Legendary broadcaster announces big change to Metro Vancouver radio station
One of B.C.’s most legendary voices in broadcasting has announced the end of Metro Vancouver radio station, Spice Radio.
Shushma Datt, known for her trailblazing work in Canadian radio and broadcasting, as well as the in the multicultural media space, said that she would be stepping away from Spice Radio (1200 AM) after 19 years on air.
“Our beloved RJ1200 or Spice Radio comes to an end after wonderful 19 years of spreading Love, Harmony, Awareness and Joy through Radio on 07/25/2025,” reads the caption on a recent Instagram post from Spice Radio.
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In an accompanying video message, Datt was joined by her son Sudhir Datta (the station’s managing director) to thank listeners, staff, and the public.
“We have enjoyed all the people that we’ve met along the way. Not just the guests who have come on the air to share their stories, but to all of the colleagues and all of the employees who worked here and who brought the station up and who made it their own and did what they did, and went on to do amazing things,” said Datta.
“We wanted to take this opportunity and thank you all — the listeners and everybody who has worked with us, and the contributors who would come every week on the program and share their views with us. Thank you. We are indebted to you,” said Datt.
After graduating from the University of New Delhi, Datt moved to London, England, and worked as a broadcaster with the BBC.
Shushma Datt is known as a broadcasting trailblazer in B.C. (rj_shushma/Instagram)
According to a write-up about Datt by the BC Association of Broadcasters (BCAB), she moved to Vancouver in the 1970s and made her mark hosting South Asian programming on CJVB.
She then founded Rim Jhim, which made history as the world’s first 24-hour South Asian radio station outside of India.
Datt went to make more waves in the industry when she became the first Canadian woman to obtain a broadcasting license from the CRTC in 2005 for RJ1200, which became Spice Radio.
She is also known for being the first South Asian broadcaster in Canada.
Throughout her career, Datt has been acknowledged for her commitment and contributions to Canadian media. In 1992, she received the Order of British Columbia and was the recipient of The Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Commemorative Medals.
What’s next for the radio station?
While Spice Radio’s time has come to an end, it appears that the 1200 AM frequency has been sold and taken over by Swift AM 1200.
The radio station’s website said it will deliver a “mix of news, talk shows, music, current affairs, and community programming in a variety of South Asian languages — including Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, and more.”
“The station plays a vital role in supporting new immigrants, youth, and multigenerational families by providing culturally relevant information, public service content, and a platform for civic engagement,” it added.
Devinder Singh Benipal, a prominent figure in the Punjabi media industry, is listed as the station’s CEO, with a number of hosts, including elected Delta School Board Trustee Nimmi Daula and former NDP MLA Jinny Sims.
Daily Hive has reached out to Swift Radio for further comment, but did not hear back before the time of publication