Dupont, J. Arthur

The founder of CJAD Montreal began his broadcasting career as an announcer and sportscaster at CKAC Montreal in 1929. When the Canadian Radio Broadcasting Commission (CRBC) was set-up by the government in 1932, Arthur Dupont was one of three professionals engaged to administer programming. Dupont was responsible for programs originating in Quebec and for the relations with U S networks on the importation and export of "International exchange features" (network programs containing no advertising). When the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) replaced the CRBC in 1936, he was named Commercial Manager in Montreal.

When the CBC started to lay plans for a second radio network (The Dominion Network) it had difficulty in negotiating a second English network affiliate in Montreal. Dupont applied for and received a licence for a new English language station, CJAD, ostensibly to become the Dominion affiliate. However, this was not realized. The programming of the station initially was modelled on the "Make Believe Ballroom" concept used by CKEY Toronto, but it was also able to strike an arrangement with the Columbia Broadcasting System to carry some of its programming. In 1961, after abandoning plans to apply for a TV licence due to failing health, Dupont sold CJAD to Standard Broadcasting and retired. During the formative period of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters, Dupont had represented CKAC on the committee. As the owner of CJAD, he served as a Director of the CAB. Arthur Dupont died in 1967, and was named posthumously to the CAB Broadcast Hall of Fame in 1987.