Rythme FM
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| Type | Adult contemporary radio network |
|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Availability | FM: Quebec (Montreal, Laurentides, Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivières, Gatineau, Saguenay, Abitibi-Témiscamingue) |
| Slogan | Le Rythme du Québec |
| Owner | Cogeco |
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Launch date
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1999 |
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Official website
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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.
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.
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. The sale was approved by the CRTC on December 17, 2010; one of the conditions, however, stipulated that Rythme FM outlet CJEC-FM in Quebec City must be sold to another party by December 2011. 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.
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. 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.
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