Wayne Bews, General Manager, TSN Radio 690, today thanked Montreal radio listeners and sports fans for their overwhelming support for the station’s future. More than 15,000 people have signed a petition at SaveTSN690.ca in favour of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission allowing Bell Media to keep the station intact as an English-language, all-sports radio format in Montreal. In addition, Bews thanked the Montreal community for submitting more than 1,000 individual letters of support to the CRTC.
“The TSN Radio 690 Montreal team is overwhelmed by the support of our loyal listeners. There is no greater validation than having your fans rally together to keep you on the airwaves,” said Bews. “Hopefully the CRTC agrees with our request, and with the passionate Montreal sports fans who want to save TSN Radio 690. Meanwhile, we’re staying focused on what we do best – covering the Montreal sports scene like no other station in the city.”
“We asked our fans for help and boy did they deliver! We are humbled by the strong unwavering support of an unbelievably loyal audience,” said Mitch Melnick, host of Melnick in the Afternoon on TSN Radio 690 Montreal. “15,000+ hugs from all of us here at TSN Radio 690.”
The campaign to save the station began last month when Astral filed an application with the CRTC requesting a united Astral-Bell Media 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.
On May 6, 2024, a public hearing will begin, where the exemption will be considered by the CRTC.
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