BX1

From a small house on Rue Lesbroussart in Ixelles, a dream was born. BX1, the voice of Brussels, began its journey in 1985. Initially called Télé Bruxelles, this wasn’t just another television station. It was the embodiment of a vision. A vision held by passionate individuals like Henri Ingberg and Georges Désir. They yearned to give French-speaking Brussels a modern, powerful media platform. BX1 was meant to represent the burgeoning Brussels-Capital Region. The early days were challenging. Resources were limited, and the broadcast schedule was weekly, airing through RTBF. It was the era of “community television.” The focus was on reflecting the local community, not competing with mainstream channels. BX1’s commitment to local connection remains strong to this day. BX1’s trajectory shifted in 1988. It moved to Avenue Louise, launched a daily live news program, and expanded its programming. The station quickly became a reference point for local news and culture. The programs explored Brussels’ identity and folklore, with a distinct emphasis on cultural events. BX1 was on the frontlines of Brussels news, becoming the hub for regional political debate. Another move in 1995 took BX1 to a revitalized industrial site in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean. This era saw the rise of entertainment programs, including the popular game show “Les Infiltrés.” BX1 also embraced its role as a broadcaster in the capital of Europe. The station added a Sunday news program, more sports coverage, and a unique talk show filmed on a tram. The team expanded to around sixty people, solidifying BX1’s presence. BX1 always sought expansion beyond television, with a keen interest in radio. In 2004, a partnership with the Brussels radio station BXL, created by RTL Group, led to a televised morning show. In 2007, another collaboration with RTBF’s VivaCité saw joint journalistic efforts and the broadcasting of a Brussels segment on television. Then, from May 2017 to January 2023, La Première succeeded it on BX1. Télé Bruxelles officially became BX1 on January 29, 2016. This rebranding marked a commitment to modernization. It symbolized the shift from being solely a television station to becoming a multimedia platform. Content is delivered across multiple channels: bx1.be, vivreici.be, mobile apps, social networks, and YouTube. In September 2019, BX1 launched its own radio station online, expanding to digital airwaves (DAB+) in September 2022. Its diverse programming blends local life, culture, sports, and general information. Uniquely, it features music exclusively by artists from Wallonia and Brussels. Since January 16, 2023, BX1 radio has featured the morning news program, Bonjour Bruxelles, and Le 12 heures 30. Both are also broadcast on television. Today, BX1 is a multimedia powerhouse, connecting with its audience 24/7 across various platforms. While staying true to its public service mission, BX1 continues to evolve and diversify. It remains a vital part of the regional landscape, alongside the people who make Brussels thrive.