CHMP-FM (98.5 MHz) is a Class C1 French radio station. CHMP is an abbreviation of CH Montréal Parlé (“Montreal Talks”). This station is situated in Longueuil, Quebec. Cogeco Diffusion Acquisitions Inc. owns and runs it which covers the area of Greater Montreal. It uses sufficient radiated power (ERP) of 100,000 watts for its broadcasting. The location of CHMP’s studios is Bonaventure in downtown Montreal. Its listeners love to call it “98,5 FM”. It appeals to the French people of Greater Montreal. It airs programs in talk/sports format in the French language.
Description and Slogan:
It broadcasts political, cultural, and economic issues of the day. It also airs sports commentaries and news updates. Its slogan is “Vous le Savez Maintenant!” (“Now You Know!”).
History of CHMP-FM 98.5 Canada:
First aired on April 9, 1977, it used CIEL-FM (1977-2000) as its previous callsigns. After 2000-2004, its callsigns were CKOO-FM. From January 5, 2004, to date, it is working under the callsigns of CHMP-FM.
CHMP-FM made its first appearance with talk format and the branding 98.5FM on January 5, 2004. In the French language, its branding name is Le FM parlé de Montréal. In 2004, the call letters, CHMP-FM, became official.
On July 29, 2006, the station changed the location of its studios and shifted them in Place Bonaventure in Downtown Montreal. It was December 2006, when the former legendary studios 211 Gordon Avenue ended ultimately.
CRTC:
CHMP-FM 98.5 Canada chose all-talk format to use in the CRTC regulated hours. It used to play music at night. This schedule remained the same from February 2005 until April 1, 2007. It wanted to change its format in January 2004 but could not do so because CRTC didn’t allow it. It tried to switch from all talk format to a mix of talk and classic hits.
On April 30, 2010, it was decided that all Corus Québec stations as well as CHMP-FM, would be handed over to Cogeco in $80 million, after the approval of CRTC (Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission). Finally, on February 1, 2011, CHMP 98.5 came under the ownership of Cogeco Diffusion Acquisitions Inc.
Notable Personalities:
Notable figure Paul Arcand, host mornings. He also increased the rating of the station through his morning show.
The popular midday drive time host is Benoît Dutrizac.
Paul Houde entertains listeners at the afternoon.
Gilles Proulx has also been a host of talk shows since 2004 till he retired from the post on August 7, 2008.
Ranking:
98.5FM has reached the top of the Montreal ratings. It has 1,133,000 listeners and 120,000 visitors on its website. A host Paul Arcand gave it a popularity and increased its rating. It has also made its name by being the last station to air live stream from the studio of 211 Gordon Avenue in Verdun.
Contact Information:
You can find the location of the station at 800 Rue de la Gauchetière Ouest, Bureau 1100, Montréal, Québec, Canada H5A 1M1. The reception hours are Monday to Friday from 7:30 to 18:30. You can also call at +514-790-9850 and visit the Official Website: https://www.985fm.ca/