Feature documentary · 2026

CFNY: The Spirit of Radio

In 1976, CFNY launched from a small suburban house north of Toronto and went on to become one of the most influential punk, new wave and alternative radio stations in the world. Directed by Matt Schichter, the documentary tells the story of the station, its personalities, lawsuits, bankruptcies, concerts and listener protests, with interviews including Geddy Lee of Rush and Jim Kerr of Simple Minds, and members of The Cure, OMD and New Order. It premiered on TVO Docs in Canada in January 2026 and on PBS in the United States in September 2026.

CREDITSDetails

Year	2026
Matt Schichter	Director
Type	Feature documentary
Directed by	Matt Schichter
Featuring	Geddy Lee, Jim Kerr

PRESSCoverage

DeadlinePBS dials up deal for music doc CFNY: The Spirit of Radio
Billboard CanadaCFNY: The Spirit of Radio captures the essence of an influential Ontario rock station
The Hollywood ReporterRush's Geddy Lee, Jim Kerr get spotlight in pioneering rock radio station doc
Global NewsNew documentary shows the 'Spirit' side of Toronto radio station
RadioInsightReview: CFNY: The Spirit of Radio
Brioux.TVCFNY: The Spirit of Radio is alive, if choppy, on TVO Docs

Matt Schichter is a Canadian film producer, line producer and documentary director based in Glasgow. More about Matt → · All films →