Interval tone
The RCI interval signal consists of the first four notes of O Canada played on the piano, followed by the words “Radio Canada International” in English and then in French. Until the late 1980s, two signals were used. One was played on the piano, the other was ” O Canada” played on the harp. The other was used when the transmitter beam needed to be swapped quickly. This signal was stopped when computer control was added to the transmission equipment.
Diffusion
RCI began broadcasting on shortwave from its own territory, but also from the UK, thanks to an agreement to exchange hours and frequencies. The BBC uses Canadian transmitters to broadcast to America.
Through technical developments, RCI began using satellites to reach Europe in the 1990s . RCI is also a partner of the World Radio Network and is available on Sirius Satellite Radio . You can also listen to RCI online.
RCI produces most of its programming itself, especially for programs other than French and English.
Budget cuts by the Canadian government have led to program cuts.
In 2012, the budget was cut by 80%, resulting in the discontinuation of shortwave and satellite broadcasting, as well as the discontinuation of Russian and Portuguese language services. Radio-Canada International now broadcasts only on the network.
Studios
RCI’s main studio has been located in Montreal, Quebec, since the network began operations.
Transmission network
Satellite distribution
RCI listeners in North Africa, Europe and the Middle East can listen to RCI-1, -2 and -3 on Hot Bird 6 from Eutelsat as follows:
Hot Bird 6 – 13 degrees E.
Frequency: 12.597 GHz
Vertical polarization
SR: 27500 Msim/s FEC: 3/4
Network ID: RCI1 – RCI2 – RCI3