100 Years of Radio Broadcasting in Montreal - Centennial of broadcasting in Canada

In May 2020, Montreal will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first successful broadcasting transmission in Canada. It will also celebrate the inauguration of radio station XWA as the first professional broadcasting station in Canada. These accomplishments are a result of the inventive genius and discoveries of a group of international researchers, including Canadian Reginald Aubrey Fessenden, as well as of the expertise of many Montreal technicians and workers. These achievements also mark the onset of a social transformation that was to change the face of the world. The true power of sound waves magic had just been set free.

The exhibition is now closed. The exhibition dates were February 2020 to February 2023.

Pre-1919 – The Pioneer Era

The pioneers

The history of radio is marked by the discoveries of many famous researchers, including Frenchman Édouard Branly (1844-1940), Englishman John A. Fleming (1849-1945), Austrian Nikola Tesla (1856-1943), Russian Alexander S. Popov (1859-1906), American Lee DeForest (1873-1961), Italian Guglielmo Marconi (1874-1937), as well as Canadian Reginald A. Fessenden (1866-1932), the first to transmit both speech and music over radio waves. Together, they made it possible to switch from spark-gap transmitters to vacuum tubes and continuous waves, thus creating the basis of wireless telephony, what we now call radio.

Guglielmo Marconi in Canada

A central figure in the global development of radio, Guglielmo Marconi has had a significant impact on Canadian and Montreal history specifically. In 1901, the Italian inventor makes possible the first transatlantic transmission of a Morse code signal between Poldhu, England and Signal Hill on the island of Newfoundland. Just two years later, after obtaining a Canadian business charter for the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company of Canada (MWTC), Marconi establishes his company on Notre-Dame Street in Montreal. It is here that developments lead to the establishment of the experimental — and later commercial — radio station XWA.

The need for wireless telegraphy

In the years that follow, interest in wireless telegraphy grows in industries like maritime navigation, as well as in the areas of science and education. It is during this period that the Titanic is lost at sea, an incident that clearly demonstrates the usefulness of this invention. Thanks to wireless telegraphy, hundreds of lives are saved when the ship sinks on the morning of April 15, 1912, sparking the public’s interest in this new technology.

Contributions of Reginald Aubrey Fessenden

While Marconi develops the ability to send telegraph signals over radio waves across long distances, new research leads to voice transmission over the same waves. In December 1900, Canadian Reginald A. Fessenden successfully transmits his voice between Maryland and Virginia, a distance of 80 km. Six years later, Fessenden also becomes the first to transmit simultaneously voice and music, which is heard by several ships at sea. Amplitude modulation transmission, commonly known as “AM,” has just been invented. However, its use will not become widespread until after the First World War.

1919-1928 – The Beginnings of Broadcasting

Station XWA makes history

Created during the First World War, station XWA (experimental wireless apparatus) of the MWTC, is the first station to receive an experimental licence around 1914-1915. In 1919, XWA is also the first in Canada authorized to experiment with civil transmission and to go on air, making it one of the first broadcasting stations in the world. The following year, on May 20, 1920, XWA successfully completes a pre-announced transmission between Montreal and Ottawa, a first in Canada that marks the era. After being granted a commercial licence, XWA becomes radio station CFCF (Canada’s First, Canada’s Finest) in 1922.

Herbert Berliner’s interest in radio

The craze for radio

In 1922, the Government of Canada authorizes commercial broadcasting. The Marconi radio station CFCF is soon joined by the Dupuis Frères’ CJBC station in June 1922 and, soon after, by other stations, like La Presse newspaper’s CKAC, Northern Electric’s CHYC and the University of Montreal’s CFUC. Despite the initial scarcity of receivers and their limited performance, the craze for radio broadcasting accelerates rapidly. In fact, in just 10 years, the number of receivers in Canada increases from 1,000 to 750,000. Through diversification of programs offered, technological improvements and openness to the world, radio is about to begin its golden age.

Developing programs

In 1924, CFCF and CKAC broadcast only a few hours a day, mainly in the evening. When radio stations begin broadcasting more frequently, there grows a need to develop programming of greater interest and diversity. From that moment, music become increasingly important and stations begin to equip their studios with pianos, orchestras and, at CKAC, even a Casavant organ. News broadcasting, casual conversation and sports broadcasts, like boxing and hockey, also become very popular. In 1923, CKAC even attempts broadcasting radio drama. Programs focusing on politics and advertising soon follow. The radio becomes a promotional and social action tool.

1929-1938 – The Golden Age of Radio in Canada

Phenomenal growth in times of crisis

The Great Depression has a devastating effect on most economic sectors. Unexpectedly, however, the radio industry experiences growth. Despite the economic hardships of the era, as sales prices drop and basic needs of comfort, ability to access real-time information and entertainment augment, radios come to be perceived as essential assets even by those with limited resources. Recognizing this change, the radio industry works to improve all facets of its product. However, once the crisis is over, radio prices start to increase and some models once again become symbols of prestige.

Taking advantage of more efficient technologies

Following the many technological developments of the 1920s, radio sets from the 1930s become easier to operate and more efficient than ever. For example, Torontonian Edward S. Rogers patents an invention that allows the use of alternating currents in supplying electricity, thereby eliminating bulky batteries. Other improvements, such as more powerful electric microphones, reception and signal amplification tubes, as well as the superheterodyne receiver, lead to extraordinary breakthroughs. With access to short-wave, listeners now have an abundance of choice of stations or contacts.

Increasingly diversified and refined programming

In terms of programs offered, the public benefits greatly from numerous improvements, both in terms of diversity and quality of programs. News services become better organized and reports are delivered by more experienced staff. Radio plays and dramas are more prevalent and developed to better suit the medium of radio and the interests of the public. The same is true for sports, advertising, as well as political and public service programs. Religious and educational programs also appear in response to local interest.

A cross-Canada network of stations

During the 1920s, a network of radio stations is created by the Canadian National Railway Company (CN). In 1924, there are no fewer than nine stations spread across the country. Train passengers and those who live near these stations benefit from their service. In 1932, following the recommendations of the Aird Commission responsible for studying the impact of American radio on Canada, the government buys the CN radio stations in order to create the first state radio network in Canada. This network is transformed again in 1936, resulting in the creation of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).

Broadcasting the Berlin Olympic Games

During the 1930s, the world of broadcasting was marked by an event which demonstrated, without any doubt, the full potential of radio, namely the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games. On this occasion, with the advantage of exceptional sound quality, some 300 million people experienced the first real-time sharing of an international sporting event. The Berlin Games also became the first televised Olympic experience. The Games would never be the same.

1939-1948 – World War II and the years after

Radio becomes a propaganda tool

Foreshadowed by the Berlin Olympics, the start of the Second World War is marked by a worldwide propaganda war. The radio, in addition to being a communication tool for the military, becomes a weapon used by astute commentators to undermine the morale of enemy forces. Across Canada, Europe and Asia, there are reports of misinformation, intimidation and propaganda. In Japan, to control the incessant American transmissions, the withdrawal of certain channels from radios is ordered across the country. In occupied France, residents are forced to hand over their receivers to the occupation authorities.

Participation in the war effort

Because of the war, all production of domestic radios in Montreal is interrupted for the duration of the war as radio companies devote their energies to the war effort. Together, Marconi, RCA Victor, Northern Electric and Westinghouse share the production of military radios, tubes and other electronic equipment. For radio stations, a similar phenomenon occurs and the content of radio plays and radio dramas shifts to wartime themes.

English speaking Montrealers listen to The Happy Gang and The Guy Lombardo Orchestra, while for Francophone Quebecers Soldat Lebrun becomes the musical star of the day for some time.

War correspondents

When the Second World War begins in 1939, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) has been broadcasting for just three years and does not yet have a proper information service. The corporation depends on outside services, like the Canadian Press news agency, to produce its reports.

This changes dramatically over the next few years as the CBC expands its news services and sends many of its own war correspondents like Matthew Halton (1904–1956) and Peter Stursberg (1913-2014) to Europe. Among them, several journalists mark the history of radio in Quebec, including Marcel Ouimet (1915-1985), and René Lecavalier (1918-1999). Rene Lévesque (1922-1987) was war correspondent in Europe for The Voice of America and later for the CBC during the Korean war.

Beginning of a return to normal

At war’s end, production of home radios is finally able to resume. Material and equipment set aside four years earlier are essential for production because after several years of rationing, access to raw materials is still limited. Early post-war models are often made of wood or bakelite cases, reminiscent of pre-war models. Radios do not yet benefit from the enormous technical progress made during wartime. This will soon change with the emergence of new materials and a new sense of style.

1949-1958 – Reaching Maturity

The radio becomes a consumer product

Among the economic and social phenomena observed after the end of the Second World War, the emergence of a consumer society is one of the most striking. A result of developing new marketing and advertising strategies, the production of consumer goods of all kinds increases considerably. Radios, found in cars, offices, living rooms, kitchens and even in bedrooms, as alarm clocks, are among the most sought-after goods.

The impact of 45 rpm

The influence of radio after the war results in a significant increase in the number of local and international music stars. In 1948, Columbia introduces the LP record (Long-Play) that could contain 23 minutes per side. Not to be outdone, the RCA Victor company introduces the 7” 45 rpm disc to the market, a single song format that would replace the 78 rpm disc. By making discs affordable for everyone, these small-format recordings allow young people — just like adults — to become major music consumers. This socio-economic change also has a significant impact on the production and sale of radios which become much more affordable following the invention of the transistor.

Programming grows and standardizes

Building on the many experiences gained during the first 30 years of its existence, the world of broadcasting undergoes remarkable growth during the 1950s. All aspects of broadcasting programming are professionalized and improve in quality, diversity and interest for the public. Radio plays, newscasts, coverage of sporting events and call-in shows are now all being operated and produced by employees who have specifically trained for these jobs. Some of the most successful programs are Le Chapelet en famille (The Family Rosary Hour), brought to life by Cardinal Paul-Émile Léger, “The Happy Gang” (1937-1959), “The Royal Canadian Air Farce” (1973) and “As it Happens”(1968). These last two are still broadcasting today.

The arrival of television

The 1950s are also marked by the arrival of television in Quebec and Canada. Television, another form of broadcasting across radio waves, has existed since the 1930s and has been the subject of early experimentation in Montreal, at CKAC among other venues. However, a variety of factors, including the Second World War, have delayed its full launch. This changes in the early 1950s, as the enthusiasm for the new medium proves overwhelming, the number of households with a television increasing from 3% in 1951 to 85% in 1957. Building on the experiences of radio broadcasting, television quickly establishes itself due to its rich programming.

Radio is rescued by miniaturization

Now in competition with television, the radio industry experiences a slight deceleration in the 1950s. However, this decline is short-lived as a new invention is about to relaunch the radio world to new heights. This invention, the transistor, is developed in the United States in 1947 and leads to the creation of the first transistor radio, the Regency Model TR-1 from Texas Instrument in 1954. Because of transistors, radio receivers can now be both light and truly portable.

Chime used at the CFCF station. Shown at the Musée des ondes Emile Berliner.

1959-1968 – FM Radio Takes Charge

The invention of integrated circuits

As research into miniaturization continues, a new stage of development results in the introduction of integrated circuits, multiple components in a single device. The advent of circuits opens the door to the development of a whole new generation of electronic devices, including radios and televisions, but also personal computers and mobile telephones that will be introduced in the following decades.

FM takes its place on the air

While FM radio was invented in 1933 by the American Edwin Armstrong, it does not gain popularity on radio until the 1960s. Research into the transmission of music in stereo, made possible with FM, contributes to its growing popularity as a form of communication.

In Montreal, the CBC launches CBM-FM and CBF-FM in 1947, as well as a few private stations, such as CKVL-FM (now CKOI) and CFCF-FM.

A few years later, the AM band was saturated, no longer allowing the addition of new stations. Then several new FM stations were installed. Jean-Pierre Coallier launches an FM station, CFGL-FM of Laval, “the radio that speaks and sings.” Music lovers are delighted with the new station and the subsequent growth of FM radio stations it launches.

In the ‘60s CKGM and CHOM come on the air and become iconic for Montreal rock music fans. Radio personalities like Dave Boxer, Buddy G, Doug Pringle and Ralph Lockwood are household names.

The radio becomes a standard piece of equipment

While available in luxury cars since the 1930s, the car radio starts to become standard only in the early 1960s. Over the decades, it is combined with other forms of music broadcasting equipment, but it retains its central place on car dashboards. In the early 1960s, RCA Victor combines a radio with a 45 rpm record player. By the middle of the decade, car radios with 8-track tape players become popular in turn, followed by those with both AM and FM bands. Later, radios are also combined with cassette tape players (1970s) and CD players (1980s).

The arrival of radio networks

The 1960s are marked by another significant transformation in the field of radio: in 1967, the creation of the Quebec-wide network of Radiomutuel stations and, a few years later, the Telemedia network. Radiomutuel becomes part of the CJMS network in Montreal and Télémédia, part of the CKAC network. By standardizing certain programs across their stations, including newscasts, the two companies experience great success. However, going forward there is a sense that local stations wind up losing some of their original flavour as regional artists progressively migrated toward the larger urban centers.

The conquest of space

A final highlight of the 1960s is the beginning of the conquest of space, which will lead to unimaginable technological transformations. In 1961, United States President John F. Kennedy announces his country’s commitment to go to the moon. Meanwhile, in Montreal, work is already in progress building Alouette 1, the satellite to be launched in 1962. Alouette 2 follows in 1965, ISIS 1 in 1969 and ISIS 2 in 1970. These first few satellites pave the way for the creation of the Anik satellite series, designed to provide Canadians with telephone, radio and television services in the 1970s.

1969-1978 – The First Communication Satellites

The invention of microprocessors

In the same pursuit of scientific research that brought about transistors and integrated circuits, the first microprocessors are introduced in 1971.

Microprocessors are integrated circuits so powerful they incorporate thousands of components into a single chip, that would formerly be made up of printed circuit boards and other interconnected parts. Microprocessors are used as the Central Processing Units (CPUs) or the brains of today’s computers.

The miniaturization achieved using these devices has resulted in lower costs and lower energy consumption. As well, these developments have allowed an increase in both the speed of execution and reliability of all sorts of devices. For many, the invention of microprocessors marks the beginning of a new industrial revolution.

Impact of the Anik satellites

When the Anik A-1 satellite is launched in November 1972, it becomes the first geostationary domestic communication satellite in the world. It is followed by Anik A-2 five months later and, in 1975, by Anik A-3. Covering an area that extends from Victoria, Vancouver and Whitehorse to the west, St. John’s, Newfoundland to the east, Winnipeg and Toronto to the south and beyond the Northwest Territories to the north, the satellites allow for the retransmission of waves received from individual sources throughout Canada. The satellites make it possible to communicate with even the most remote areas of the country. This technology’s outreach capacity explains in large part Canada’s vested interest in the aerospace industry.

Maximized capacity for action

The emergence of means to listen to the whole planet in real time has an influence on radio station programming, here and elsewhere. It impacts on news and media coverage, as we now include international content on a daily basis. Likewise, increased overseas accessibility results in a diversification of cultural, musical, sporting and other programming. Collaborations between broadcasters and interviewers from around the world are now also more frequent. Radio and television are becoming tools allowing us to open up to the world.

1979-1988 – A Decade of Profound Change

The era of satellite communication

Slow to make its way into our homes, satellite transmission technologies remain expensive and cumbersome during the 1970s. The satellite television industry has grown but remains unpopular. However, this changes at the beginning of the 1980s when prices fall and satellite dishes become smaller and more efficient. While television signals were previously routed via land-based microwave networks, technological advances now allow them to be transmitted via orbiting satellites. In Canada, it is CBC-Radio Canada that gets the ball rolling in 1979.

Introducing personal computers

The 1980s will be remembered as the era that, due to miniaturization, saw computer-use evolve from being almost exclusive to large companies and institutions to making its way into the hands of ordinary citizens. While this is not a phenomenon directly associated with broadcasting, it marks a change that will completely transform the way we access information, news and entertainment. During the decade, traditional radio broadcasting networks are, initially, barely affected by the arrival of computers, but some stations soon begin to acquire them.

The Internet revolution

Beginning in 1983, a new mode of communication appears: the Internet. A global computer network, consisting of a network of networks, the Internet makes a variety of diverse services, like email, available to the public. The Internet is slow to make an impact with only an estimated 10,000 computers connected to it in 1987. However, it leads to completely new ways of interacting between companies and individuals on a global scale. The computer becomes a direct competitor to the broadcasting sector, as it proves to be an exceptional tool for researching information and for literary, audio and visual entertainment.

1989-1998 – The World Wide Web Era

Personal computers find their place

During the last decade of the 20th century, the personal computer became an essential consumer product. As early as 1989, around 100,000 devices were connected to the Internet, 10 times more than just three years earlier. This number increased to 36 million in 1996. Today, just over 20 years later, the number of Internet users worldwide is estimated to be over 4.15 billion. Like radio in the 1930s, television in the 1950s and radio again (transistors this time) in the 1960s and 70s, the personal computer has become another technological agent of transformation in society.

The World Wide Web

Among the many developments that made personal computers so popular, the arrival of the World Wide Web (the Web or “www”) in 1990 is paramount. The public hypertext system that links web pages together makes it possible to view web pages available on sites from around the world with a web browser. In other words, it gives all Internet users around the world access to all the data made available on the Internet by other users. This level of access to local, national and international information is matched only by the difficulty of determining the veracity of the information.

Radio in the 21st Century

The radio adapts to computers

In 2000, an estimated 368,540,000 computers were connected to the Internet. The personal computer has become the ultimate communication tool. Internet radio stations now offer targeted content for specific audiences. This format is also very popular with FM stations, which take advantage of the ability to broadcast via the Internet. As with conventional radio stations, online radio stations broadcast various programs, with content that is sometimes very general or often music-driven.

Computers in the palm of our hand

While access to online information and interpersonal communication is already well served by the personal computer, the smartphone emerges in the 21st century. This multifunctional device that operates as a telephone, camera and video camera, functions similarly to a small portable computer. Connected to the Internet, the smartphone can exchange a wide range of information between Internet users: text messages, phone calls, photographs and videos, all on a global scale and for a reasonable cost. In 2014, smartphone sales exceeded one billion units.

Conclusion

Considering the importance of computers and smartphones in society today, one might think it possible that the public’s interest in traditional radio stations might begin to wane. However, this does not seem to be the case. The radio remains an essential and desired tool for discovering new music and keeping up with the news.

The fact is that radio stations are adapting. They have found a place, for example, on our televisions’ selection of channels. Moreover, morning shows, daytime programming hosted by diverse personalities and evening call-in shows continue to be very popular, especially among motorists and commuters. In fact, the addition of systems connected to the Internet in our cars has resulted in an increase in the availability of Internet radio stations since 2014.

One hundred years ago, when the first broadcasting experiments were attempted in Montreal, few could have guessed the impact they would have on our society. Bearing in mind this last century’s monumental changes, one wonders what future generations will have to say 100 years from now.

Complete your visit

The timeline in the main menu accompanies the content if this exhibit. You can use it to explore the objects displayed at the museum, as well as the historic, cultural and technologic context around them.

Listening station

Listen to samples of popular broadcasts from the golden age of radio in Montreal!

[00:00] Canadian Confederation Diamond Jubilee (1927)

[01:14] Le Club sportif (1939)

[02:44] Be Hive interview with Michel Normandin and Maurice Richard (1950)

[04:06] 400th goal of M. Richard (1954)

[04:54] Boston-Montreal Stanley Cup final (1953)

[06:16] The Canadiens win the Stanley Cup (1993)

[07:23] The Velvet Touch on CFRB (1950)

[07:52] Un homme et son péché (1948)

[10:00] Marcel Ouimet in Londres (1943)

[11:38] Rationing, Roger Baul (1942)

[13:00] Liberation of Paris (1944)

[14:22] CJAD purchase (1960)

[15:09] La Rumba des radioromans (1940)

[15:52] Final broadcast of CKVL (196?)

[16:32] Willie Eckstein playing the piano

Listening station at the temporary exhibit.

Credits and acknowledgements

The exhibit "100 Years of Radio Broadcasting in Montreal" was conceived and produced by the Musée des ondes Emile Berliner.

Concept: Anja Borck
Texts: Michel L. Forest
Translation: Emily Smith; Revision: Louise Cousineau and Robert Ronald
Technical advisor: Alain Dufour, SQCRA
Image research: Michel L. Forest, Alain Dufour et Anja Borck
Design: Karine Chartrand et Martin Desrochers
Production: Adam van Sertima, Karine Chartrand and Martin Desrochers
Digital production: Groupe Toumoro Inc. / Benoit Dubuc and Stéphane Franic
Digital Production Management for the MOEB: Mariana Mejía Ahrens
Support team: Volunteers and interns at the MOEB : Robert Adamczyk, Daniel Barrière, Jean Bélisle, Charlotte Bisanz, Anthony Caporali, Antoine Cloutier-Bélisle, Marc Donato, Daniel Labelle, Jean Marcotte, Maurice McDuff, Robert McDuff, Serge Morin, Laval Rhainds, Mariam Salaymeh, Emily Smith, Pierre M. Valiquette

The exhibition received financial support from the “Patrimoines montréalais : une mise en valeur dans les quartiers” Program, a program funded within the “Entente sur le développement culturel de Montréal” concluded between the city of Montréal and the Québec Government and with financial support provided through donations received by the Museum.

The digital production received financial support from the Government of Canada through the program “Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage” of Canadian Heritage.