP leadership debate focused on Palestine, which was attended by over 2000 people and hosted by the non-partisan advocacy group Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East. Then, she sits down with a popular Toronto copwatcher to discuss Toronto police’s new requested budget and why residents engage in counter-surveillance measures to hold power to account, New News Coordinator Emma Amodio provides a roundup of this week’s headlines.

Friday, January 16, 2026 — In this episode, host Kinza Zafar sits down with Local Journalist Mia Johnson and Volunteer Coordinator Calan Pittis to discuss the ongoing NDP leadership race and what is, or isn’t happening within it. From an AI scandal to a staged protest at an official debate, the three journalists unpack it all.

Friday, January 9, 2026 — In this episode, host Gabriel Hilty reports on the TTC 2026 budget passed on Wednesday. It includes a fare freeze and fare cap from September. Transit commentator Steve Munro says it makes few changes to service, and a budget crunch lies in the near future. Kinza Zafar revisits an interview with MP Jenny Kwan who introduced the no more loopholes act, aiming to restrict Canadian arms exports, as it moves through parliament. Harsh Kumar has the headlines with the breaking report on the TMSU voiding its fall executive by-election, in part due to former union execs named in an investigation allegedly supporting the Students Leading Tomorrow slate.

Friday, January 2, 2026 — In this episode, host Gabriel Hilty is joined by the Local Journalism Initiative's journalist at Met Radio Mia Johnson, along with host of the Intersection Kinza Zafar. Met Radio's news team discusses news in 2025, and what they've learned reporting for community radio in Toronto.

Friday, December 26, 2025 — In this episode, host Gabriel Hilty reports on the Allan Gardens food bank as part of Met Radio's holiday programming. Food bank usage has spiked since 2019, and the food bank has served over 63 thousand in 2025. Due to a redevelopment of the property, it will be forced to close in 2026 and doesn't yet have a place to go.

Friday, December 19, 2025 — In this episode, host Gabriel Hilty reports on breaking updates from the Toronto Metropolitan Students' Union TMSU, which has an independent investigator looking at whether two student groups violated their policies. It follows a Nov. 5 off-campus event where the Students Supporting Israel group hosted an Israeli soldier, who physically confronted protesters. Kinza Zafar reports from court where Treaty Nine First Nations are suing Ontario over Bill 5, which aims to speed up land development. The province has asked the court to throw out the case before arguments are heard. Manju Boopathiraj has this week's headline roundup.

Friday, December 12, 2025 — In this episode, host Gabriel Hilty reports on Mayor Olivia Chow's proposal to introduce fare capping on the TTC meaning riders won't pay after a number of rides per month. It is planned to be set at 47 rides in 2026, and lower to 40 in 2027. Post-secondary students are set to be left out of the changes, advocacy group TTCRiders explains the impacts and shortcomings of the plan. Kinza Zafar reports from a panel of local activists on International Human Rights Day, Dec. 10, to hear about current pressing issues. Gabriel Hilty has this week's headline roundup.

Friday, December 05, 2025 — In this episode, host Kinza Zafar reports on the University of Guelph cancelling a Palestinian solidarity conference, and the conference proceeding anyways with the help of the local community. Gabriel Hilty reports on the TMSU and the latest findings of over $1.4M in financial mismanagement by prior union execs by an independent accounting firm. Manju Boopathiraj has this week's headline roundup.

Friday, November 28, 2025 — In this episode, host Gabriel Hilty reports on the controversial housing law Bill 60 passed Monday by the Ontario government amid protest in the chamber In the interview, housing advocate Diana Chan McNally explains how the law rolls back protections and further burdens tenants. She was one of the people kicked out of the public gallery while protesting the bill. Kinza reports on an upcoming Toronto rally against wage theft in an interview with Deena Ladd, executive director at the Toronto Workers' Action Centre. Harsh Kumar has this week's headline roundup.

Friday, November 21, 2025 — In this episode, host Gabriel Hilty has the breaking report from the Friday candidate forum for the upcoming Students' Union election at Toronto Metropolitan University. Only a few candidates attended, and students were largely absent. Kinza reports on the fallout of Ontario's controversial Bill 33, with director Andrea Vásquez Jiménez of Policing Free Schools. Gabriel also looks at the creation of guidelines for artificial intelligence use in healthcare with Dr. Alexander Caudarella, CEO of the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction. Portley Ghartey-Johnson has this week's headline roundup.

Friday, November 14, 2025 — In this episode, host Gabriel Hilty has the headlines covering a new TMU student residence, Toronto allowing neighourhood retail again and increases to TTC service. Kinza Zafar follows the story of Toronto city housing and senior workers voting for a strike mandate amid feeling a 'sense of despair'. Gabriel Hilty reports on homelessness in Toronto including the upcoming winter plan from the city and talking to local artist Richard Todd who is raising awareness through a song.

Friday, November 7, 2025 — In this LIVE episode, host Gabriel Hilty breaks down the 2025 federal budget introduced Tuesday. Economics professor Lars Osberg explains how the budget contains tax breaks for businesses but few affordability measures for daily life. Kinza Zafar reports on TMU community members speaking out, after students were assaulted by a former Israeli soldier at a Wednesday event hosted by a TMU student group. Manju Boopathiraj has this week's news roundup.

Friday, October 31, 2025 — In this episode, host Gabriel Hilty talks with White Ribbon CEO Humberto Carolo on their new report on the rise of online misogyny its impact in classrooms. Kinza Zafar speaks with OPSEU president JP Hornick on Bill 33 and Bill 5, which they call 'power grabs'. Portley Ghartey-Johnson has this week's news roundup.

Friday, October 24, 2025 — In this episode, Met Radio's coverage on Bill 33 that is drawing criticism from various groups. It proposes more government control over various levels of education. Host Gabriel Hilty speaks with chairperson of the Canadian Students Federation Ontario on the impact the bill will have in post-secondary education. Kinza Zafar reports from a rally against the potential impacts at public school boards, like a return of police to schools. Manju Boopathiraj has this week's news roundup.

Friday, October 17, 2025 — In this episode, host Gabriel Hilty reports from the City of Toronto's first public budget consultation. Residents share why they attended and what's on their Toronto wish list as council faces a $1B shortfall. Kinza Zafar speaks with the artistic director at Native Earth Performing Arts ahead of their 28th annual Weesageechak Begins to Dance festival in November. Gabriel Hilty has this week's news roundup.

Friday, October 10, 2025 — In this episode, host Gabriel Hilty reports on the latest evictions at the Dufferin Grove Park homeless encampment. Also, a protest against suspending school trustees at the opening of a new TDSB school. Kinza Zafar covers how Toronto's controversial bubble zone bylaw could change protesting as we know it at universities, in an interview with TMU criminology professor Dan Horner. Portley Ghartey-Johnson has this week's news roundup.

Friday, October 3, 2025 — In this episode, host Gabriel Hilty gives an overview of the situation at TMSU: Fall elections will be held after a postponement motion fails, while an external report believes outside interference is likely. After the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Kinza Zafar covers a conversation hosted by the Canadian Freelance Union on how art drives resistance, amplifies the plights of Indigenous communities and builds solidarity.

Friday, September 26, 2025 — In this episode, host Gabriel Hilty speaks with an organizer and faculty at the walkout on TMU campus denouncing campus security and the university's stance on Palestine. Kinza Zafar talks with the Disability Justice Network of Ontario about their new campaign to support disabled workers. Gabriel Hilty hosts the news roundup, with files from Met Radio's community journalist Mia Johnson.

Friday, September 19, 2025 — In this episode, host Gabriel Hilty speaks with Draw the Line organizer Syed Hussan, about how September 20 movement across Canada is uniting grassroots from Indigenous sovereignty to migrant and climate justice. Kinza Zafar talks to Workers' Action Centre director Deena Ladd, who helped organize a counter-rally to the anti-immigrant rally in Christie Pitts. The show closes with an interview about the upcoming season with Will Portokalis, veteran player on the TMU Bold Men's Hockey Team. Manju Boopathiraj hosts the daily news roundup.

Friday, May 16, 2025 — In this episode, host Gabriela Ponte speaks with filmmaker Eisha Marjara about her film Am I The Skinniest Person You’ve Ever Seen, featured on the National Film Board’s Asian Canadian Perspectives Channel. Then, we hear from Alpha House’s fundraising coordinator, Jack Wiley, about the recovery centre’s latest project, the Step-Up House. 

Friday, May 9th, 2025 — In this episode, we spoke with The Canadian Canoe Museum’s Executive Director Carolyn Hyslop and Curator Jeremy Ward about their Builders in Residence program. We also spoke to Pinock, a canoe builder who is part of the program about the significance of this for him. Then, host Gabriela Ponte interviews Curation and Programming Lead Mitra Fakhrashrafi about the Mayworks Festival of Working People and the Arts, which is on throughout the entirety of May. And finally, we’ll hear from Youth and Education Educator Breanne Keil about Ocean Wise’s immersive Sea Dome experience tour.

Friday, April 25th, 2025 — This episode is part of the #AltElxn 2025 national election project, coordinated by the NCRA/ANREC. This initiative is supported by the Covering Canada: Election 2025 Fund, in partnership with the Public Policy Forum, Rideau Hall Foundation, and the Michener (MISSIONER) Awards Foundation. This episode was also broadcast on the Local Journalism Initiative’s platforms. With limited seats in Parliament— we asked candidates what keeps them motivated to run. With a focus on Toronto-Centre, we bring you interviews from third-party candidates in a moment. This show will also include a discussion on some of the top issues on the federal election trail and what voters are hoping will be addressed in their ridings. A disclaimer that this content reflects local perspectives and does not imply endorsement of any political party.

Friday, April 17th, 2025 — In this episode, host Gabriela Ponte is joined by Special Advisor to the National Leadership Team of Scouts Canada Kaelem Moniz and Canada’s Forest Trust Corporation founder and CEO Gary Zed to discuss Scouts Canada’s 2025 Scoutrees fundraiser. 

Friday, April 4th, 2025 — In this episode, host Gabriela Ponte interviews Real Estate and Mortgage Institute of Canada CEO and President Joseph White about a recent survey. And then, we learn about the migrant care workers and home workers pilot program application process and how it really went down from Migrant Workers’ Alliance for Change organizer Jhoey Dulaca.

Friday, March 28, 2025 — In this episode, host Gabriela Ponte speaks to Director General of the Collectif Social Collective Gisele Pouhe Njall about the more than 150 Canadian bars and nightlife spaces that have adopted the ‘Order an Angelot’ program. Then, we play you an interview with the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance Managers of Research and Policy, Octavia Andrade-Dixon and Abishane Suthakaran, about a recently published report.

Friday, March 21. 2025 — In this episode, we have another segment from our graduate J-School students and a piece from Met Radio’s intern, Delroy Davidson, on the TTC’s latest fare expansion changes