Karen Steele

Karen Steele is the Program Director of 99.9 Virgin Radio Toronto and has programmed three Toronto radio stations over the past 15 years (MIX 99.9, KiSS 92.5 and 99.9 Virgin Radio).  Karen started her Toronto radio career at the MIX and was the first female PD appointed to MIX 99.9 in 2005.

Karen’s love of promotions kicked off her radio career at 97.7 HTZ-FM as “Cruiser Girl” in 1990.  Seven years later, she was promoted to PD and the first female PD in Standard Radio’s history

Karen has received PD of the Year at CMW, awarded the Grand Award at the NY Festivals for celebrating Diversity and Pride with the “Retrosexual Weekend” and the CAB Award for her work with the 12 Hours of Christmas and Have a Heart for Sick Kids Radiothon in support of the Hospital for Sick Children.  In 2022 – Karen received Broadcast Dialogue’s PD of the Year and honoured with the Rosalie Award for Trailblazers at CMW.

Karen has worked to help mentor talent with the Rogers Gen Now Program and with the Bell Talent Development program.  In 2024 – she celebrates 34 years of working with some of the most creative and talented people in the business.