This week and next, the Canadian Radio-Television Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is holding hearings on its call for radio applications to serve Toronto. And we'll be there!

Radio Ryerson, a diverse group of students and community supporters, submitted an application for a community-based campus licence to broadcast from Ryerson University. More than 20 other applicants, mostly for commercial stations, are also vying for this space -- the last available FM frequency that can reach the city.

A quick review of urban markets across Canada shows that Toronto, with five c/c stations, is under-served compared to the size of its population, with only one c/c station per 925,985 people. Comparatively, Montreal has one per 643,220; Vancouver has one per 529,145; and Winnipeg has one per 173,667.

Campus/community radio is driven by the passion of volunteers from across the community, allowing people to speak directly to their neighbours, sharing local information and music and perspectives you just can't hear anywhere else. It's also important to note that c/c radio is not just programmed by the community, but governed and owned by them as well. True community access.

We feel there is no better use of the public airwaves. Good luck to Radio Ryerson!