Type | Radio network |
---|---|
Country | Canada |
Availability | FM: Selected areas of Quebec and Ontario |
Founded | by Astral Media |
Owner |
Bell Media Radio (Bell Media) |
Launch date
|
May 1, 2003 |
Official website
|
(see each station's articles) |
Boom FM is a branding of classic hits radio stations broadcasting in Canada. The trademark is owned by Bell Media.
Boom FM was first launched on May 1, 2003 as a network of French-language oldies stations, and originally included CFEI-FM and CHRD-FM. CFVM-FM and CFZZ-FM joined the network in 2005 after these stations were acquired by Astral Media from Corus Entertainment. All four stations previously had an adult contemporary format. Since Astral Media already has two FM stations in each of Quebec's larger markets, it is impossible for them under current Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulations to launch Boom FM stations in these markets without dumping either the Énergie or the Rouge FM format, both of which are very successful according to Bureau of Broadcast Measurement (BBM) ratings.
On December 26, 2009, Boom FM added its first English-language affiliate, CHBM-FM in Toronto, Ontario, which flipped from its longtime adult contemporary EZ Rock format (as CJEZ-FM) to adult hits under the boom 97-3 name. It is the only Boom FM station not using the classic hits format, though its logo uses the same lettering and 45 RPM plastic insert device as its Quebec counterparts. On June 30, 2011, Boom FM added its second English-language affiliate, CJOT-FM in Ottawa which flipped from the very same adult contemporary of the former CJEZ-FM Toronto as EZ Rock to the classic hits format as boom 99.7. The name "Boom FM" is a reference to baby boomers, who are the main target of the network.