A City's Voice Through the Decades: CJAD 800 Turns 80
Imagine a time when editing audio meant physically cutting tape with a razor blade and splicing it with Scotch tape. That’s the world CJAD 800’s Trudie Mason stepped into when she joined the Montreal radio station four decades ago. Fast forward to today, and CJAD 800 is celebrating its 80th anniversary, a testament to its enduring role as the voice of Montreal’s English-speaking community. But here’s where it gets controversial: in an era of radio station shutdowns across Canada, how has CJAD managed to survive? And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about luck—it’s about good advocacy, according to long-time host Andrew Carter. He credits the station’s survival to leaders who understood its value and fought to keep it alive, even when budgets were tight.
CJAD 800, one of Quebec’s first English-language commercial talk radio stations, has been a constant through Montreal’s most historic moments. From the Oka Crisis and the Polytechnique massacre to the 1998 ice storm and the Lac-Mégantic rail disaster, the station has been there, providing critical coverage and a platform for the community. Mason recalls broadcasting during the ice storm, bundled up in a jacket as the station ran on a backup generator. News director Chris Bury highlights the Lac-Mégantic coverage as a standout moment, where the station’s live reporting from the relief coordination center earned them a national award.
But what’s the secret sauce behind CJAD’s longevity? Mason points to a lesson from her mentor, Gord Sinclair: “Be true to your beliefs. Don’t try to say what you think someone else wants to hear.” This ethos has guided the station’s commitment to honest, local journalism for 80 years. Yet, in an age of digital media, is this approach still relevant? Some argue that traditional radio is outdated, while others believe its community-focused model is more important than ever. What do you think? Is CJAD’s survival a triumph of advocacy, or is there more to the story?
To celebrate its 80th anniversary, CJAD is adding another face to its ‘Wall of Fame,’ joining legends like George Balcan, Gord Sinclair, and Ted Blackman. The station is also hosting a party and streaming special programming throughout the day. As CJAD looks to the future, one thing is clear: its voice remains as vital as ever. But as media landscapes evolve, will CJAD continue to adapt—or will it become a relic of a bygone era? Let’s discuss in the comments!
