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5 Shocking Facts About CHOI Radio X 98.1: Quebec’s ‘Trash Radio’ That Defied The CRTC

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CHOI Radio X 98.1, a French-language talk station broadcasting from Quebec City, Canada, remains one of the most polarizing and successful media entities in the province. As of this current date, December 22, 2025, the station continues its long-standing tradition of sharp, often controversial commentary on current events, a style that has earned it the infamous moniker of "radio poubelle" (trash radio) while simultaneously securing a dominant position in the local market. Its enduring success is a testament to its unique, confrontational brand of talk radio that has repeatedly challenged the Canadian regulatory establishment.

Owned by RNC Média Inc., CHOI 98.1 FM serves as a pivotal cornerstone of the company's reduced network, following a strategic decision to exit the competitive Montreal market, further cementing the station's importance to the media group. Its programming is a blend of hard-hitting political analysis, sports commentary, and high-energy debates, all delivered with an unmistakable Quebecois flair that keeps its loyal audience engaged and its critics constantly on alert.

The Definitive CHOI Radio X 98.1 Station Profile and Corporate Status (2025)

CHOI-FM, universally known as Radio X, is not just a radio station; it is a cultural and political institution in the Capitale-Nationale region. Its identity is inextricably linked to its unfiltered, populist, and often anti-establishment voice, providing a platform for opinions that frequently clash with the mainstream media narrative.

Station Overview:

  • Frequency: 98.1 MHz FM
  • Call Sign: CHOI-FM
  • Branding: CHOI 98.1 Radio X
  • Market: Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
  • Language: French
  • Format: Talk, News/Talk (Populist/Shock Jock Style)
  • Owner: RNC Média Inc.
  • Key Status (2025): Following RNC Média’s decision to exit the Montreal market, CHOI 98.1 FM has become one of only two core stations remaining in the network, underscoring its financial and strategic importance.

The Core 2025 Weekday Programming Lineup:

The station’s schedule is built around high-profile hosts who drive the controversial and opinionated content that Radio X is famous for. The 2025 lineup features several long-running and highly-rated programs:

  • Morning Block (*Good Morning Québec* / *Le Show du Matin*): Sets the daily agenda with a mix of news, current affairs, and provocative commentary.
  • Midday Powerhouse (*Maurais Live*): Hosted by the highly influential and often controversial Dominic Maurais, this show is a cornerstone of the station’s talk format, focusing on political and social hot topics.
  • Noon Segment (*Couture dans le midi*): A dedicated slot for focused commentary and listener interaction.
  • Afternoon Drive (*Ouellet en direct* / *Le Retour de Radio X*): The drive-time slot is crucial for capturing the commuter audience with fast-paced discussion and recap of the day's biggest stories.
  • Evening/Specialty Shows: Programs like *Carbo Show*, *Martineau-Trudeau*, and *Radio X-Files* fill the evening and weekend slots, covering sports, rock music, and deep-dive investigations.

The Enduring ‘Radio Poubelle’ Controversy and its CRTC Battles

The history of CHOI Radio X is defined by its epic battles with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). This regulatory body has repeatedly clashed with the station over its content, which critics denounce as inflammatory, derogatory, and harmful—the very definition of "radio poubelle" (trash radio).

The term "radio poubelle" itself has become an LSI keyword for the station, referring to a style of shock jock radio that thrives on pushing boundaries and generating hostility towards political elites, immigrants, and progressive social movements. This content model, while controversial, has proven incredibly successful in attracting a massive, engaged audience in Quebec City, often dominating the Numeris ratings.

The Supreme Court Showdown: License Revocation and Rebirth

The most significant event in CHOI’s history was the CRTC’s 2004 decision not to renew the station’s broadcasting license. This was a direct response to numerous complaints regarding offensive on-air remarks, including comments cited by the CRTC about foreign university students made by former host André Arthur.

The CRTC ruling effectively forced the station off the air, a drastic measure that sent shockwaves through the Canadian media landscape. Radio X and its supporters fought the decision vehemently, arguing that it was a violation of freedom of speech and an attack on popular culture. The legal battle escalated all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada, which ultimately sided with the CRTC, denying CHOI’s appeal.

Despite the ruling, the station did not disappear. It was sold and quickly returned to the airwaves under a new license and ownership structure, though maintaining its core "Radio X" identity. This dramatic saga cemented the station’s reputation as a rebel and an underdog, further fueling its anti-establishment narrative and solidifying its place in Quebec media lore.

Why CHOI 98.1 Remains a Dominant and Divisive Force in 2025

In the highly competitive Quebec market, particularly against major players like Bell Media and Cogeco, CHOI Radio X maintains its dominance by leaning into its polarizing identity. Its success is rooted in several key factors that continue to resonate with its target demographic:

1. The Power of Populist Talk

The station’s hosts, notably Dominic Maurais, are masters of populist rhetoric. They provide a voice for listeners who feel ignored or marginalized by the traditional media and political class in Quebec. The "opinions tranchées" (sharp opinions) are not just a style; they are a political stance that creates a strong sense of community and loyalty among its audience. This intentional divisiveness is a calculated business model.

In a world increasingly concerned with political correctness and media sensitivity, Radio X offers an unvarnished, often raw, counterpoint. This positioning ensures that every major news event—from local Quebec City politics (like the actions of Mayor Bruno Marchand, who has previously boycotted the station) to national affairs—is viewed through the station’s unique, provocative lens.

2. Adapting to the Digital Age

Unlike many traditional radio stations, CHOI 98.1 has effectively leveraged digital platforms. Its shows are widely available on platforms like Zeno.FM and TuneIn, and its content is heavily promoted on social media and YouTube. This strategy ensures that its controversial content and hosts, like Jimmy Tremblay and Michel Braun, can reach a younger, digitally native audience, extending the station’s influence far beyond the 98.1 FM frequency.

Furthermore, the station's weekend lineup, featuring specialty programs like *Légends du Rock* and the high-energy *Le Show du Matin Week-end* with hosts like Phil Magnan, Claude Roy, and Lewis Lévesque, provides a necessary balance, blending their controversial talk format with popular music and entertainment to broaden their appeal.

3. The RNC Média Strategy

RNC Média's decision to consolidate its focus on its most profitable and influential assets, including CHOI-FM, speaks volumes about the station's importance. While the company reduces its overall network footprint, its investment in Radio X ensures that the station remains a dominant player in the Quebec media ecosystem. This corporate stability allows the station to continue its bold programming without immediate fear of major structural changes, reinforcing its image as a reliable, if rebellious, local institution.

In conclusion, CHOI Radio X 98.1 is a study in media resilience. From its near-death experience at the hands of the CRTC to its continued success in 2025, the station proves that a polarizing, highly opinionated, and locally focused talk format can not only survive but thrive. It remains the essential, if often infuriating, pulse of Quebec City’s public discourse.

5 Shocking Facts About CHOI Radio X 98.1: Quebec’s ‘Trash Radio’ That Defied the CRTC
choi radio x 98.1
choi radio x 98.1

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