Major Shift in Quebec's Radio Landscape
In a significant development for Quebec's media sector, the French all-sports radio network BPM Sports is being sold to Arsenal Media. The announcement was made publicly on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, marking a potential new chapter for the popular sports broadcaster.
The network, currently owned by RNC Média, operates stations on 91.9 FM in Montreal, 100.9 FM in Quebec City, and 96.5 FM in Gatineau. This acquisition will introduce Arsenal Media, already Quebec's largest radio broadcaster, into the major urban markets of Montreal and Quebec City for the first time.
Financial Details and Future Plans
While the specific purchase price was not officially disclosed, Arsenal's president and owner, Sylvain Chamberland, provided a colourful analogy during an interview on the network. He indicated the sale price was more than the annual value of Canadiens forward Jake Evans's contract ($2.85 million) but less than the cost of acquiring a quality second-line centre in the NHL.
Chamberland moved quickly to reassure loyal listeners, confirming that BPM Sports will retain its all-sports format. This confirmation addresses rumours and concerns about the network's future that had been circulating since it became known that RNC Média was seeking a buyer. The period of uncertainty had already led to the departure of prominent personalities like midday host Tony Marinaro and the loss of broadcasting rights for Laval Rocket games.
Strategic Acquisition for Arsenal Media
For RNC Média, the decision to sell was described as difficult. Company president Pierre R. Brosseau stated in a release, "We have made very significant investments in this project over the past few years. In an increasingly competitive environment, we are proud of what we have accomplished." The company expressed confidence that Arsenal possesses the necessary resources and expertise to ensure the long-term sustainability of the stations.
This acquisition is a strategic expansion for Arsenal Media, which already operates 25 stations under brands like O, Viva, and Hit Country, with another station planned for Joliette. The purchase of BPM Sports not only grants Arsenal its first foothold in Quebec's three largest urban centres but also represents its first foray into talk radio, a departure from its existing music-focused portfolio.
Sylvain Chamberland, a self-professed BPM Sports listener and sports enthusiast, highlighted the strategic fit in the official announcement. "We are aware of the challenge of developing new radio markets," he said, emphasizing their focus on building a business model adapted to new advertising realities and listening habits. "BPM Sports is fully aligned with our growth and diversification strategy. Furthermore, sports represent an attractive market for all audiences and advertisers."
The transaction is not yet final and is pending approval from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). Chamberland expressed optimism that the regulatory process would be swifter than the company's previous acquisition of seven stations from Bell Media, which took over a year to finalize, closing only in April of this year.
