French-Language Radio Programs in Maine
Maine’s strong Franco-American heritage continues to thrive on the airwaves through a selection of French-language radio programs. These programs provide an authentic connection to the French-speaking world and celebrate the traditions that have shaped our state’s history. Whether you are a native speaker or just beginning to learn French, tuning in offers a wonderful way to stay connected and immerse yourself in the richness of the language.
The French Hour / Just Beyond the Moon
A thoroughly charming community radio show hosted by Louise Savoy ("Mémère Bella") and Earl Boyd. The show features a rich lineup of French and French-Canadian music, including Quebecois country and folk genres. Louise grew up speaking French in Massachusetts, and Earl is learning it from her. They are proud to note that they collaborate with the French teacher at Skowhegan High School to include students as presenters on the show. Their story is recounted in the Sun Sentinel article "All You Need is Love and French Music in Skowhegan" by journalist Amy Calder.
Where : 90.7 HooSkow Radio (WXNZ), Skowhegan
What : Music Show
When : Thursdays & Sundays, 2–3 p.m. on 90.7 FM. Note that the 2PM start time is approximate ; sometimes it begins as early as 1:45. To make it easy, just click on this link to be taken to the live stream of the show : http://www.splatterbox.us/wxnz
L’Heure Française avec Roger Hurtubise
Hosted by the gregarious Roger Hurtubise since 2016, « L’Heure Française » is 90 minutes of recorded folk music all in the French that he learned as a child. Hurtubise, whose parents were both French speakers, is a fixture in Biddeford, where he was (among many other things) the production manager for the La Kermesse Franco-American festival for 15 years. In 2019 he was inducted into the Maine Franco-American Hall of Fame. He is proud to note that his listenership hails from throughout the country. Journalist Lee Burnett wrote about Roger and his show for the Seacoast Oldies radio station website. You can read the article here.
Where : 104.3 Seacoast Oldies, Sanford
What : Music show
When : Sundays from 7:30 to 9 a.m on the FM dial