Bell Media’s TSN Radio 690 in Montreal has launched its campaign today to retain its status as an English-language, all-sports radio station. After an impressive response from sports fans in Montreal who passionately voiced their support, parent company Bell Media has filed an application with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to keep TSN Radio 690 as it is.
Listeners can help save TSN Radio 690 by signing a petition and/or writing to the CRTC at a newly launched website, SaveTSN690.ca.
Bell Media had earlier proposed to convert the station to a French-language sports station to meet the CRTC’s radio ownership policy, which led to an outpouring of community support to preserve TSN Radio 690 in its present English-language format. As a result, the company is now requesting to operate four English-language stations (two AM and two FM) in Montreal – one more than what is generally permitted under CRTC rules. This exception will allow Bell Media to continue to own and operate TSN Radio 690 and maintain its current format as an English-language, all-sports radio station.
“We filed this application on behalf of the thousands of loyal sports fans in Montreal who passionately articulated how TSN Radio 690 and English all-sports radio coverage remains such a valued service to the community,” said Wayne Bews , General Manager, TSN Radio 690 Montreal. “All of us at the station were overwhelmed and humbled by the support of Montreal sports fans last summer. We are asking our listeners to rally once again and join the drive to save TSN Radio 690 and ensure the English all-sports format remains a vibrant part of the Montreal sports scene.”
As part of the request for an exception to the CRTC’s common ownership policy for radio, Bell Media has confirmed the following:
— Bell Media would continue to own and operate TSN Radio 690 – and maintain its current English all-sports format for at least the next seven years
–English-language radio coverage of Montreal Canadiens games will continue to be broadcast in the greater Montreal area on TSN Radio 690 for the duration of its current broadcast agreement with the team
–TSN Radio 690 will contribute $245,000 over the next seven years to sports journalism scholarships at Concordia University and to amateur sports in Montreal
–The exception will have no adverse effects on other radio stations in the market or on the entry of new competitors.
