Pooja Handa, Gurdeep Ahluwalia announced as new morning hosts of Toronto’s 98.1 CHFI

Set those alarms.

Beloved Toronto media personalities Pooja Handa and Gurdeep Ahluwalia have joined the Rogers family as hosts of 98.1 CHFI’s all-new morning show, “CHFI Mornings with Pooja & Gurdeep,” the station announced on Monday. It will air on weekdays starting January 4 from 5 to 9 a.m. on 98.1 CHFI, CHFI.com, the Radioplayer Canada app, and smart speakers.

The pair will also make weekly appearances on Citytv’s Breakfast Television alongside Dina Pugliese, Sid Seixeiro and Devo Brown.

Two hosts that you know and love, @poojahandatv & @GurdeepA were officially announced as the new hosts of 98.1 CHFI Mornings! Are you excited about their kickoff on January 4th? pic.twitter.com/dQXPOI4Nom

— 98.1 CHFI (@981CHFI) November 29, 2021

Covering some of Toronto’s most glamourous red carpets to the most prominent cultural events, along with the latest breaking news, Pooja is a highly respected broadcaster with nearly two decades of experience informing and entertaining television audiences across Toronto and the GTA.

She is passionate about mentoring young women in their career paths and has dedicated her time to many charities, most recently Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

“I’m thrilled to have this amazing opportunity to join the CHFI family. It is such an institution in Toronto and comes with an incredible legacy that I’m honoured I will soon become a part of. While radio is something new for me, it’s so very exciting to be able to take on this adventure with my good friend Gurdeep, whom I’ve shared many mornings on TV with over the years,” she said as part of a news release.

Just posted a photo https://t.co/Y3SVSyZRFr

— Pooja Handa (@poojahandatv) November 29, 2021

“I’m looking forward to getting behind the mic at CHFI to connect with new friends (and old ones too!) to help start their day with a smile. And, my parents can finally tell their friends that I’m employed again!”

Gurdeep is an accomplished local and national broadcaster with more than 15 years of experience bringing major Canadian news and sports headlines. Supporting several charitable causes, Gurdeep has dedicated his time to such organizations as SickKids Hospital, Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer, Wellspring, Camp Ooch, motionball, and World Animal Protection.

And, he’s dad to Coffee, his adorable cockapoo.

“I first got the radio bug in university, so it’s surreal to get behind the mic again all these years later with my television partner in crime, Pooja. My first radio show was solo, so I guess I’m going to have to learn to be quiet sometimes. I’m also a Toronto guy (yes, that means I’m a lifelong suffering [Maple] Leafs fan), and I’m pumped to join an iconic station like CHFI with deep roots in this city and a passion for the people and places that make our home unique,” he said.

“It’s an honour to follow in the footsteps of some of Canada’s most legendary radio broadcasters, so I’ll try my darndest not to mess this up. Let’s go!”

Troy Scott, Content Director for 98.1 CHFI, says the chemistry shared between Pooja and Gurdeep is infectious, adding Rogers Media is eager for the pair to continue keeping Toronto and GTA residents informed and entertained each morning.

“They have a special quality together, where you’re left feeling like you’ve been friends with them as long as they’ve been friends, and for our CHFI family, that’s incredibly important to us,” Scott said.

“The new show will continue to feature the same great variety of music, news, weather and traffic, with Pooja and Gurdeep offering a fresh take to start the day, engaging audiences with daily multiplatform content.”

Pooja and Gurdeep will be joined by 98.1 CHFI news anchor Christine Cardoso and Blair Bartrem, who will serve as Executive Producer for CHFI Mornings with Pooja & Gurdeep.

Rogers is the parent company of this website and radio station.