Rythme FM

Rythme FM is a network of French-language adult contemporary FM radio stations broadcasting in most major markets of Quebec. The network was created and owned by Cogeco.

History

Previous Rythme FM logo, used from 2006 (ca.) to August 2009. The tri-oval shape, a part of Rythme FM's logo since its 1999 introduction, is still used today.

The brand "Rythme FM" was introduced in January 1999 at CFGL-FM in the Montreal market, and the network was created after Cogeco received new licences in other markets in 2002 and 2003. CFGL-FM is the most-listened to French-language station in North America.^[1]

The Rythme FM network is in direct competition against Rouge FM; both networks offer a very similar product, with Rouge FM having a marginally hot AC-leaning sound compared to Rythme FM, which leans somewhat more towards oldies/classic hits.

On April 30, 2010, Cogeco announced it would purchase Corus Quebec's radio stations.^[2] The sale was approved by the CRTC on December 17, 2010; one of the conditions, however, stiplulated that Rythme FM outlet CJEC-FM in Quebec City must be sold to another party by December 2011.^[3] On November 9, 2011, it was announced that Cogeco would sell CJEC-FM, as well as CFEL-FM, to Leclerc Communication Inc., a company owned by Quebec City businessman Jacques Leclerc, owner of Laura Secord Chocolates and Biscuits Leclerc.^[4]

Following Leclerc's takeover of CJEC-FM, that station continued to carry Rythme FM's branding and networked programming until May 21, 2012, when it dropped its branding and programming in favour of its own programming, relaunched on June 20, 2012 as WKND 91.9.^[5] As Cogeco opted to leave its other stations in Quebec City, CFOM-FM and CJMF-FM, as they are for the short term, it leaves the Quebec City area without a Rythme FM affiliate.

On August 16, 2011, CIME-FM in Saint-Jérôme became part of Rythme FM network and added programming from Rythme FM and also adopted imaging and slogan of Rythme FM, but kept its CIME branding.

On August 25, 2014, following an agreement with RNC Media, CHLX-FM Gatineau became an affiliate of Rythme FM, adopting its branding, becoming the first non-Cogeco station to affiliate with that network (other than CJEC-FM).^[6] This will follow on March 9, 2015 with the rebranding of RNC-owned CHOA-FM in Rouyn-Noranda, expanding the Rythme FM network to the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region;^[7] ironically, CHOA-FM was once an affiliate of Rythme FM's competitor, RockDétente (now Rouge FM), before rebranding to Couleur FM in the mid-2000s.

On November 26, 2014, it was announced that Attraction Radio stations CKRS-FM 98.3 and CKGS-FM 105.5 in Saguenay will join the Rythme FM network beginning February 9, 2015; this followed the CRTC's approval to increase the amount of music hours for CKRS.^[7][8] This would bring the Rythme FM affiliate and branding to every major market in Quebec, except Quebec City.

Rythme FM stations

Cogeco-owned

• Laval / Montreal - CFGL-FM 105.7 MHz
• Sherbrooke - CFGE-FM 93.7 MHz
• Trois-Rivières - CJEB-FM 100.1 MHz
• Saint-Jérôme - CIME-FM (as "CIME") 103.9 MHz

Affiliated stations owned by other broadcasters

• Gatineau / Ottawa - CHLX-FM 97.1 MHz (owned by RNC Media)^[6]
• Saguenay (Chicoutimi) - CKRS-FM 98.3 MHz (owned by Attraction Radio)
• Saguenay (La Baie) - CKGS-FM 105.5 MHz (owned by Attraction Radio)
• Rouyn-Noranda - CHOA-FM 96.5 MHz (owned by RNC Media); repeaters in Val-d'Or (103.5 MHz) and La Sarre (103.9 MHz)

Former station

• Quebec City - CJEC-FM (now owned by Leclerc Communication; rebranded as "WKND 91.9")

References