Radio Communautaire Francophone de Montréal Inc.

Radio Communautaire Francophone de Montréal Inc. is a Canadian nonprofit organization that operates the French-language community radio station CIBL-FM in Montreal, Quebec. The organization is registered under the business number 133915744RR0001.

History and Background

The organization was initially associated with the establishment of a community radio station serving the east end of Montreal, specifically the districts of Hochelaga, Maisonneuve, Rosemont, and Centre-Sud. It began under the name Radio Maisonneuve and received licensing in 1979 to operate a French-language community radio station. The original plan was to broadcast on 99.9 MHz with 10 watts, but the frequency was changed to 104.5 MHz due to interference concerns with nearby stations.

CIBL-FM officially signed on the air in 1980, originally broadcasting at 104.5 MHz with a power of 16 watts. The transmitter was located at the top of one of the pyramids in Montreal’s Olympic Village, targeting primarily the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve district[1][2][3].

Evolution of CIBL-FM

Over the years, CIBL-FM evolved from a small community broadcaster to a significant voice in Montreal’s francophone community. By 1991, its transmitter and antenna were relocated to the Montreal Olympic Stadium, and the station shifted to broadcasting at 101.5 MHz, allowing it to cover the entire city of Montreal with a directional antenna[3][4].

The station has operated continuously under the community radio license held by Radio Communautaire Francophone de Montréal Inc. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) renewed its license multiple times, with noted periods addressing compliance issues and technical parameters[2].

Programming and Community Role

CIBL-FM is recognized as a vital francophone community media outlet, providing a platform for local voices and diverse programming that reflects the cultural and social realities of Montreal’s francophone population. It has been involved in cultural promotion, community engagement, and socio-political discourse relevant to Montreal and Quebec.

The station moved its studios in 2012 to the Édifice 2-22 at the corner of Sainte-Catherine Est and Saint-Laurent streets, marking a modern chapter in its operations[3].

Milestones and Recognition

• Celebrated 30 years of broadcasting with the publication of a book chronicling its history through interviews, testimonies, and archives[3].
• Marked its 35th anniversary in 2015 with a major fundraising campaign to sustain its community mission during challenging economic times[3].

Summary

Radio Communautaire Francophone de Montréal Inc., through CIBL-FM, plays a critical role in Montreal’s community radio landscape, offering francophone content and supporting local cultural identity. Established in 1980, it continues to serve as a pillar of community engagement and cultural expression in the city.

This article is based on publicly available historical and organizational information about CIBL-FM and Radio Communautaire Francophone de Montréal Inc.