Arsenal Media officially finalized its acquisition of the BPM Sports network on Monday from RNC Media.
The $1.45M transaction encompasses CKLX 91.9 Montreal, CHXX 100.9 Quebec City, and CFTX 96.5 Gatineau. Originally launched by RNC Media in 2022, BPM Sports operates as Quebec’s only French-language radio network exclusively dedicated to sports.
With the addition of the three stations, Arsenal Media expands its footprint to 29 radio stations across the province, cementing its position as the largest independent private broadcaster in Quebec.
“The completion of this transaction represents a significant moment in Arsenal Media’s history,” said Sylvain Chamberland, President of Arsenal Media. “We are particularly pleased to welcome the BPM Sports teams to our organization. BPM has a strong identity and occupies a unique place in the Quebec media landscape. We have enormous ambitions for this brand and are eager to begin this new chapter with our new team.”
Chamberland, a self-described sports enthusiast and listener of the network, noted when the deal was first announced in November that the acquisition fits well with the company’s long-term vision.
“BPM Sports fits perfectly into our growth and diversification strategy,” Chamberland previously stated. “Furthermore, sports represent an attractive market for all audiences and advertisers, in addition to offering natural content that bridges radio and digital platforms.”
For RNC Media, the sale marks a major shift in focus and an exit from the Montreal radio market. The broadcaster’s radio holdings will now concentrate on its regional operations, retaining Radio X (CHOI-FM) Quebec City and 97.1 Rythme FM (CHLX-FM) Gatineau, alongside its regional television assets.
“We are pleased to conclude this transaction with Arsenal Media, a Quebec company with deep knowledge of the radio industry,” said Robert Ranger, President of RNC Media. “We are confident that Arsenal will be able to offer these properties and their teams an environment conducive to their growth and allow them to embark on this new stage with ambition.”
