CJAD 800 Radio Celebrates 80 Years of Montreal’s Broadcast Legacy

CJAD 800 Radio, an iconic voice in Montreal’s media landscape, is celebrating its 80th anniversary. Since its inception in 1945, the station has played a significant role in the lives of countless Quebec residents, becoming a staple for news and entertainment. The anniversary marks not just a celebration of the station’s longevity, but also a reflection on its impact through pivotal moments in Quebec’s history.

A Legacy of Connection

Morning host Andrew Carter has witnessed this evolution firsthand, noting that CJAD has become a crucial part of family life in Montreal. “For a guy like me, it was my dream job,” Carter said, despite the early morning wake-up calls at 4 a.m.. He recalls how many listeners grew up with the station, often listening because their parents did. “I’ve always said CJAD will get you at some point in your life,” he added.

Former general manager Rob Braide also shared his deep connection to the station, recalling his early days and the inspiration he found there. “It inspired me. It didn’t intimidate me,” he said, reflecting on his experiences working alongside notable figures such as Gord Sinclair, George Ball, and Ted Blackman. These personalities have become part of CJAD’s storied history, while the station continues to embrace new talent.

The station’s legacy includes its famous traffic helicopter, which has been celebrated in a National Film Board documentary. Trudie Mason, a newscaster at CJAD, shared a personal anecdote about her father, who was so engrossed in a CJAD segment that he failed to notice a stop sign. “The cop let him off,” she said, illustrating the engaging power of the station’s programming.

Enduring Influence Through Change

CJAD’s influence has remained strong throughout critical events such as the Quiet Revolution and the implementation of Bill 101. The station has consistently served as a voice for the English-speaking community in Quebec. “CJAD has always advocated for the anglophone community, and we continue to as much as possible,” Carter stated. Braide added, “It’s one of the only places you can go to hear the other side of the story.”

This unique connection is especially palpable during the station’s call-in shows, where listeners engage directly with hosts. “It’s a very special connection that we have with our listeners,” Carter explained. “They care about what you’re saying, whether they agree with it or not.”

For Dr. Joe Schwarcz, who has been on the air since 1980, the years have passed quickly. His segments aim to combat what he refers to as scientific quackery. “The nice thing about the radio is that you reach a lot more people, so you get the message out there,” he said, emphasizing the broad reach of the medium.

While the newsroom may be smaller today, and the atmosphere has shifted from cigarette smoke and typewriters to a more modern setup, CJAD remains committed to storytelling. “Someone said to me, ‘Oh, AM radio. That’s dead. You’re not going to have a career there,’” Mason recalled. “And 40 years later, we’re still here and we’re still telling stories for our community.”

The station’s resilience is a testament to its ability to adapt in a landscape increasingly dominated by podcasts, social media, and online news. As CJAD celebrates this landmark anniversary, it continues to evolve while remaining a cherished source of information and community connection for many in Montreal and beyond.