Concordia’s Radio Station Launches New Initiatives To
Record-Breaking Listenership
CJLO 1690AM has seen its listenership double during the global pandemic due to the success of new programming initiatives to support artists directly. The station is championing a new way of doing radio through week-long specialty programming events, simulated live performances, and inviting local musicians to produce guest mixes for on-air content. CJLO continues to serve the community and equip DJ’s with the tools to continue doing their shows from home, including live content.
“It’s been encouraging to see our listenership rise during this uncertain time. I think it’s a testament to the hard work of our volunteer programmers and staff who are curating amazing new content that our audience is really responding to. As a campus-community radio station, we have a platform to inform and entertain, but we’re also doing everything we can to make sure that our local music scene is supported, and it seems our listeners feel the same way.” Stated Francella Fiallos, Station Manager
INNOVATING TO SUPPORT THE LOCAL MUSIC SCENE
In light of the challenging circumstances for the local music community, CJLO has launched the following new initiatives to extend support and provide a platform for Montreal musical talent:
Wednesdays at 9pm, the new program Show Radio highlights local performances that were cancelled due to pandemic restrictions, and allows the artists to curate their own sets that replicate the live experience. Hosted by the station’s Head Music Director, Zak Slax, Show Radio promotes the local scene and brings the simulated gig to the comfort and safety of your own home. For the next edition, CJLO is delighted to partner with Festival Nuits d’Afrique.
| Freebie Friday |
| Another initiative from the music department at CJLO is Freebie Friday, an extension of the ‘Bandvent Calendar’ which began with “Metal March” #MetalMarch festivities in which an album was available for free purchase and download every day for the month of March. Every Friday this summer, in collaboration with local artists, CJLO will be bringing the public a digital release for free on Bandcamp. |
| The Artist Takeover Hour |
| Every Friday at 1pm throughout the Summer, CJLO is opening its programming doors to local artists to create their own hour-long radio shows for live broadcast on the station with The Artist Takeover Hour. While the local live music scene is severely restricted, CJLO is using the airwaves to provide Montreal musical talent a creative outlet as well as a promotional platform during this difficult time. Launching The Artist Takeover Hour on Friday, 10 July will be one of Montreal’s most prolific and important troubadors, Paul Cargnello. |
SPECIALTY PROGRAMMING
Alongside the new artist-supporting initiatives, CJLO has been rolling out week-long special programming events – starting with Ambient April, which challenged DJs to play only instrumental tracks and bring the meditative properties of music to listeners. With its success and increase in listenership, the station decided to continue the celebrations with Hip Hop For Life. From June 7- 13, 2020 CJLO highlighted the local and Canadian Hip Hop music scene with fresh interviews, ‘live’ on-air concerts, special programming and curated playlists. The next instalment of the CJLO Specialty Programming series will be One World, a station-wide event celebrating music from around the world, from July 19 – July 25.
