Prior to World War II, the idea of an international radio service had been
discussed. Studies at the time concluded that Canada needed a broadcasting
service that would give the world the Canadian perspective.
On September 18, 1942, the CBC International
Service was created. The adoption of a government decree led to the creation of
a shortwave broadcasting service for members of the Canadian Forces deployed
overseas during World War II. The objective was to provide news and offer
entertainment programming from home.
On December 25, 1944, Christmas specials in
French and English, were broadcast to Canadian troops in Europe.
Two months later, on February 25,
1945, the International Service of Radio Canada was inaugurated in Montreal. The
programs are broadcast in both official languages of Canada, French and
English, and in a first foreign language, German.