Julie Bélanger is set to return to Rythme as the host of a new afternoon show starting this fall. This comes four years after she left the station. Her arrival marks a significant comeback in the world of radio as she transitions from her role on TVA’s talk show Ça finit bien la semaine, where she was a mainstay for 13 years.
Background of Julie Bélanger’s Career
Bélanger had initially left Rythme in May 2022 after a 14-year tenure, feeling she had reached the end of that chapter. At the time of her departure, she had no immediate plans for her career. However, the opportunity to host a show at Rythme emerged unexpectedly.
Returning to Radio
Despite her prior decisions to step away from the radio scene, she found herself intrigued by the prospect of hosting a new afternoon program. She took time to consider the offer, ultimately feeling a renewed passion for radio.
Challenges Ahead
Rythme, despite being the most listened-to music station in Greater Montreal, has faced significant challenges recently. Over the past year, its audience has declined sharply, creating intense competition, especially with Bell Media’s Rouge station.
Expectations and Vision for the New Show
Julie Bélanger recognizes the pressure to boost listener ratings when her new show debuts at the end of August. However, she focuses on crafting an engaging program rather than fixating on audience numbers. She envisions a show that resonates with women across generations, addressing serious topics while also providing a fun and enjoyable atmosphere.
Target Audience and Programming
- Focus on women over 40 years old
- Combination of entertainment and serious discussions
- Integration of nostalgic music alongside current hits
Bélanger’s return aligns with Rythme’s strategy to reconnect with its core audience and revive its original identity. The addition of Julie Bélanger is a significant move to reclaim listener engagement.
Competitive Landscape
The competition will be fierce as Bélanger enters a market where her rivals include established hosts like Véronique Cloutier at Rouge and new faces at ICI Première and 98.5 FM. The upcoming season promises to be challenging yet exciting for Rythme and its new afternoon show host.
