DYFM-FM

DYFM (101.9 FM), broadcasting as 101.9 True FM, is a radio station owned and operated by Nation Broadcasting Corporation, a sister company of TV5 Network Inc. Its offices are located at TV5 Complex, Capitol Road, Camp Marina, Brgy. Kalunasan, Cebu City, while its transmitter and master control facilities are located at Mt. Busay, Brgy. Babag 1, Cebu City. It is considered to be the first Stereo FM station in Cebu City.

History

1975–1998: MRS 101.9: Cebu’s Trailblazing FM Station and Pioneer of Most Requested Hits

DYNC became Cebu’s first FM station when it launched on February 1, 1975, under the brand MRS 101.9 (Most Requested Song). It featured an adult contemporary format, gaining popularity for its unique programming that played the most requested song every hour—a novelty at the time. The station initially operated from Vacation Hotel Cebu on Juana Osmeña Extension before relocating to the Krizia Building along Gorordo Avenue.

1998–2008: 101.9 Charlie: Cebu’s Iconic Station from Top 40 to Smooth AC

On September 1, 1998, following the acquisition of NBC by MediaQuest Holdings, Inc, the broadcasting arm of the PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund, from a consortium led by the Yabut family and then House Speaker Manny Villar, the station was rebranded as Charlie @ Rhythms 101.9 with a Top 40 format.

On August 1, 2005, the "Rhythms" tag was dropped, and it became simply 101.9 Charlie, adopting the slogan "Get Your Groove On" and shifting to a Smooth Adult Contemporary (AC) format.

However, by 2008, due to financial difficulties and a decline in advertiser support, 101.9 Charlie ceased operations in Cebu, marking the end of 33 years of broadcasting in the region.

2009–2011: WAV FM: Cebu's Top 40 Comeback and Closure

On September 27, 2009, DYNC returned to the airwaves as DYFM. Shortly after, on October 1, Makati-based Audiowav Media (WAV Atmospheric) took over operations of the station, along with NBC’s other Visayas and Mindanao outlets, and relaunched it as 101.9 WAV FM. Featuring a Top 40 format and the slogan “Philippines’ Hit Music Station,” the station moved its studios from the Krizia Building on Gorordo Avenue to its transmitter site on Antuwanga Road, Quiot Pardo. Programming was led by Caloy Hinolan. Despite the relaunch, the station went off the air again in mid-2011.

2011–2024: Radyo5 101.9 News FM Cebu: Pioneering News Talk on FM

On December 1, 2011, TV5 Network’s predecessor, ABC Development Corporation, took over the station’s management and relaunched it as Radyo5 101.9 News FM, becoming the first and only FM station in the Philippines dedicated to news and talk. The station moved to the TV5 Complex in Kalunasan, upgraded its transmitter power to 10,000 watts at Busay Hills, and began stereo broadcasting.

In early 2012, aside from relaying DWFM 92.3 Manila, Radyo5 Cebu also aired an audio simulcast of AksyonTV (UHF Channel 29) for Metro Cebu viewers.

On November 12, 2012, the station launched its local programming, starting with the morning show Frankahai Ta!, hosted by Atty. Frank Malilong Jr. After his resignation in May 2014 due to health issues, the program was replaced by Rated JP, hosted by Jaypee Lao-Kwatsera. However, in September 2016, following the cancellation of '' Aksyon Bisaya'' and as part of cost-cutting measures, Radyo5 Cebu ended local programming and reverted to being a relay station of DWFM.

In 2017, REH Herbal Trading and Manufacturing, owned by Ka Rey Herrera and distributor of KINGS Herbal, acquired the station’s weekday morning blocktime, which was later moved to the afternoon slot and did not simulcast Cristy FerMinute which lasted until 2025.

Radyo5 Cebu temporarily went off the air on December 16, 2021, due to Typhoon "Rai" (Odette), returning four days later.

In April 2024, the station adopted the True FM sub-brand—aligning with sister stations in Manila and Davao - and launched the slogan “Dito Tayo sa Totoo!”.

2024-present: True FM

On November 4, 2024, the station integrated its operations under the newly established True Network, transitioning into a semi-satellite of DWLA 105.9 Manila, the network’s new flagship station. Despite this shift, DYFM and DXRL in Cagayan de Oro remained unaffected by PCMC's acquisition, as FM Radio Cebu had already launched on Vimcontu-owned 93.1 FM earlier in January 2024.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dyfm
Radyo5 News FM stations
Radio stations in Metro Cebu
News and talk radio stations in the Philippines
Radio stations established in 1975