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Decision
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Ottawa, 14 February 1985
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Decision CRTC 85-101
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Opeongo Broadcasting Company Limited
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Arnprior, Ontario - 840888200
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Following a Public Hearing in Hull, Quebec on 15 January 1985, the Commission approves the application for a broadcasting licence for an English-language AM radio station at Arnprior on the frequency 1,490 kHz, with a power of 250 watts. This station will rebroadcast the programs of CKOB Renfrew except for three hours between 09:00 and 12:00 each weekday when local programming will originate at its studio in Arnprior.
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The Commission will issue a licence expiring 30 September 1986, subject to the conditions of licence specified in this decision and in the licence to be issued. This term will enable the Commission to consider the renewal of this licence at the same time as that of CKOB Renfrew.
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Based on the arguments presented by the licensee, the Commission notes that due to the poor ground conductivity in the area, reception of the signal of the existing station (CKOB) at Arnprior is weak and subject to electrical interference during the day, and non-existent at night. The new station would provide a consistently good signal to Arnprior both day and night.
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The Commission further notes that although there is some overlap of the daytime 0.5 mV/m contours of CKOB and the proposed station, the extent of the overlap is minimal and the signal levels involved are marginal at best. Consequently, the Commission is satisfied that there will be no effective duplication of service in the two communities.
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In reaching its decision, the Commission also took into consideration the fact that CKOB Renfrew, which operates on the assigned frequency of 1400 kHz, is a Class C station and is already operating at its authorized maximum power of 1,000 watts. As such, the licensee could not overcome the reception difficulties of CKOB in Arnprior through a power increase. Furthermore, neither of the two Class C frequencies involved could be utilized at a higher power level sufficient to provide adequate service to both Renfrew and Arnprior.
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In light of the foregoing, and also noting the fact that the Department of Communications has found this proposal to be technically acceptable, the Commission is satisfied that a new station at Arnprior is justified and would provide improved coverage to residents of the town of Arnprior and surrounding area.
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With respect to the proposed local news and current events coverage, the licensee has indicated that it will cover all municipal council meetings and other local events in Arnprior as well as local events in the Pakenham and West Carleton areas.
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It is a condition of licence that construction of the station be completed and that it be in operation within twelve months of the date of this decision or such further period as the Commission may, upon receipt of a request for extension before the expiry of the said twelve months, deem appropriate under the circumstances.
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Fernand Bélisle Secretary General
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