Arsenal Media is set to acquire the BPM Sports network of radio stations in Quebec from RNC Media.
Quebec’s first French-language sports network, BPM Sports launched in 2022. The stations include CKLX 91.9 Montreal, CHXX 100.9 Quebec City, and CFTX 96.5 Gatineau. Subject to regulatory approval, the transaction would bring the number of radio stations owned and operated by Arsenal to 28.
Pierre R. Brosseau, Executive Chair of the board of directors of RNC Media and the company’s principal shareholder, said in an announcement that the divestiture was a difficult decision.
“We have made very significant investments in this project over the past few years,” said Brosseau, adding that Arsenal has the resources and expertise to ensure the stations’ longterm viability. “In an increasingly competitive environment, we are proud of what we have accomplished,”
“I myself am a BPM Sports listener and have always been a sports enthusiast,” said Sylvain Chamberland, President and CEO of Arsenal Media Group. “We are aware of the challenge of developing new radio markets. That’s why we work every day to build a business model adapted to new advertising realities, listening habits, and technological advancements, focusing on innovation. BPM Sports fits perfectly into our growth and diversification strategy. Furthermore, sports represent an attractive market for all audiences and advertisers, in addition to offering natural content that bridges radio and digital platforms.”
If approved, the transaction would see RNC Media depart the Montreal market, leaving it with just two stations – Radio X (CHOI-FM) Quebec City, which airs French-language talk, and 97.1 Rythme FM (CHLX-FM) Gatineau, broadcasting a French-language Adult Contemporary format.
RNC Media President Robert Ranger said in the same announcement that the company’s focus moving forward would be on “continuing to develop our regional radio and television stations in the Quebec City, Outaouais, and Abitibi-Témiscamingue markets.”
